TOULOUSE
Visit the cathedral and its charming neighbourhood. This route, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, is dotted with narrow streets, small squares and parliamentary hotels that are not to be missed.
The upmarket neighbourhood known as the ‘antiquarians’ quarter’ developed from the 17th century onwards. Further away from the merchants’ quarter (Rue Saint-Rome), it was home to a rustic lifestyle of vegetable gardens and more humble trades.
With the advent of Parliament in 1444, the houses that housed royal power became the seat of one of the most influential courts of justice in the kingdom. The magistrates decided to settle on the modest plots of land in this neighbourhood to enjoy the prestigious and spiritual aura of the episcopal city. In the 18th century, the city enjoyed an incredible judicial aura, dealing with criminal cases that played a part in the history of France.
This part of the city also attracted the nobility thanks to its new pleasure gardens and the prestige of the nearby Canal du Midi.
The classical-style mansions, with their courtyards and gardens, rival each other in beauty with their ironwork and two-tone white stone and brickwork. Sometimes, you can even enter a courtyard to admire the mascarons and regular lines of these exceptional residences.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
