TOULOUSE
The first town of Tolosa I (which no longer exists) was in fact situated about ten kilometres away, near Old Toulouse. Tolosa II was then founded in the 1st century by Emperor Augustus: it now lies some five metres beneath our feet. There are few genuine visible archaeological remains from this period. The city was built of brick, and the stone that was originally there has been reused over the centuries. Never mind – the guide knows it well and is keen to show it to you in his own way!
This tour is divided into two parts: the first hour allows you to see the sites of the most iconic ancient landmarks, helping you to understand the layout of Tolosa II in relation to the modern city (Place Esquirol/forum, Hôtel d’Assézat/theatre, Grand Rue Saint-Rome/Cardo Maximus, Place du Capitole/northern gate of the ramparts).
The second hour then offers the chance to immerse yourself in the daily life of the Tolosates (the Gallo-Roman population) and later the Romans, through a visit to the Saint-Raymond Archaeology Museum. The clay soil, urban development projects in Toulouse and various archaeological excavations in the region have made it possible to bring together, across three floors, a collection of breathtaking artefacts, including the largest collection of Roman busts outside the Louvre.
