TOULOUSE
The Saint-Rome district is the heart of Toulouse. The cradle of the city’s commercial quarter since ancient times, Rue Saint-Rome forms the north-south backbone of the Roman city. It has always been home to a host of craftsmen, stalls and money-changers (the forerunners of bankers).
It has always remained the ‘main’ street, that is to say, the most important and popular shopping street.
To begin with, the tour invites you to immerse yourself in its atmosphere. The houses lining the street have evolved over the centuries and through different architectural periods: half-timbered buildings from the Middle Ages, Renaissance mansions, and neoclassical façades…
The tour also takes you through the narrow streets that radiate out from the main street, Rue St Rome. These are all unique spots where you can delve into the history and soul of the neighbourhood.
Next, this walk takes you into the heart of the Musée du Vieux-Toulouse. The museum is housed in a Renaissance mansion embellished in the 17th and 18th centuries. Antoine Dumay, the owner, was known for his friendship with Queen Marguerite of Navarre. The atmosphere is tranquil: here, local history intertwines with the wider historical narrative. A safe, a crinoline chair, theatre posters and portraits of city councillors: after climbing an authentic spiral staircase, the rooms and artworks unfold in turn, evoking a sense of nostalgia and elegance.
This ‘one hour in the city, one hour at the museum’ tour format is very dynamic. It allows you to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of a neighbourhood as you stroll through its streets, whilst also immersing yourself in a museum with a charming, old-world feel. You might well find yourself wanting to stay a little longer than planned…
