TOULOUSE
Today, Rue Ozenne is an elegant, tree-lined promenade much loved by the people of Toulouse. Opened in 1908, this thoroughfare was, however, the subject of much controversy at the time, as it cut through older mansions and narrow streets.
Situated right in the heart of the prestigious aristocratic neighbourhoods of Saint-Étienne and Le Salin, Rue Ozenne single-handedly epitomises the architectural style of a new bourgeoisie in search of ostentation. From Les Carmes to the Natural History Museum, whilst the resulting visual perspective remains a magnificent urban landmark, history also deserves that we step away from it to rediscover the soul of the neighbourhoods it passes through…
Let’s first stroll along Rue Ozenne: can you feel its straight, sweeping line cutting right through the historic neighbourhoods of the King’s Parliament?
In fact, behind the façade of the fine mansions on Rue Ozenne lie the porticoes of 17th- and 18th-century mansions, ancient prisons and tales of the judiciary: so let’s turn off the main street and lose ourselves in the maze of discreet alleyways…
Then, back on Rue Ozenne, the walk takes you to an oasis of greenery, the Royal Garden, a green lacework woven along the ancient ramparts between the 18th and 19th centuries.
Finally, the end of Rue Ozenne isn’t the end of the tour, as we’ll be swept away by the Baroque ornamentation of Saint-Exupère Church!
Few streets can claim to offer so many charms at once: heritage, tranquillity, nature, museums… watch out for falling in love with the place – it can sometimes lead to a spur-of-the-moment decision to do the tour all over again!
Guided tour organised by the tourist office as part of the European Heritage Days. Booking essential, places limited.
