History Of Toulouse

France’s fourth largest city, Toulouse sits at the foot of the majestic Pyrenees, which separate it from Spain. The city’s geographical location has greatly shaped its history, which spans over 2,000 years, as it has swung back and forth between prosperity and ruin.

Its strategic location as a natural link between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean brought Toulouse to the attention of the Romans, as early as 100 BC, who made it one of their colonies. As an important trade centre, Toulouse became a target over the centuries for invaders such as the Vandals, Visigoths and Franks. Although often in turmoil, the city continued to prosper.

The Inquisition

A major turning point came in the 12th century, when the heretic Cathars tried to establish themselves in Toulouse. The Catholic king quickly quelled their attempt and the first wave of the Inquisition soon followed, ushering in a new age of religious fervor and intolerance. After a brief calm, a long, dark period consumed the 14th century, as plague, the Hundred Years’ War, famine, floods and fire ravaged the city.

Parliament

Toulouse found its next respite in 1420, when Charles VII introduced the institution of parliament to the city. The wealthy pastel merchants took control and Toulouse went through a period of cultural growth as architecture and the arts flourished. As indigo replaced pastel as Europe’s dye of choice, the city fell on hard times again. The situation was compounded by a civil war between Calvinists and Catholics, followed by plague and famine.

Urban renewal

The biblical ebb and flow of the city’s fortunes finally settled into a positive direction during the 18th century, as Toulouse was slowly but surely modernised. A period of urban restructuring ensued from 1750 onwards, as the Jardin Royal, Canal de Brienne, Place du Capitole and the Grand-Rond, with its six magnificent avenues, were all built in succession. Boulevards replaced the city walls in 1856, mirroring the improvements made in Paris during this time and ushering in the age of transportation.

Modern industry

As Toulouse again prospered, a wave of immigrants from northern France, Italy and Spain flooded into the city, seeking refuge from the many fascist regimes that wreaked havoc on Europe during the early 1900s. The wars of this period gave birth to the industry of modern Toulouse, which continues to thrive today: the aviation industry, electronics manufacturing and the space exploration sector.

With the second largest university in France, ‘la Ville Rose’ as Toulouse is also known, is one of the most dynamic, interesting and important cities in the country.