Place du Capitole

"This square is rich in fascinating history. It was once the site of Toulouse’s Roman wall, until the Middle Ages. In 1744 and 1775, it was the stage of huge celebrations (fireworks included!) for the recovery of Louis XV from a fever and later for the beginning of Louis XVI’s reign. By 1794, the Revolution and the Reign of Terror had already changed France. There was a guillotine on Place du Capitole, and many people were executed there, including Jean-Baptiste du Barry, the famous Madame du Barry's brother-in-law (and also lover). She had been guillotined just a few days before in Paris. In the middle of the 19th century, Place du Capitole became the heart of Toulouse. All year long, a variety of markets and events take place here. Cafés and hotels surround the square. It was in one of these cafés that, in 1914, Yugoslavian patriots plotted the assassination of General Oskar Potiorek. Those plans finally led to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo, starting World War I. Who could ever believe, while strolling through this lovely square, that such a world-changing event began with a gathering in a café just a few steps away? As you’re here, take some time to imagine yourself traveling back to one of these events and witnessing it in person. To do so, you may have some help from the frescoes painted on the galleries around the square. Raymond Moretti painted all 29 and they depict significant events in Toulouse's history. He also created the huge Occitanian cross that decorated the floor of the square "

"This is the main square of Toulouse, and chances are that whether or not you set out to visit, you will at some point end up here. The main building itself houses the city hall, municipal buildings, as well as the opera hall of Toulouse, one of the most renowned in Europe. You are able to enter the Capitol building for free on certain days of the week, and the elaborate furnishings and extensive art make this worth doing. The square itself is also full of life, bordered by restaurants and cafes. These are quite pricey due to the prime location, but some offer happy hours of 5 euro cocktails too. In the day the square is also filled by a market selling possible souvenirs ranging from dresses to wooden carvings."