Le quartier autour de St Etienne Toulouse

Around the Saint Etienne Quarter of Toulouse in south west France.

The area is dominated by the huge Cathédrale Saint Etienne – which has existed since the third century, built on the site of a chapel constructed by Saint Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse.

The existing cathedral was built in 1272. The area is made up of narrow streets that joing the square – Place Saint Etienne – and nearby are the remains of the ancient Roman wall which was part of the defences of Toulouse.

There are many green spaces around this area including Le Jardin des Plantes, Le Grand Rond and lots of places to walk in the shade of the trees.

The oldest fountain in Toulouse is in the square, dating from 1546. After the First World War, the imposing ‘Monument aux Morts’ (War Memorial) was built to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. One of the many lovely areas of Toulouse to wander around and discover the beauty and history of the city.