The end of the Pastel era saw the birth of French Wars of Religion. Those lasted for more than three decades - until the publication of the Edict of Nantes (1598) .
In 1562, street riots between Huguenots and Catholics claimed 3,000 lives. In the Saint-Georges district, 200 houses were burned.
During the second part of the 16th century, the local Inquisition continued its combat against heresy, burning at least 18 Protestants alive. The University of Toulouse, a centre of humanistic ferment, also reached the incredible number of 10,000 students!
Two plague epidemics hit Toulouse hard in 1629 and 1652. Those events forced the city and local parliament to cooperate in order to help victims:
Most of the clergy and the wealthy left the city, but doctors were required to stay. Starvation led the remaining Capitouls to prevent the butchers and bakers from leaving.
La Grave Hospital accommodated those affected by the epidemic, quarantining them. The Pré des Sept Deniers also accepted many patients under hazardous conditions. Before closing its gates, the city attracted the poor with a medical infrastructure offering more hope than the countryside.
In 1654, when the second epidemic ended, the city was devastated. However, during plague-free periods two major projects were completed: the Pont-Neuf in 1632 and the Canal du Midi in 1682. Famine occurred in 1693.
(Soruce: Wikipedia)
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Photo 3: A view of rue des Arts and musée des Augustins (center).Some of the city's most expensive stores are located in this street.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
Photos 13-14: A street leading to Quai de la Daurade.One of the most beautiful areas of the city. The ideal place to get a good view of Old Toulouse!
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Buy a print here.
See you next week for part 8! View more photos of my visit to France here.
