After the final battle of the Napoleonic Wars, during which the British army entered the city, Toulouse did not follow the movement of the first Industrial Revolution. The new technology was only embraced around the mid-19th century.
The advent of railways helped Toulouse progress economically. Unfortunately, its narrow, medieval streets proved an impediment to the development of more shops and factories. Haussmannian street projects ( copying the Paris model) alleviated the problem and resulted in the construction of two major avenues - rue d'Alsace-Lorraine and rue de Metz.
Toulouse had the second largest Manufacture des Tabacs (tobacco factory) in France. Built in 1810, it used hydro-electric power from the Garonne river and employed 2,000 (mainly female) workers.
The 19th century also saw the addition of two bridges: Pont Saint-Michel (1844) and Pont Saint-Pierre (1852). The Théâtre du Capitole, Natural History Museum, and Musée Saint-Raymond also opened - in 1818, 1865 and 1892 respectively. Finally, Toulouse got its first tramway in 1862.
Population reached 147,617 over two decades later.
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
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
Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Photos 1-10: Views of Canal du Midi (Toulouse - Ramonville-Saint-Agne area).Original size: 6030 × 4028 pixels
Translation: "Former Montoulieu Gardens - Simon de Montfort met his end here in 1218 during the Siege of Toulouse, in the course of the Albigensian Crusade. 'The stone hit just where it was needed' (followed by the original Occitan)".
The plaque can be found outside Théâtre Sorano, which is located near Jardin des Plantes.
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 12-15: Inside Jardin des Plantes. See you next week for the last part of this visit! View more photos of my visit to France here.