Grand Rond, Toulouse

Grand Rond, also known as Boulingrin, is a historic and picturesque public garden situated in the south-east of Toulouse's city center. The garden was developed between 1752 and 1754 as part of an urban planning initiative spearheaded by Louis de Mondran. On December 17, 1751, the local city council, known as the Capitouls, approved Mondran's project, which was completed in 1754. Originally designed with an oval layout, the garden features six wide paths of 58 meters each, radiating from its central area.

Covering an expansive area of 4 hectares, Grand Rond was transformed into an English garden in the 19th century. It is characterized by a vast roundabout approximately 200 meters in diameter, from which five major alleys branch out alleys Jules-Guesde, Forain-François-Verdier, Paul-Sabatier, des Soupirs, and Frédéric-Mistral.

The name "Grand Rond" references its round shape and originates from the term "bowling green," indicating its past use by the people of Toulouse for playing boules. During the French Revolution, there was an attempt to rename the garden "Cercle des Sans-Culottides," but the name "Grand Rond" was solidified following a horse race held on July 29, 1830.

A notable feature of Grand Rond is its ornate wrought iron gates, dating back to 1785. Initially positioned over Dillon, these gates were later moved to the garden's entrance in the 19th century. They are now classified and preserved within the Palissy database, which catalogs French heritage artifacts.

Today, Grand Rond stands as a central and cherished green space in Toulouse, offering residents and visitors alike a lush, tranquil escape steeped in rich history.