Pierre de Fermat Street, Toulouse

Pierre de Fermat Street is a historical street located in the heart of the Saint-Étienne district in Toulouse. This public road, situated in Sector 1 - Center, stretches 143 meters in length and has an average width of 6 meters. It runs from north to south, beginning at Place Saintes-Scarbes and terminating at Place Saint-Étienne. Pierre de Fermat Street offers an inviting experience for those looking to wander and discover. It's an excellent shopping destination. The shops along this street feature an extensive selection of French goods, including everything from clothing to jewelry.

The road's current configuration dates back to the 18th century when it underwent significant widening. Today, it features a single lane of one-way traffic, directed from Place Saintes-Scarbes toward Place Saint-Étienne, with a speed limit set at 20 km/h due to its designation as a meeting zone. Notably, it lacks a designated cycle lane but supports two-way bicycle traffic.

Historically, the street was named l'Orme-de-Saintes-Scarbes Street in the late Middle Ages, referring to an elm tree planted at Saintes-Scarbes Square. By the mid-16th century, it was known as Nobles Street (Rue des Nobles), reflecting its prestigious status. Since 1806, the street has been named after Pierre de Fermat, a notable Toulouse-born mathematician and polymath, though it was mistakenly believed he lived there, specifically at what is now number 2.

Today, Rue Pierre-de-Fermat remains a vital and historic part of Toulouse, blending its rich past with its functional present.