Square du General Charles de Gaulle (Charles-de-Gaulle Square), Toulouse
Square General Charles de Gaulle, nestled behind the Capitol in Toulouse, serves as a tribute to Charles de Gaulle, the founder of the Fifth Republic and its president from 1959 to 1969. This square, approximately 5000 square meters in size, is shaped like an irregular trapezoid and lies in the vibrant Capitole district.
Historically, the square emerged during the development of Alsace-Lorraine Street between 1873 and 1875, following the demolition of the Maison Commune. Initially named the Capitol, the square was later renamed in 1944 to honor General Charles de Gaulle after the liberation of Toulouse. The renaming reflected the city's deep ties with the Resistance and was formalized by the new municipality led by Raymond Badiou.
In the heart of the square, visitors can admire a central fountain and a striking metal statue dedicated to Jean Jaurès and "Maternité," crafted by Jean-Louis Toutain. The square is framed by several streets: Ernest-Roschach Street to the west, Lafayette Street to the north, and Poids-de-l'Huile Street to the south, with Alsace-Lorraine Street and the Capitole metro station (Metro line A) to the east.
Significant modifications have been made to the square over the years. In 1993, with the construction of the metro station, the square’s basin and alleys were recreated to match their original design, complete with a waterfall and rockery made of artificial stones. More recently, in 2010, an alley in the square was named Space of Secularism (Espace de la Laïcité) to mark the National Day of Secularism, a decision unveiled by the then-mayor, Pierre Cohen.
Despite initial controversies over its redesign, which included the mineralization of the garden and the felling of several trees, today Square General Charles de Gaulle remains a cherished part of Toulouse’s city center, offering a space of historical significance and serene beauty for residents and visitors alike.
Historically, the square emerged during the development of Alsace-Lorraine Street between 1873 and 1875, following the demolition of the Maison Commune. Initially named the Capitol, the square was later renamed in 1944 to honor General Charles de Gaulle after the liberation of Toulouse. The renaming reflected the city's deep ties with the Resistance and was formalized by the new municipality led by Raymond Badiou.
In the heart of the square, visitors can admire a central fountain and a striking metal statue dedicated to Jean Jaurès and "Maternité," crafted by Jean-Louis Toutain. The square is framed by several streets: Ernest-Roschach Street to the west, Lafayette Street to the north, and Poids-de-l'Huile Street to the south, with Alsace-Lorraine Street and the Capitole metro station (Metro line A) to the east.
Significant modifications have been made to the square over the years. In 1993, with the construction of the metro station, the square’s basin and alleys were recreated to match their original design, complete with a waterfall and rockery made of artificial stones. More recently, in 2010, an alley in the square was named Space of Secularism (Espace de la Laïcité) to mark the National Day of Secularism, a decision unveiled by the then-mayor, Pierre Cohen.
Despite initial controversies over its redesign, which included the mineralization of the garden and the felling of several trees, today Square General Charles de Gaulle remains a cherished part of Toulouse’s city center, offering a space of historical significance and serene beauty for residents and visitors alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Toulouse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Square du General Charles de Gaulle (Charles-de-Gaulle Square) on Map
Sight Name: Square du General Charles de Gaulle (Charles-de-Gaulle Square)
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Toulouse, France (See walking tours in Toulouse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Toulouse, France
Create Your Own Walk in Toulouse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toulouse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Toulouse Introduction Walking Tour
Known affectionately as "The Pink City" (La Ville Rose) due to the terracotta bricks used in many of its buildings, the capital of the Occitania region of France – Toulouse – offers a blend of historical intrigue and modern dynamism. Originally known as Tolosa (the meaning of the name is unknown), it was established as a military outpost by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Tour
Toulouse's historical center is full of architectural marvels, many of which are churches. The variety of basilicas, cathedrals, and cloisters built in the city throughout the 11th-19th centuries is complemented by the richness of styles serving as a testament to both faith and craftsmanship.
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The 12th-century Basilica of Saint Sernin is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. It's known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Architectural Jewels of Toulouse
It doesn't take an architectural expert to appreciate the beauty of Toulouse's historic buildings. Walking the city's streets one can't help admiring the galore of ancient architecture which has earned Toulouse, since as early as the 16th century, the title of "the most beautiful city in France".
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Once a powerful provincial capital, Toulouse utilized its prosperity,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Toulouse Markets and Shopping Streets
Like many other cities in France and Southern France in particular, Toulouse boasts a delightful array of shopping areas. At Galeries Lafayette, a renowned department store, you can find exclusive French items for sale - no problem; however, to discover some truly great bargains – from organic vegetables to antiques, – a visit to Toulouse's street markets is a must.
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
One of the most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Pub Crawl of Toulouse
There are some really great little pubs in Toulouse. This guide helps you find a few of the local favourites, one pint after the other. Discover good craic at Mulligans and The Killarney; be amazed at what's on tap at Bar l'Ancienne Belgique and Bar La Tireuse; and put the English back in...