Saint-Cyprien: a stroll through the heart of a Toulouse district steeped in history

Located on the Left Bank of the Garonne, this Toulouse district has long been neglected. It is not even mentioned by Claude Nougaro in his famous song Toulouse. And yet, today, the Saint-Cyprien district is an essential stop when you want to discover Toulouse. Its village spirit, its typical alleys, its large parks and its historical monuments are weapons of mass seduction for those who want to feel the pulse of the pink city.

Have you just taken a stroll on the Right Bank of Toulouse ? Let yourself be guided to the Pont Neuf! I'll take you with me to the heart of this historic district, which its inhabitants affectionately call " Saint Cyp' ", a cosmopolitan and lively district, located just ten minutes from the Place du Capitole.

The Saint-Nicolas church dominates this district of Toulouse

The Pont-Neuf, the emblematic entrance to the Saint-Cyprien district

A well-known adage says that appearances can sometimes be deceptive. This is the case for the Pont Neuf! As its name absolutely does not indicate, the Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge in Toulouse.

Summer and winter, the Pont Neuf remains one of the most beautiful entrances to the district

In its defense, it was brand new when it was put into service, 386 years ago. The first stone was laid 120 years earlier, to replace the Medieval Bridge of the Daurade which was in too poor a condition. Moreover, part of it is still visible from the Pont Neuf, when looking towards the Pont Saint-Pierre.

The Pont Neuf is definitely one of the most beautiful gateways to the Saint Cyprien district. The most seasoned eyes will be able to admire the work of street artist James Colomina, "The Child with the Donkey Hat" . It is installed on a pile of the bridge, will you be able to find it?

James Colomina's work is installed on the Pont-Neuf

From the Prairie des Filtres to the Hôtel Dieu

After crossing the Pont Neuf, head to the Prairie des Filtres ! This large park, located on the banks of the Garonne (on the left, just after the bridge), is a place that the people of Toulouse know well. Indeed, in addition to hosting the famous Rio Loco festival, the Prairie des Filtres is also the place where people come to relax as soon as the good weather arrives.

A breathtaking view of the Pont Neuf and the Quai de Tounis, an emblematic weeping willow, benches for reading a book and games for children: the place is ideal for taking a break after walking the streets of the pink city!

The legendary banks of the Garonne from the Pont Neuf

The break is over, and you are probably wondering what this huge building is located to the right of the Pont Neuf. It is the Hôtel Dieu, a former hospice for pilgrims and plague victims, which also welcomed abandoned babies. Don't hesitate to enter its grounds and observe! Right next to the entrance door, you can still see the baby window, perfectly reconstructed.

The Hôtel Dieu, ideally located between the two most beautiful bridges in Toulouse

Heading towards the Dome of La Grave

It is impossible to visit the Saint-Cyprien district without passing by the dome of La Grave, which is to the people of Toulouse what the Eiffel Tower is to the people of Paris. Your steps will therefore lead you to the Quai de l' Exil R épublicain, a few dozen meters from the Hôtel Dieu. In addition to having a breathtaking view of Toulouse and its pink bricks from the footbridge, you can admire the famous dome at your leisure.

The Dôme de la Grave is a true symbol for the people of Toulouse

The walk continues towards the banks of the Garonne, which provide access to the Jardin du Musée des Abattoirs, a museum of modern and contemporary art, built in the building that housed the city's former slaughterhouses!

In addition to this huge museum, the district offers residents and tourists many cultural activities. Among them:

• The Poster Museum (or Matou) restores all the nobility to advertising posters, a true popular art.
• The Château d'Eau Gallery is a magnificent tribute to photography.
• Theatre lovers can also discover the eclectic programmes of the Théâtre Garonne or the Théâtre du Pont-Neuf.

The walk from the Quai de l’Exil to the Jardin des Abattoirs

And to complete the loop before returning to your hotel: do you know the Villa du Taur in the heart of Toulouse? Head towards the pretty Place de l'Estrapade. Attractive and lively, it perfectly symbolises the art of living in Toulouse! Take the opportunity to stop for a real hot chocolate at Cacao Fages, one of the best chocolate shops in the city!

Where to eat in Saint-Cyprien?

The Saint-Cyp' district is full of good places to eat on the go or take the time to enjoy a good meal !

• The Antipodes restaurant, 9 rue du Pont Saint-Pierre : trained by starred chefs, the three partners offer bistronomic cuisine inspired by their travels around the world! Generous and gourmet!
• The restaurant Aux Petits Frères, 7 place Jean Diebold : after settling down on the sunny terrace, you can enjoy simple, home-made cuisine, with produce from the Saint-Cyprien market located just opposite!
• Solaneko restaurant, 9 rue Reclusane : this small Japanese canteen invites you to discover Japanese gastronomy from a different angle! Exit sushi, and make way for organic, homemade and often vegetarian dishes!
• La Crèmerie des Biquettes, 9 rue Reclusane : in addition to an excellent selection of cheeses, La Crèmerie des Biquettes offers delicious sandwiches every lunchtime, far from the traditional ham/butter.

Saint Cyprien district: how to get there?

From the city center, it is quite possible to come on foot from the Place du Capitole or Esquirol via the magnificent Pont-Neuf and Pont-Saint-Pierre! The district also has an excellent public transport network.

• Metro Line A: Saint-Cyprien République stop
• Bus: lines 14, 31, 45, 66, 73 and 87
• Tram: Fer à Cheval stop (then walk down the Charles de Fitte alleys)

For new ideas for walks, beautiful photos and good tips, visit the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide Facebook page!