The hub of Toulouse life is the bustling Place du Capitole. This town square showcases the classic architecture of Toulouse. On the west side of the square, there are beautiful arcades.
On the east side of the square is the celebrated 18th-century Capitole building. The Capitole was named after the old chapter of magistrates (capitouls) who once met here and it is now the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). The remarkable facade features eight immense columns of pink marble.
The most spectacular room of the Capitole is the Salle des Illustres inspired by the Farnese Gallery in Rome with its gilded moldings and cartouches. This hall and other historic rooms of the Capitole are open to the public on the first Sunday of every month. The ancient 16th-century defensive tower is visible behind the Capitole and the Theatre du Capitole is just a few steps away.
To further discover the historic center of Toulouse, continue south of the Place du Capitole to arrive at the Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter). This medieval quarter has many charming pedestrian streets lined with shops and cafés, especially the Rue Saint-Rome and Rue des Changes
