What “marvel of the universe” could we admire in Toulouse?
Legend has it that his worshipers came from afar to admire him. And that the disappointment of those who had not been able to satisfy their curiosity sometimes led to real riots. But what was this “marvel of the universe” which was “the honor of Toulouse and its century”?
In the 16th century, Toulouse could be proud to host within its ramparts a “wonder of the universe”, in the words attributed to Constable Montmorency, one of the most powerful men in the Kingdom. But what was this gem whose memory lives on only in the memories of a few local scholars? A grandiose religious building that has disappeared? A lost work of art? Well no. It was to a young lady, from a family of respectable merchants, that the gallant officer bestowed this laudatory title. Better known by the nickname of “Belle Paule”, the Toulousian Paule de Viguier had such a perfect look that she turned the heads of men of her time as well as historians. The latter sometimes confusing legends and proven facts. It is said in particular that his friendly nickname comes from his meeting with François 1er. During an official visit in 1533, she would have been instructed by the Capitouls to give her the keys to the city.
After being presented and discovering the unequaled graces of the young woman, the sovereign would have distinctly exclaimed: “Ah, beautiful Paule! “An anecdote that is not very credible according to Lucien Remplon, former president of the association of Toulousains de Toulouse. “His parents married in 1530. From this union were to be born two sons and four daughters, Paule was the fourth of these daughters. It is obvious that on this date, Paule was not born”, he notes in an article published in the review “Auta”. Thus, the chroniclers of the time are full of anecdotes and comments that are difficult to verify. The young woman was obliged, it seems, to go out covered with a shawl so as not to be bothered. And because, as the Marquise de Coubet claimed, “on her way, there were many accidents”. Moreover, to contain the crowd of admirers who attacked his house and regularly provoked riots, the Capitouls would be imposed on him by municipal decree to appear on his balcony at least twice a week. A decision which, if it is immortalized by a painting exhibited in the Hall of the illustrious at the Capitol, does not appear anywhere in the archives of the city.
Finally, legend has it that the beautiful Toulousaine was buried in the vault of the Cordeliers church, known for its exceptional properties for preserving bodies. This until the ladies, not being authorized to enter it, asked that his remains be brought up from the vault in order to be able to contemplate him. A fatal operation for the remains which would have immediately crumbled into dust. An anecdote also denied by historians who attest, however, that several ships of the French Navy were baptized “La Belle Poule” in his honor.