Toulouse: forbidden to cars, the Saint-Pierre bridge transformed into a summer terrace!
The Saint-Pierre bridge is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists from Monday until August 22. Reportage.
The wind is blowing hard on the Saint-Pierre bridge on this hot afternoon. While it is no longer accessible to cars since July 18, tourists and Toulouse residents can enjoy the view of the Garonne without being disturbed by motorists. Tables, deckchairs and activities have been set up on the bridge for passers-by to take a break during the summer period. On the other side, a two-way cycle path has been marked out on the ground. It was the inhabitants of the surrounding neighborhoods who proposed this operation called “a summer on the Saint-Pierre bridge”.
This pedestrianization of the bridge will last throughout the summer (until August 22). But it will prepare the inhabitants for the work to come. Indeed, from 2023 the bridge will be one-way, from Saint-Cyprien to Saint-Pierre. The cycle path will be installed on the other lane, in order to protect the circulation of cyclists. Diversion routes are organized to allow circular motor vehicles during the summer.
This provisional configuration should nevertheless direct tourists to Saint-Pierre square known for its many dancing bars.
Delighted tourists and residents
The manager of the Bar Basque, one of the places taken from the Place Saint-Pierre testifies: “perhaps it will bring us a flow of tourists, in any case I wish it. The spot is made for that in any case, it’s very pretty, I like it a lot! “.
Passers-by are also intrigued by these installations and happy to be able to enjoy the beautiful view of the dome of La Grave. Martin crosses the bridge every day to go to work: “With my girlfriend, we will try to come because it’s really a very beautiful place. In addition with the wind we can have a little freshness, and with the heat wave it is not too much. This also limits the number of cars in the city center.
Sandrine is discovering Toulouse, she is delighted to see such an initiative: “Me, although the whole city center is pedestrianized, so I think it’s a very good idea. I recognize that for cars it’s a bit complicated but for the summer it’s a good thing”.
With the evening temperatures, more and more people should invest the bridge. Héléna, walks in the city with her two children, she testifies: “In the cool and with the lights of the city, it will be really very pleasant, we are going to come back this evening to take advantage of it”.