Did you know ? The history of the Carmes market in Toulouse
the Carmelites market did not always look like the one we know today. It was originally a reinforced metal hall based on the plans of the engineer Charles Cavé. The market was performed in 1892, around the same time as its counterparts in Victor-Hugo and Saint-Cyprien. Indeed, the Hall of the Carmelites runs part of a network of covered markets intended to supply the Pink City. Even today, the Carmelites market remains one of the main food markets in Toulouse.
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From convent to market
Before the market, another institution took place on the Place des Carmes in the 13th century. Indeed, on this site sits a convent for nearly six centuries, that of the Carmelite order. It consisted of the Carmelite church, built in 1266, a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, two cloisters, convent buildings, a main building and a garden. Then, during the Revolution, this whole set became national property. In 1796, the administration wished to acquire the convent to turn it into a wheat market. The building was therefore destroyed in 1808. Of this convent, only three ornamental statues and funerary slabs now remain in the Musée des Augustins in Toulouse.
After having received various assignments, from barracks to reserve for the administration via the ballroom, the buildings, almost totally ruined, were bought in 1807 by the city from the State. And this, for the modest sum of 66,000 gold francs. They will be demolished the following year to allow the development of a place. In 1813, the herb market moved to the square, before becoming the Carmelite covered market.
Demolition of the Carmelite convent in 1809. © Pomian / Archivemunicipal authorities of Toulouse
An architecture of metal and glass
Formerly, the Carmelites market in Toulouse differed from its counterparts by its architecture, mainly made of metal and glass. At that time, this material was indeed rarely used for large constructions in France. Its originality also resided in “its slender cast iron columns and its colorful glazed terracotta”, reminiscent of the municipal archives of Toulouse.
Built on the plans of Charles Cavé, “the market presented an octagonal plan surmounted by a dome decorated with skylights and glazed in its lower part”, according to the description of the archives of the city. One could observe there four monumental entrance pavilions crowned with a central pediment. In those days, merchants were sheltered outside by a canopy that went around the market. At their request, the four entrance gates were modified in 1894 to protect them from theft and bad weather. This is how very high gates to prevent possible climbing by thieves.
From metal to concrete
L’history of the Carmelites market in Toulouse took a completely different turn at the end of the 20th century. Indeed, between December 1963 and February 1964, the metal hall of the Carmelites is dismantled after 70 years of activity. And this, to make way for a more modern hybrid building signed by the internationally renowned team Candilis, Josic, Woods.
Destruction of the Halle des Carmes on February 7, 1964. © Fonds André Cros / municipal archives of Toulouse / CC BY-SA 4.0
This new building, consisting of a market, a car park and an office building, still sits proudly on the eponymous square today. Inaugurated in 1966 by the mayor at the time, Louis Bazerque, the new market is once again distinguished by its contemporary architecture and the juxtaposition of geometric figures. This allowed it to receive the label “Heritage of the 20th century”. Today, like the Victor-Hugo market, that of the Carmes paces the life of its district. The people of Toulouse come here to stock up on vegetables and exotic fruits, meats and charcuterie, cheeses, breads and pastries. All around it, neighborhood restaurants are in full swing and add to the dynamism of the square. A place very popular with Toulouse residents with sharp palates.
The current Carmelites market and car park. © Spech / Shutterstock.com
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