Grand Rond: Toulouse's Circular Oasis

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Escape to the tranquility of Grand Rond, Toulouse's historic circular garden, offering lush greenery and a peaceful retreat in the city center.

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Grand Rond

Grand Rond, also known as Boulingrin, is a historic and picturesque public garden in Toulouse, France. Developed in the 18th century, its circular design and lush greenery offer a tranquil escape in the city center. It features radiating pathways, flowerbeds, statues, and a bandstand, making it a cherished space for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Grand Rond

Rond-point Boulingrin, Toulouse, 31000, FR
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Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

Take a leisurely stroll along the radiating pathways to admire the diverse plant life and seasonal flower displays.
Enjoy a picnic on the lawns or relax on one of the many benches scattered throughout the park.
Visit the bandstand, which hosts musical performances throughout the year.
Explore the nearby Jardin Royal and Jardin des Plantes, connected to Grand Rond by footbridges.

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Muséum de Toulouse

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Getting There

Walking

From the Carmes metro station (Line B), walk southwest on Rue des Puits Clos towards Rue de la Dalbade. Turn right onto Rue de la Dalbade and continue straight. Turn left onto Rue de l'Isle and walk towards the Garonne River. Cross the Pont Neuf bridge. Continue straight onto Boulevard de Strasbourg, which leads directly to Grand Rond. The walk is approximately 20-25 minutes.
Public Transport

Take Metro Line B to Carmes station. From there, Grand Rond is a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, numerous bus lines (44, L1, L9, 357, 66) stop near Grand Rond. A single Tisséo ticket costs €1.80 and is valid across buses, trams, and metros.
Driving

Grand Rond is located at Rond-point Boulingrin. Note that parking near Grand Rond can be challenging. Paid street parking is available in the area. Expect to pay around €1.00 for 1 hour or €2.00 for 2 hours. Consider using online platforms like Mobypark to find and reserve parking spaces in advance. Secure parking is also available at Carsup near Grand Rond. Be aware of limited parking and peak hour traffic.

Discover more about Grand Rond

Grand Rond, a verdant, circular garden in the heart of Toulouse, offers a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle. Also known as Boulingrin, its origins trace back to the 18th century when it was conceived as part of a city beautification project. The local city council approved Louis de Mondran's design in 1751, and it was completed in 1754. Originally designed with an oval layout, the garden now features a vast roundabout, approximately 200 meters in diameter, from which five major alleys branch out. The name "Grand Rond" references its round shape and its past use as a bowling green. During the French Revolution, there was an attempt to rename the garden "Cercle des Sans-Culottides," but the name "Grand Rond" was solidified after a horse race held in 1830. Transformed into an English garden in the 19th century, Grand Rond showcases a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Magnificent chestnut trees, elegant fountains, and meticulously maintained flowerbeds ensure a continually changing tableau of colors throughout the year. The park also features ornate wrought iron gates dating back to 1785. Today, Grand Rond stands as a central and cherished green space in Toulouse, offering residents and visitors a lush, tranquil escape steeped in rich history.

Explore the best of what Grand Rond has to offer

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