Rue d'Alsace-Lorraine (Alsace-Lorraine Street), Toulouse

Alsace-Lorraine Street is one of the major shopping destinations in Toulouse. Until 1872, the street was known as Longitudinal Street, a temporary name used during the urban development stage. On November 26, 1872, it was renamed in memory of the two provinces – Alsace and Lorraine – lost to Germany in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. After a thorough reconstruction that lasted almost ten years, Alsace-Lorraine Street was finally opened in 1873.

Along the way, the street provides access to several notable sites, primarily the Augustins Museum, the municipal repository of fine arts, occupying the former Augustinian convent.

Among other architectural jewels, there is the Consular Palace, originally a mid-17th-century private mansion. Over time, it underwent various transformations, serving different purposes, from a residence for archbishops to a commercial hub. In the early 20th century, it was remodeled, accommodating shops and a commercial museum. Its Neo-classical facade, a pastiche of 18th-century Toulouse architecture, stands out with its polychrome stone and brick composition.

The street also hosts major department stores like La Maison Universelle and Monoprix, each with a unique architectural style reflective of their respective eras. The Monoprix building, constructed in 1963, features a modern design with red brick facing, while Au Capitole, built in the early 20th century, displays Art Nouveau influences with its cast-iron and light brick structure.

In addition, several historical buildings line the street, such as the Grand Hotel Tivollier with its eclectic Haussmann style and the Art Deco Hall Dispatch, showcasing modernity with its striking blue mosaic facade. Each building on Alsace-Lorraine Street contributes to the architectural tapestry that characterizes this historic thoroughfare, making it a vital part of Toulouse's cultural and historical landscape.