Hidden in the center of an enormous traffic circle, the Jardin du Grand Rond is an unlikely place for a relaxing park. But its colorful gardens, rows of trees and pétanque bowling green offer an ideal family day out. Visit Jardin du Grand Rond to have a picnic in the shade of a tree and watch people go by in central Toulouse.
Listen to the soothing flow of water in the fountain as you sunbathe on a summer afternoon. Meet friends in the bandstand and walk between the various statues decorating the grounds. Take a break on one of the benches dotted along the paths.
Enjoy the utter tranquility in the center of the gardens, where you’ll forget you’re at the heart of a giant traffic circle. The lime and cedar trees surrounding the park block out the views of traffic, giving a lovely relaxing feeling to this urban park. Sit back and watch a game of pétanque, which is a French version of boules or bocce.
Cross the suspended walkways to reach the Jardin Royal, a historic green area with a pond and a statue of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the writer of The Little Prince. On its southern side is the Jardin des Plantes, where you can inspect the colorful flowers of its botanical gardens.
Note that the garden is also known as Boulingrin Square, in reference to the English bowling green here. The park was put together in the 18th century as part of a project to beautify the city center. Enter the park for free it is open daily from early morning until evening.
The Jardin du Grand Rond is in the southeastern part of the city center of Toulouse. Travel by metro to the François-Verdier station and walk south for a few minutes to get to the park.
Visit some of the other nearby sights, including the Tour de la Rue Bida, the Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and the Natural History Museum.
