LUMIERE SUR LE BAZACLE (JOURNÉES DU PATRIMOINE)
Visit in partnership with Les espaces EDF Bazacle. Discover an atypical place where history, technology and the environment come together. The EDF Bazacle spaces are dedicated to electricity and biodiversity.
Up close to the operating turbines, you’ll learn that electricity flows here—and so do fish—and that in the past, these lucrative mills were managed by the first shareholders in history.
During this tour of the Espaces EDF Bazacle, you’ll learn about the site’s history. Once a crossing point on the Garonne River, the site later saw the installation of mills managed by the first shareholders in history. It was indeed in Toulouse that the first public limited company was founded!
The mills would eventually disappear, but another industry would emerge with hydroelectric power. In 1888, a power plant would replace the mills and supply electricity to Toulouse’s first streetlighting network. This hydroelectric plant, now owned by EDF, is still in operation: you’ll walk through it to better understand how the turbines, alternators, and transformers work to supply electricity to up to 3,000 households.
But this site has more surprises in store, as your tour will end on a terrace. It offers a breathtaking view of the city as well as the flora and fauna along the banks of the Garonne.
Registration is required at the tourist office.
Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes.