Place du Capitole

This vast paved square is the civic centre of Toulouse, dominated by the long pink-brick facade of the town hall from which it takes its name. The pavement is inlaid with a giant bronze cross bearing the region's astrological symbols, while an arcade along one side shelters cafes and shops. Beneath the arcade, painted ceiling panels illustrate scenes from the city's history. Lively markets and a general sense of southern bustle make the square a natural meeting point at any hour.