Exploring 19TH Century Glamour With Madame Rose in Toulouse

Toulouse’s 19th-century underworld is a captivating realm, and Madame Rose’s tour invites visitors to uncover its allure. Donning historical attire, this enchanting guide regales participants with tales of opulent parlors, risqué cabarets, and clandestine gambling dens. Through Madame Rose’s eyes, guests will gain a unique perspective on the era’s progressive attitudes and leisure activities. Whether adult or child over 11, this 1.5-hour immersive experience promises to transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the glamour and complexity that defined Toulouse’s past. Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on this captivating journey.

Key Points

• A 1.5-hour tour led by Madame Rose, a costumed guide, providing insights into the risqué cabarets and underground gambling dens of 19th-century Toulouse.

• Exploration of the contrast between Toulouse’s public persona and its vibrant underworld, including opium dens and progressive attitudes towards leisure activities.

• Immersive experience that challenges conventional views of Toulouse’s historical narrative and offers a unique perspective on the cultural landscape of the era.

• Tour highlights the popularity of unconventional pastimes like gambling, opium dens, and artistic salons, reflecting a growing appetite for self-expression and leisure.

• Suitable for adults and children over 11, with a 5/5 rating from a single review praising the costumed guide and historical insights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an exploration of 19th-century Toulouse through the lens of Madame Rose, a former madam from a historical brothel.

It lasts 1.5 hours and is conducted in French. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The meeting point is at Place St Georges, near the playground, where Madame Rose, identifiable by her historical outfit, will greet visitors.

The tour operates rain or shine, and it’s suitable for adults and children over 11 years, but not for those with mobility impairments.

Historical Brothel Insights

Drawing on her extensive experience as a madam in a prominent 19th-century Toulouse brothel, Madame Rose regales tour participants with vivid insights into the unconventional pastimes and leisure activities that thrived within the city’s red-light district during that era.

From the rise of risqué cabarets and salons to the popularity of underground gambling dens and opium dens, Madame Rose offers a candid, first-hand account of the decadent social scene that flourished behind closed doors.

Her narration provides a fascinating window into the modernity and hedonism that characterized Toulouse’s notorious underworld, offering a provocative contrast to the city’s more conventional public face.

Discovering 19th-Century Toulouse

Beneath the veneer of Toulouse’s stately boulevards and grand civic buildings, a vibrant 19th-century underworld pulsed with modernity and unconventional leisure.

Madame Rose’s guided tour unveils this hidden side of the city, transporting visitors back in time to experience the era’s progressive attitudes and decadent pastimes.

From illicit cabarets to opulent parlors, the tour weaves a tapestry of historical anecdotes and insights that challenge conventional perceptions.

Donning a period costume, Madame Rose brings the past to life, fostering an immersive and thought-provoking exploration of Toulouse’s social evolution during a transformative period in French history.

Costumed Guide Experience

Typically, Madame Rose greets tour participants in a captivating 19th-century ensemble, immediately transporting them to the era’s vibrant social landscape. As the costumed guide, she shares a wealth of historical anecdotes and insights, enchanting the group with tales of Toulouse’s unconventional pastimes and emerging modernity.

Experience	Details
Duration	1.5 hours
Language	French
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

The guided experience is designed to engage participants, allowing them to enjoy the spirit of the 19th century. Whether exploring the city’s leisure activities or uncovering its hidden secrets, Madame Rose’s tour offers a unique window into Toulouse’s past.

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Unconventional Pastimes of the Era

The 19th century in Toulouse witnessed a flourishing of unconventional pastimes that captivated the city’s residents.

Gambling establishments, known as "bouges," gained popularity, offering games of chance and illicit thrills.

Opium dens, though controversial, provided an escape from the rigors of daily life.

Salons hosted intimate gatherings where artists, intellectuals, and the social elite explored the boundaries of propriety through lively discussions and creative performances.

These pastimes reflected a growing appetite for leisure and self-expression, shaping the vibrant cultural landscape of 19th-century Toulouse.

Madame Rose’s tour offers a unique glimpse into this colorful and unconventional era, inviting participants to enjoy the city’s storied past.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point for the Madame Rose tour is at Place St Georges, near the playground at 15-16 place saint georges.

Participants should look for the guide, who’ll be identifiable by their historical outfit.

The tour operates rain or shine, so attendees should dress appropriately for the weather.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as it may involve navigating uneven terrain or stairs.

Suitable for Participants

Suitable for adults and children over 11 years, the Madame Rose tour in Toulouse isn’t recommended for individuals with mobility impairments.

The 1.5-hour experience explores 19th-century Toulouse through the eyes of a madam from a historical brothel. While the tour is wheelchair accessible, it may not cater to those with limited mobility.

Participants can expect to engage with the unconventional pastimes of the era, accompanied by historical anecdotes and insights from a costumed guide.

With an overall 5/5 rating based on a single review, the tour promises a unique glimpse into the modernity and leisure of 19th-century Toulouse.

Customer Feedback

Based on the single review from Jean-Claude, a verified booking from France in June 2024, the Madame Rose tour in Toulouse appears to have received an outstanding 5/5 overall rating. The tour seems to have exceeded customer expectations, with the review highlighting the unique experience of exploring 19th-century Toulouse with a costumed guide and engaging with the unconventional pastimes of the era. The review suggests that the tour provides historical anecdotes and insights, offering a compelling glimpse into the modernity and leisure of the time.

Review Source	Reviewer	Rating
Direct	Jean-Claude, France	5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Appropriate for Young Children?

No, the tour is not suitable for young children. The tour information states it is only appropriate for adults and children over 11 years, indicating it’s not recommended for younger kids.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, though they should be mindful of any restrictions or requests from the guide. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific photography policy.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Customers can book a private tour with Madame Rose to explore 19th-century Toulouse in an exclusive setting. Private tours are subject to availability and may have an additional cost.

Can We Visit the Actual Historical Brothel Location?

Unfortunately, the tour does not visit the actual historical brothel location. It focuses on exploring the 19th-century cultural and social life of Toulouse with Madame Rose as the guide, providing insights and anecdotes about the era.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a dress code, but participants are encouraged to dress comfortably for walking. The guide, Madame Rose, will be in period costume to provide an authentic 19th-century experience.

Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey through 19th-century Toulouse with Madame Rose’s historical tour. Discover the city’s vibrant underworld, from opulent parlors to risqué cabarets. This immersive experience offers a unique perspective on the era’s progressive attitudes and leisure activities, inviting adults and children over 11 to appreciate the glamour and complexity of Toulouse’s past in a stunning 1.5-hour tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: