Spanish exile sites recommended by the local guides of Free Tour Toulouse, who live in the city and run free walking tours every week.
It was a prison used to imprison and torture political dissidents during the Second World War, including Spaniards who were part of the Resistance. One notable case is that of the anarcho-syndicalist Francisco Ponzán Vidal, who was shot the day before the liberation of Toulouse.
Google Maps link
This was the site of the Hôtel Paris, a place used by the Resistance as a base of operations and where the PSOE, meeting there in 1947, decided to step down from the government of the republic in exile that it led, in order to negotiate with the monarchists.
Google Maps link
Two historic congresses of the PSOE in exile were held in this vast hall, in 1946 and 1948.
Google Maps link
First time in Toulouse? Start with a free walking tour of the historic centre with a local guide.
See dates & bookThe UGT organised its 11th congress here, at which Nicolás Redondo was appointed as the union’s new leader. Several congresses of the Spanish Socialist Youth (JSE) were also held here.
Google Maps link
This is where the PCE (Spanish Communist Party) used to meet until it was banned in 1950 against the backdrop of the Cold War.
Several plenary sessions of the CNT were also held here, the most significant of which was that of October 1944.
Google Maps link
At the current film library in Toulouse, Spanish exiles would gather to put on theatre performances and artistic events.
Furthermore, this was where they celebrated New Year’s Eve and held many rallies and conferences of the PSOE in exile.
In 1972, it was the venue chosen by Felipe González to carry out the party’s renewal.
Google Maps link
It was here that the PSOE’s first council in exile met in September 1944, and it was here that the UGT was reorganised in November of that year
Google Maps link
From 1945 onwards, this former brasserie served as the headquarters of the CNT in exile.
Google Maps link
‘El Ateneo Español’ was founded here in 1959; it was a cultural centre promoted by anarcho-syndicalists and open to democratic institutions. Today, the building no longer exists.
Google Maps link
Important PCE rallies were held here, most notably the one in 1945 featuring Dolores Ibarruri, ‘La Pasionaria’.
Furthermore, the CNT used to meet here every year to mark 19 July 1936, the anniversary of the revolution – “the day on which the Spanish people took up arms to defend the Republic”.
Google Maps link
The House of Catalonia, founded in 1944, had its headquarters here from 1952 onwards. Among other things, it produced anti-Franco propaganda and promoted Catalan culture in exile.
Google Maps link
In 1944, the PCE, the guerrillas and the FFI (French Forces of the Interior) set up a hospital here, where Spanish doctors and nurses in exile treated their compatriots until 1950.
It was supported by the ‘Spanish Republican Red Cross’.
Google Maps link
Among the graves of many Spanish exiles lies that of Federica Montseny, Europe’s first female minister. She served as Minister of Health in Largo Caballero’s government and was a leader of the CNT; following her exile, she continued to play a very active political role.
Even today, it is common to find fresh flowers on her grave.
Google Maps link
First time in Toulouse? Start with a free walking tour of the historic centre with a local guide.
See dates & book