Prison Saint-Michel

Prison Saint-Michel is a substantial stone building in Toulouse featuring a distinctive central entrance tower called the Castelet, constructed from red brick and stone. The structure displays typical 19th-century architectural design with robust walls and clearly defined sections for different functions.

The facility was designed by architect Jacques-Jean Esquie and opened in 1872 as a modern detention center for the region. It operated continuously for more than 130 years before its closure and transition to a cultural venue.

The Castelet section now serves as a space where exhibitions showcase the stories of resistance fighters and their struggle during Toulouse's darker periods. Visitors can observe how this building became a symbol of both confinement and defiance for the local community.

The site is located in the Saint-Michel district and offers free admission for visitors who wish to explore the grounds. The layout is straightforward to navigate, though visitors should be prepared for narrow corridors and enclosed spaces typical of the original building design.

Until 2009, the prison maintained a section for inmates on semi-liberty, allowing some detainees to work or study during the day and return at night. This arrangement made the facility one of the few places in France experimenting with such rehabilitation approaches.