Saint-Jean is a city of Haute-Garonne, in Occitan region, a dozen kilometers northeast of Toulouse.
In a small area (just under 6 km²) are territory is crossed by the old national road to Albi.
The origins of the town date back to the twelfth century, when the Hospitallers of Jerusalem Saint-Jean order founded a priory on land the current hamlet of Estaquebiau.
Under the old regime, established two parishes share side of the road Albi share the current territories of Saint-Jean and locality of The Union. During the Revolution, it actually born two cities but they are automatically merged in 1793 under the name Saint-Jean then in 1794 under that of the Union. And it was not until 1868 that new, Saint-Jean regains its independence and autonomous municipality rank. This is, however, while a simple hamlet grouped around a church. Only at the edge of 1960s Saint-Jean passes the course of the thousand inhabitants. Economic dynamism and urbanization of the Toulouse metropolis during the decades following transform the village into real city, which now has nearly 11 000 inhabitants. His preserved living environment and expanded leisure offer, however distinguished.
The church Saint-Jean Baptist is the main heritage sites of the city. Its origins date back to the twelfth century, when Shrine of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem Saint-Jean that become in 1530 the Knights of Malta.
Amended several times, the church has retained a Romanesque style. Its bell tower is particularly noteworthy. The arrangement of its openings reminiscent of the interior: the arcade highest corresponds to the nave and the four others recall the aisles.
In the nineteenth century, major restoration work with the church of a coffered ceiling with paintings were probably made by the Italian painter Cérony, also author of frescoes that adorn the walls. Moreover, the porch was decorated with terracotta Toulousain Gaston Virebent ceramist. Finally, the choir windows are dedicated to the four evangelists who each hold a pen in one hand and a scroll of the other. They are signed by the great master glassmaker Toulouse nineteenth century, Louis Victor Gesta.
For culture, Saint-Jean has many great facilities: it is the case of the Palumbo space, a modular auditorium of 250 seats and 336 standing places. Y are scheduled throughout the year shows (concerts, theater, dance), and the space also hosts artist residencies. Information at +33 5 32 09 67 43.
The library of the municipality provides for its part regularly animations (lectures, meetings): information +33 5 32 09 67 50. As for the mosaic of the art gallery, established in Belbèze mall, run by an association, it organizes throughout the year quality exhibitions dedicated to all audiences. Contact the +33 5 61 09 07 70.
In sports, many facilities and sites are accessible to visitors. This is the case of street-park that delights fans of skateboarding or BMX, Lake Tuilerie (in city center) reserved for fishermen and walkers, but also football and the BMX track. Information at +33 5 32 09 67 76.
Note that for a game of futsal, it is possible to join the local club at +33 5 61 74 42 04 and to book a tennis court, you should contact 06 62 28 45.
Finally, for lovers of hiking, it is possible Saint-Jean since joining the network of circuit patterns on all of the Toulouse area, which include heritage sites, green areas and banks of the Garonne and the Canal du Midi. Maps and information at 0892180180.
The last weekend in June, Feast of the Saint-Jean with fairground attractions, fireworks and dance show with orchestra.
The first Saturday of September, in the evening, on Lake site, convivial meal and free concert.
Every Saturday morning, Place Francois Mitterrand, the market allows us to appreciate the rich local produce from the region.
