Balma is a commune in the Haute-Garonne department, in the Occitanie region, a few kilometers east of Toulouse, which it borders.
Its territory of 16.5 km², of which the ring road now constitutes the "western" limit, belongs historically and culturally to the Toulouse region, long characterized by its fertile agricultural areas and its pink brick farms.
Although urbanization has been strong since the 1970s and has modified the landscapes of the locality, it has nevertheless preserved arable land (33% of its surface area) and crops (12%). The Hers valley and the meadows, particularly near the Lasbordes aerodrome as well as several municipal parks allow Balma to still have a green living environment despite the development of buildings, subdivisions, commercial areas and business centers.
Well served by the city's public transport (bus, metro line A), the city which today has nearly 17,300 inhabitants has a first-rate range of cultural, sporting and "nature" leisure activities. order. A former barony dependent on the archbishopric of Toulouse headed by consuls, Balma is still, moreover, one of the aeronautics strongholds of the capital of Occitania.
A detour is essential during a stay in the Pink City.
Despite urbanization and its population growth, Balma has retained several notable heritage sites. This is the case of Thégra castle in the north of the town, at a place called Lagarigue. A first building surrounded by agricultural buildings is mentioned there from the 14th century. In 1584, the current castle was built on behalf of Durand d'Abbatia, who was then one of the "capitouls" of Toulouse. Its two buildings are built at right angles, two levels high, an octagonal tower housing a staircase marking the center of the facade, to the north. The other wing ends with outbuildings, to the east. A chapel is also located at the entrance to the estate. Painted ceilings from the 18th century have been preserved in several rooms of the castle. This one, registered in the Inventory, is always private. It houses guest rooms and hosts private or professional receptions. Tours of the area built from local bricks are possible from mid-June to the end of September from Sunday to Wednesday. Price: 5 euros. Information on +33 6 17 94 23 86.
Then see, in the center, the Saint-Joseph du Rouget church, built in the 19th century, which reflects the tradition of the region with its Toulouse-style octagonal bell tower and its walls. of bricks. The Saint-Martin de Boville church, to the south, has older origins: it was rebuilt in the 17th century on 13th century foundations. Equipped with a bell tower that evokes Lauragais, in the Middle Ages it was a stop on the Way of Saint-Jacques which followed the route of the Castres-Toulouse Roman road.
In different registers, the old town hall which became a library, the imposing Ballon des Aérostiers building, built in 1923 to house airships (or balloons) dedicated to military observation and which is still intended for storage of equipment in the enclosure of the parachute regiment and its staff, or the esplanade of the town hall overlooking the banks of the Hers are worth mentioning.
Other sites in the town bear witness to its past: the old fountain called de la Fount (in Occitan language), the testing and analysis center of the DGA (armaments and aeronautics) and the hull basin which was used to develop seaplanes…
On the cultural side, the Grainerie site includes schools, research and residency centers and performance venues dedicated to circus arts. A unique place in France. Festivals, performances and events are scheduled there all year round. Information on +33 5 61 24 33 91.
Also note that an old 19th century residence has been transformed into a conservation annex to the Toulouse cinema library: 48,211 copies of films and 80,000 posters are stored there., 550,000 photos, original devices and documents on the history of cinema… Free visit by appointment. Contact +33 5 62 71 92 92.
Also popular for their programming are the MJC with its auditorium (information on +33 5 61 24 34 90) and the media library (contact on +33 5 61 24 92 96).
In addition to this leading cultural offering, another 24 public gardens, a lake and 20 km of pedestrian paths…
The path which runs along the Hers valley with its protected ecosystem, the park of Lagarde and de la Croix should also be highlighted. of Malta, former estate of the Templars, but also Lake Saint-Clair, fed by a stream, and a pleasant place for walks (development of a botanical trail). A sports course is also located there, another being in the Préserville woods... Maps and information for walkers or hikers, pedestrians or mountain bikers, in the locality or wanting to reach Toulouse, and the Canal du Midi, for example, at +33 5 61 24 92 92 (town hall) or +33 5 17 42 31 31 (tourist office).
For sports enthusiasts, very rich in equipment, 61 24 35 15).
In the southwest of the territory, the Toulouse-Lasbordes airfield was finally built by the German occupiers during the Second War. Once peace returned, commercial traffic was based on Blagnac and was given over to leisure aviation. Several associations are established there, notably offering first flights, tourist flights and training. Contact for example the Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées Aero Club on +33 5 62 47 91 60 or Les Ailes Toulousianes on +33 6 58 17 85 53.
Wednesday and Saturday morning, open air market (outside) avenue des Mimosas, with Saturday, in the extension of the first, organic market avenue des Mimosas, and Sunday, in the Vidailhan district, avenue de Galilée market. Colorful and fragrant events that allow you to understand the richness of the region's terroir!
In March, carnival with parade in the center.
The first Saturday in July, Children's Festival with fun activities.
The first weekend in September, Balma major celebrations with fairground attractions and fireworks.
The second week of September, Arts Fair.
