Bazacle, Toulouse

The Bazacle is a historic structure situated on the River Garonne in Toulouse. This site holds a long history, originally serving as a ford known as "vadaculum" in Latin, which translates to "little ford," indicating its use as a shallow crossing point from the 12th century.

The strategic importance of the Bazacle is underscored by the construction of the first bridge across the Garonne at this location, taking advantage of the shallow waters. In 1190, with the authorization of Raymond V, Count of Toulouse, significant developments took place including the construction of a dam-like structure, known as a chaussée, and several powerful mills that were later described by Rabelais in the 16th century as the most powerful in the world.

Around 1250, the enterprises at the Bazacle were formalized with the establishment of the Bazacle Milling Company (Société des Moulins du Bazacle). This entity is historically significant as it represents one of the earliest known examples of a joint-stock company. Local seigneurs invested in the venture, receiving profits proportional to their shareholdings. The company's shares were openly traded in Toulouse, with their value fluctuating based on the mills' profitability. This setup lasted until 1946 when it was nationalized.

Further modernization occurred in 1890 with the construction of a hydroelectric power station at the Bazacle, reflecting the site's continuous adaptation to the evolving technological landscape. This station was purchased by French Electricity (Électricité de France) in 1946 and continues to operate, featuring both old and modern turbines that are still functional today. Additionally, the site includes a fish ladder, which supports aquatic life by enabling fish to navigate through the river despite the barriers.