Toulouse, located in the southern region of France, has a relaxed and laid-back vibe. People speak slowly with drawn-out vowels, linger over coffee in outdoor cafes and dawdle in the city’s town squares.
Among the main sites to see in Toulouse is the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint Sernin, considered one of Europe’s largest Romanesque churches. Its elaborate carvings, gilded ceiling frescoes and pipe organ from 1888 are a must-see.
Place du Capitole
Located in the heart of Toulouse, Place du Capitole is a historic square that houses the magnificent Capitol building also known as City Hall. There are plenty of vibrant restaurants and bars around the square and it hosts numerous cultural events and weekly markets.
A large pedestrianized open space, Place du Capitole is flanked by attractive administrative buildings and sidewalk cafes. It is a popular meeting spot for locals, and it’s also a great shopping area.
The main attraction here is the neoclassical Capitole building with pink marble columns. Inside, you can see rooms and halls exhibiting paintings and artifacts that depict the great moments of Toulouse’s history.
Basilica of Saint Sernin
The Basilica of Saint Sernin is a Romanesque church in the heart of Toulouse. It’s the largest Romanesque church preserved in Europe and a must-see for visitors to the city.
Unlike other basilicas from the early Christian period, this one is made mostly of brick and features a cross-shaped structure with vaulted ceilings. It also has radiating chapels and an ambulatory.
It was built to house the relics of Saint Saturnin, first bishop of Toulouse who was martyred in 250. Pilgrims passing through Toulouse would often stop here to venerate the relics and make offerings.
Visiting the basilica is free and is a lovely way to end your tour of the city. The Basilique is also home to a lovely little gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs like books written in relation to the church.
Museum de Toulouse
Located at the crossroads of science, nature and humanities, the Museum de Toulouse is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in this southern French city. It boasts a collection of 2.5 million pieces and includes natural history, ethnography, ornithology, geology, a lovely botanical garden and more.
ENTRANCE FEE: There is a fee of 6 euros for the museum however this can be reduced or even free with a Toulouse city card. Also, all national museums are free on the first Sunday of the month so you can save money by visiting on that day!
Founded as a Dominican monastery in 1229, Couvent des Jacobins is a stunning example of Southern Gothic architecture. The interior features a two-aisled nave with inspiring vaulting and palm-frond shaped ribs. The church also houses a collection of 17th-century religious paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Nicolas Tournier, Bartolome Esteban Murillo and Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun.
Musee des Augustins
Located in a former Augustinian convent, the Musee des Augustins houses a collection of paintings and sculptures that spans centuries. Echoing stairwells, high-vaulted chambers, and 14th-century cloister gardens are just a few of the artistic highlights of this fine-arts museum.
The museum’s collections include works seized from religious clergy during the French Revolution, from the former Toulouse Academy royale de peinture et de sculpture, and from numerous buildings that were destroyed in the 19th century. They are supplemented by acquisitions from national collections, donations and bequests.
The museum is home to one of the best collections of Romanesque art in France. It also has a great collection of Gothic art and exceptional 19th-century paintings and sculptures. It is a must-visit when in Toulouse!
La Daurade
The neighborhood of La Daurade, in the heart of Toulouse, is a great place to relax and enjoy the city’s lush greenery. Its park features a large pond, walking paths, and a children’s playground.
- During your visit, check out the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Daurade, an ancient church that was once a temple to Apollo. Inside you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and columns that form a palm tree on the ceiling.
- Also, don’t miss the Musee George Labit, a small museum that’s filled with Asian and Egyptian art and antiquities. It’s a hidden gem in Toulouse.
