Toulouse, situated on the banks of the Garonne River is the fourth largest city in France and the capital of the Occitanie region. The city is nicknamed La Ville Rose (The Pink City) because of its charming architecture, which is constructed from a pinkish red terracotta brick which gives it a very distinctive look, especially in the warm sunlight. Here’s my guide on what to see and do with a day in Toulouse.
Place du Capitole
Let’s begin at the Place du Capitole. The square sits at the heart of the city and is surrounded by some beautiful architecture. On the ground facing the entrance to the Capitole there’s a large golden engraving of an Occitan cross, with twelve star signs on each point created by the artist and sculpture Raymond Moretti. He also painted 29 frescoes in the ceilings of the squares western arcades depicting major events in the history of Toulouse and its surrounding regions.
The Neoclassical Capitol owes its grandeur to architect and painter Guillaume Cammas who designed and built the building between 1750 and 1760. The stunning interior of the Capitol can be visited for free, don’t miss the Henri IV courtyard and the Henri Martin and Illustres rooms on the first floor.
Leaving the square, head down the Rue du Taur passing the Notre Dame du Taur church where according to legend, the edifice was built on the exact spot where the body of Saint Saturnin, patron saint of Toulouse became detached from the bull that dragged the martyr to his death.
Carmelite Chapel
On Rue du Perigord is the Carmelite Chapel. From the outside it’s somewhere you’d possibly miss as you have to enter via a small non descript courtyard, but, as you enter the church you are greeted by the most beautiful interior. King Louis XIII and his wife Anne of Austria laid the first stone on July 1st 1622. The magnificent ceilings were painted in the late 17th century by Jean-Pierre Rivals who drew inspiration from the Sistine Chapel. Other work was completed by his successor Jean-Baptiste Despax.
Saint Sernin Basilica
The Basilica of Saint Sernin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Romanesque building in the western world. It was built in honour of the first Bishop of Toulouse and was constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Take a walk around the building to view the octagonal bell tower which is typical of the architecture in Toulouse. Inside the building, five large vaulted naves converge on the choir and the guided wood and marble canopy. The crypt is filled with relics offering a glimpse into the prestigious past of this pilgrimage church.
Couvent des Jacobins
My next stop is the Couvent des Jacobins, a deconsecrated Roman Catholic Church whose construction started in 1230. Its history begins as the mother church of the Dominican Order, a small community of monastic preachers. During the French Revolution of 1789 the Dominican Order was banned, and the friars were forced to leave. The building has had various uses since including a military barracks for Napoleon, a school playground and somewhere to house treasures from the museums of Paris during World War II.
It’s free to enter the church but there’s a 5 euro charge to visit the cloisters which I didn’t think was unreasonable. It’s lovely and secluded around the cloisters and a great place to cool off, particularly in the summer heat.
The Hotel de Bernuy
Jean de Bernuy had accumulated his wealth thanks to the trade of pastel. To show this wealth off and his social standing he commissioned the architect and sculptor Louis Privat to design and build the Hotel de Bernuy. Built at the beginning of the 16th century, the residence was organised around two interior courtyards. The stair tower is one of the highest in the city and is a testament to his social power. The building currently houses a school and is not open to the general public, although appointments can be made through the tourist office.
Hotel d’Assezat and the Bemberg Foundation
The Hotel d’Assezat is what’s known as a hotel particuliers, a private mansion of which there are more than 50 in the city built for noblemen and aristocrats during the 16th and 17th centuries. This particular building was constructed in 1555 for a woad merchant and is now home to the Bemberg Foundation and its collection of fine art, sculpture and period furniture.
Pont Neuf
A short detour will take you down to the Pont Neuf Bridge which crosses the Garonne River. It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries and is known as the “New Bridge” even though it’s actually the oldest bridge in the city. The bridge is famous for its seven unequal arches. There are some lovely walks that can be enjoyed along the banks of the Garonne River.
Trinity Square
Trinity Square or Place de la Trinité is a historic square in the heart of the city and is named after the 16th century Trinity Fountain, its central feature. The fountain is an artistic masterpiece with its intricate carvings and elegant design making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The square is surrounded by historic buildings with many retaining their original facades.
Saint Etienne Cathedral
A national monument in France since 1862, the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Toulouse. The origins of the cathedral are uncertain, but its construction spanned several centuries which explains its mix of architectural styles. Built between the 13th and 17th centuries the cathedral displays Romanesque, Gothic, in particular southern Gothic, and Baroque building styles.
Musée des Augustins
The Toulouse Museum of Fine Art is housed in a building that dates from 1309 and is built in the Gothic style. Up until the French Revolution it housed an Augustinian Convent becoming a public museum in August 1795 by decree of the French Convention. It opened shortly after the Louvre in Paris making it one of the oldest museums in France. The collections include over 4000 pieces, evenly divided between painting and sculpture and have been built around a core made up of works seized during the Revolution.
And finally…
Walk back to the Place du Capitole but don’t forget to look at the back of the Capitole Building where you can see its historic keep.
I enjoyed a full day exploring the sights of Toulouse and obviously this is a brief introduction to the city. If you have time it’s definitely worth visiting the museums and spending more time discovering the historic buildings and just walking around the medieval streets soaking up the atmosphere. Of course, let’s also not forget about food and wine, something which Toulouse has quite the reputation for. I hope my itinerary for what to see and do with a day in Toulouse has inspired you to visit this wonderful city.
For more information on the city of Toulouse click here.
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