Whether you are traveling to Toulouse for business or pleasure, there are a number of ways to spend a day here. You can take a leisurely stroll along the canal, enjoy a relaxing meal at a quaint restaurant, or visit a number of museums and historical sites.
Basilica Saint-Sernin
Located in Toulouse, France, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is the largest Romanesque church in Europe. It is a very important cultural and religious site and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The church is dedicated to the city's first bishop, Sernin. It was built between the 11th and 14th centuries. It is a pilgrimage site and has a special place in the history of the city. The basilica is a masterpiece of Romanesque art and architecture.
It is a very impressive church that has five wide vaulted naves. It also features an octagonal bell tower. It is also famous for its Romanesque sculpture. It is one of the best preserved Romanesque churches in the world.
It has two daily masses. They are held at 9am and 6:45pm. During this time, you can admire the relics of the saints, which are on display in the church. There are also numerous medieval frescoes to look at.
You can visit the church for free. It is a large building and is best seen on a guided tour. There is also a cafe bar where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or chocolate.
The church also features a small crypt area. There is a chapel with a wooden canopy. There is a bookshop in the area that carries books about the Basilique. You can also browse through various formats of souvenirs.
You can visit the Basilique of Toulouse anytime of the year, except for bank holidays. It is open from 8.30am to 6pm, except for Christmas and Easter. During this period, you can also see the tomb of the famous Toulouse Counts. You can also walk around the streets of the Old Quarter.
Musee des Augustins
Located in the former Augustinian monastery in Toulouse, the Musee des Augustins is one of the oldest museums in France. Its collection includes works dating from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the 1940s. It is also rich in sculpture.
Originally built in the 13th century as a convent, the building has been restored throughout the centuries. Its architecture features brickwork and a Gothic church. The museum is housed in the monastery's cloister.
The museum is full of Roman and Gothic masterpieces. It has several rooms filled with Roman capitals. It also has works by Delacroix and Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum is open on Tuesday through Sunday.
The Musee des Augustins also offers classes and concerts. The museum also has a shop for souvenirs and postcards. Its gift shop offers fun knick-knacks and colorful tote bags. You can find postcards reflecting the artwork on display. The Musee also occasionally opens at night.
Another interesting site is the Capitole Square. It is a meeting place for the locals. Its mosaic features a cross and a mosaic of the zodiac. The Capitole is also home to the Opera House.
The Musee George Labit is another attraction. It is free if you have a Toulouse Pass. It has a beautiful mosaic on the outside and Asian and Egyptian art inside. The inside of the museum has air conditioning and it is a pretty place to visit.
The Vieux Quartier is a medieval quarter south of the Capitole. This area is lined with pedestrian streets. It is a lovely place to walk and there are several cafes. The Toulouse Museum of Art is also a great attraction. It has works from several religious buildings, including the Cathedrale Saint-Etienne. It also has beautiful sculptures and oil paintings in the classicism style.
Place Saint-Pierre
Located in the south of France, Saint-Pierre is 17 kilometres from Toulouse. During your visit, you can walk along the Garonne river and take a boat tour of the canals. This is a great way to see the city.
You can also see the Capitole de Toulouse, which is one of the most important buildings in the city. This neoclassical building was built between 1725 and 1760. You can explore the beautiful ceremonial rooms with frescoes.
Another place to visit is the Basilique Saint-Sernin. This Romanesque-style church is named after the first bishop of Toulouse. It has five tiers of bell tower.
Other interesting places to visit are the Couvent des Jacobins and the Musee des Augustins. These sites contain a large collection of art work. You can also explore the Japonais Gardens of Pierre Baudis, which are peaceful and beautiful.
If you are traveling with kids, you might want to check out the African Safari Zoo or the Cite de l'Espace. These are family-friendly attractions in Saint-Pierre-de-Lages.
The Capitole Square is a lively marketplace. You can also find plenty of cafes and bars here. This is a great place to meet people, especially during your lunch break.
The Musée des Augustins is a wonderful museum presenting an overview of Western art. The museum has over 4,000 items in its collections. You can also enjoy a free walking tour around the museum.
There are countless other things to do in Toulouse. You can also take a romantic cruise on the Garonne river. The city is a great destination for travelers looking for a little bit of French culture. You can spend a few days exploring this city.
Jardin des Plantes
Located in the Busca district, the Jardin des Plantes in Toulouse is a beautiful botanical garden. It offers fresh ponds, a variety of flowers, and plenty of trees. It also hosts a museum, making it an ideal location for a picnic or a relaxing day in the sun.
In addition to the botanical garden, the site also has a natural history museum. There are exhibits on the evolution of the earth, as well as on the biodiversity of plants. The museum is free to enter, and stroller access is available.
Another interesting museum is the Musee George Labit. This museum is free to visit, and it features Asian and Egyptian art. The outside of the building has a colorful mosaic, and there is air conditioning inside.
If you are looking for something different, you can also explore the Aeroscopia. This aviation museum is located 30 minutes away from the centre of the city. The museum offers an interactive experience, with a flight simulator, as well as a Super Guppy, a replica of an aircraft. You can also ride a rocket, and see sensational animations.
If you want to get out of the city, you can take a trip on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal du Midi. You can hire a houseboat to cruise along the canal, and you can enjoy fishing, rowing, or canoeing. There are also cruises on the Canal de Brienne and the Canal de Garonne from June to October.
The Capitole in Toulouse is the main square in the city. It is a large open space with an entryway, marble stairs, and an open courtyard. This is a popular spot for tourists to visit.
Canal du Midi
Taking a boat trip on the Canal du Midi is a great way to see the south of France. The area is dotted with chateaux and is home to world-famous lavender fields. The region has many boutique wine regions, such as the Corbieres and Herault.
One of the best places to see the city of Toulouse is from the water. You can take a short boat trip or embark on a multi-day river cruise on a converted flat-bottomed boat. The latter will give you the chance to sit on the deck and relax while your crew cooks you a meal.
A good place to start your exploration of the Canal du Midi is in Toulouse. This vibrant city was born out of the ashes of the Languedoc region, which was experiencing religious conflicts and governing itself was difficult.
The city is known for its pink-orange terracotta brickwork. If you're lucky, you'll spot the Dome de la Grave on the skyline. You may even find a market day stall in the square. Then, head to the Capitole, where you can watch newlywed couples step out of the city hall. Then, visit the Victor Hugo market for some small plates and wine.
The Canal du Midi is the longest and most prestigious canal in Europe, and you can easily spend a few days here. The route is 241km long and has 63 locks. The route is also an ideal way to explore the Languedoc and its many vineyards. You can hire a boat for self-drive trips.
If you want to go all out, you can make a stop at the La Cite d'Espace, which is home to cutting-edge space technology, a Martian meteorite, and an aeronautical museum.
