What are the top 10 historical places to visit in Toulouse, France?

Toulouse is an ancient city located in southern France on the banks of the River Garonne. This city is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture and gastronomy, and its rich history makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in France. From stunning churches to lively squares, and immaculate museums to stunning parks, Toulouse has a wealth of unique and inspiring places to explore. Here are the top 10 historical places to visit while travelling in Toulouse.

1. Basilica of Saint-Sernin

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin was built in the 11th century and still stands today as one of Toulouse’s oldest and most recognisable monuments. As part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, this Romanesque church is a beautiful representation of the city’s history and culture. Inside the church, you can find impressive carved stone and magnificent stained glass windows, plus a crypt containing the remains of many saints. With its towering archways and beautiful spire, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is an impressive sight.

2. Place du Capitole

The Place du Capitole is Toulouse’s main square and a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of the city, this square is surrounded by impressive 18th century buildings and features a beautiful fountain at its centre. During the warmer months, this plaza is a great spot to sit and people-watch as well as enjoy some free entertainment put on by street performers. In the winter months, it also looks stunning when illuminated at night.

3. Les Abattoirs

Les Abattoirs is a former slaughterhouse that has been transformed into the modern art museum of Toulouse. Inside this impressive former industrial building, you can find a vast collection of paintings and sculptures from both 19th and 20th century artists. Les Abattoirs also houses a fantastic library where visitors can visit to read up on artists or craftsmen from all over the world.

4. Church of Les Jacobins

The Church of Les Jacobins is one of Toulouse’s oldest religious buildings and was built in the 13th century for the Dominican monks. This gothic church stands out in its neo-classical style and inside, you can find numerous works of art as well as an impressive tympanum depicting various figures from religious and mythological stories. The Church of Les Jacobins is also home to the tomb of Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of Christianity’s most famous theologians.

5. Museum of Natural History

Discover a fantastic collection of local flora and fauna inside the Museum of Natural History in Toulouse. This museum is split into two main sections: Invertebrates and Vertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without a backbone and you can find huge varieties of butterflies, molluscs and insects inside this section. Alternatively, if you’re looking to see some mammals there’s a huge collection of locally extinct species from the region including bears, wolves, lynx and martens.

6. Pont Neuf

Pont Neuf, or the new bridge, is an iconic structure in Toulouse and looks particularly stunning when illuminated at night. This bridge was built in 1632 to link the city across the river Garonne and since then has been one of Toulouse’s most recognisable landmarks. When crossing Pont Neuf, you can witness some wonderful views across the river as well as another vantage point to view Les Abattoirs museum.

7. The Garonne

The River Garonne which runs through Toulouse has been important to both transport and commerce for centuries and many historical events have taken place along its banks. Enjoy spectacular views, landmarks and birdlife all within easy reach when exploring the Garonne from the city centre by boat or foot. There are also many tranquil walking trails around the riverbanks where you can catch sight of some expert anglers casting their lines or simply enjoy the riverside scenery away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. Toulouse Cathedral

Toulouse Cathedral is an impressive feat of architecture and one of France’s oldest buildings. Built at the beginning of 12th century, this structure has suffered numerous fires over the years yet still retains much of its original medieval design. Inside you can find various works of art such as statues, painted frescos and lavish altarpieces. There’s also a crypt located within Toulouse Cathedral which houses 11th century foundations which were discovered during a recent excavation.

9. Cite de l’Espace

Toulouse is a city which looks to the future as much as the past and this can be experienced with a visit to Cité de l’Espace. This theme park combines interactive activities with creative attractions such as a planetarium, flight simulator and special exhibitions on planetary life as well as real space objects ranging from satellites to rockets which have carried astronauts into space. There’s also a huge IMAX cinema inside Cité de l’Espace where visitors can learn all about space exploration on the biggest screens in Toulouse.

10. Musée des Augustins

Musée des Augustins is Toulouse’s Fine Art Museum and holds an impressive collection featuring works from some of the world’s greatest artists including Goya, Rubens, Lucas Cranach and many others dating from the Middle Ages through to modern times. Spanning 3 galleries within a 13th century building, there’s plenty to discover here as well as fascinating information about each artwork inside via audio or guided tours are also available for visitors looking to learn a little more about Augustins Museum exhibitions.

Toulouse is home to some truly incredible historical attractions that allow visitors to uncover its long history of art, religion and culture throughout the ages. From magnificent churches to stunning monuments, there are some fascinating places to visit in this beautiful city – making it truly unique! Whether you are looking to soak up some local culture or simply enjoy some breathtaking sights, there’s something for everyone here in Toulouse! For more information on these historical places to visit in Toulouse you can check out touropia.com, which includes detailed information about all these fascinating attractions.