Toulouse can be discovered through a range of themes: Romanesque architecture, Roman collections, space exploration, gardens and regional produce. When planning your stay, you can prioritise these highlights according to your interests. Historic buildings and archaeological evidence sit alongside exhibitions on astronomy and nature; the market and canal add further facets of the city.
Architecture, Pilgrimage History and Archaeology
The Capitole has a history spanning more than eight centuries. The Couvent des Jacobins was built by the Dominicans between 1230 and 1385. Its nave, divided into two aisles, is defined by a famous palm-shaped vaulted structure, the Palmier des Jacobins. The construction period, floor plan and distinctive form offer various starting points for exploring the convent’s architecture.
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin also brings together architectural history and religious significance, but in its own way: it is a Romanesque basilica dating from the 11th century, built of brick and stone, and is considered an important pilgrimage shrine on the French routes to Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the two religious buildings, the focus for the Couvent des Jacobins is primarily its construction period and distinctive vaulted structure, while for Saint-Sernin it is the Romanesque architecture and pilgrimage history.
The Musée Saint-Raymond turns its attention to the people who lived in the Toulouse region in the past. It preserves almost 1,000 Roman sculptures that illustrate the lives of the Celts and Romans. The basement also contains the remains of the Saint-Sernin necropolis, as well as numerous funerary works of art from Roman antiquity and the early Middle Ages. The collection and archaeological evidence therefore offer different perspectives: the sculptures illustrate life in the region, while the funerary works of art reveal burial and remembrance practices from two historical periods.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
The Cité de l’espace adds a science theme park dedicated to space exploration and astronomy. Its more than 250 exhibits include lunar rock, authentic modules from the MIR space station and a full-scale replica of the Ariane 5. The facilities include 4,000 square metres of permanent and temporary exhibitions, an IMAX cinema, two planetariums and an astronomy dome.
The Cité de l’espace thus offers a different focus from the buildings and historical collections: here, space and astronomy take centre stage. Exhibits and individual installations may change over time. If you are particularly interested in specific exhibits, take this possibility of change into account when planning your visit.
Discover Gardens and Nature
The Jardin des Plantes is home to around a hundred botanical species. Activities on offer include a children’s carousel, a small train, bicycle hire and pony rides. Availability may vary, so check what is on offer for your visit date before you go.
The Jardins du Muséum, surrounding the pond at La Maourine in the Borderouge district, are a place to discover nature. Almost 700 varieties of food plants, fruit and vegetables are grown and displayed in the Potagers du Monde, including rare plants. Comparing these green spaces, the Jardin des Plantes focuses on botanical species and the activities mentioned, while the Potagers du Monde highlights the diversity of edible plants and their display.
Market and Heritage
The Marché couvert Victor Hugo is located in the heart of Toulouse’s remarkable heritage area. On the first floor, the market houses restaurants that showcase regional products sold on the ground floor. This makes the market’s offerings and regional produce a common thread for the restaurants, too.
The Canal du Midi adds another heritage site to the city’s historic places: it is a historic canal within the city of Toulouse and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the buildings, collections and gardens, it offers another way to explore the city’s history.
Discover more destinations: Deyme, Caraman, Montesquieu-Volvestre, Boulogne-Sur-Gesse, Fenouillet, Labastide-Paumès, Coueilles, Saint-Michel
For the regional travel overview: Haute-Garonne.
