Say Salut to the City of Toulouse in France

France is known for its international reputation in arts and culture. The country has been drawing a huge number of tourists throughout the years. But why should you visit France? Well, the answer is pretty simple. The country has got everything to make your vacation memorable, from landscapes to mountains, museums to skyscrapers, it’s got all. Almost 75% of France is the countryside with sunny vibes. The countryside in France has beautiful views, fresh homemade wine, yummy cheese and warmth shown by the people. Be it art, food or history, you will be seeing all of it in every city you travel to France. Every city has its own famous Gothic churches with stunning architecture & histories that flow over thousands of years. Some of the French villages are the most underrated places. One such place is Toulouse, situated down in France.

Ah! Toulouse called as the capital city for southwest France is also known as the city of colours. There is something magical about the city. To everyone who visits Toulouse, it immediately makes them fall in love with the place, for others, it might take a day or two but they too fall in love. Filled with an opulent and rich history, and changing seasons, there is so much to see and do. Another interesting thing about the city is its nickname “ La Ville Rose”. With its colourful tones around the city, it makes sure you adore it with every nook and corner.

Things to do in Toulouse

1. Saint Sernin Basilica

The Saint Sernin Basilica is one of the most glorious churches in the country of France itself. Built during the time period of 1100 – 1300s, the basilica was named in the UNESCO list. Located approximately five minutes away from the town square of Toulouse is the Grand basilica, a historic church with brilliant design and artwork and stunning architecture. 

Open hours: The church can be visited any time between 8:30 AM – 7 PM any day in a week. 

2. Museum of Toulouse

Unlike other city’s museums, the museum of Toulouse does not talk or exhibit about the city but about natural science. Immerse yourself in knowing all about mineralogical, ornithological, paleontological and other “logic” of science for hours. Being one of the largest natural history exhibits in all of France, it takes roughly two and half hours to finish touring the museum that contains over 2.5 million exhibits that were all gathered during the 19th century.

Open hours: You can visit the museum anytime between 10 AM – 6 PM between Tuesday and Sunday of a week.

3. Place du Capitole

Place du Capitole refers to the town square of the city of Toulouse and it flaunts the classic architects of Toulouse in every building built in the city centre. On the west of the city centre, there are a number of beautiful arcades from where you could click beautiful pictures and on the east is where the capitol building is at. Built with pink marbles, the palace aka the capitol building has got eight facades that stand remarkable till date. 

4. Foundation Bemberg

Located in a palace built during the 16th century now converted as Hotel d’Assézat, is the Foundation Bemberg. Designed by Nicolas Bachelier, the construction of the place alone took roughly about 30 years. The place is home to paintings, arts and sculptures done by Georges Bemberg. Initially built for Pierre d’Assézat, the gallery later started housing the collections of Georges Bemberg and later turned into an iconic landmark. 

Open hours: The place is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 6 PM.

5. Church of Jacobins

Built during the Dominican monastery, in the year 1229, is the Church of Jacobins filled with peace and calmness. Apart from housing the famous relics of Thomas Aquinas, the church is also famous for its stunning dimensions and vaults that are about 30 meters deep. The cloister of the church is beautifully green with freshly bloomed flowers in the garden every day. Visit the church of Jacobins to relax your mind, body and soul and leave the place stress free.

Open hours: The church is open from 10 AM – 6 PM between Tuesday and Sunday.

6. Museum of Augustins

Dedicated entirely to fine arts, is the Museum of Augustins. The museum has got sculptures, paintings, arts and collections of special galore and whatnot. Learn about the Gothic and Renaissance movement that took place during the 19th & 20th centuries through the pieces of modern art. The museum is situated near the Augustins convent, which has got a beautiful church with stunning architecture and green lush garden and cloister. If you are a person who loves arts and has things for fine arts and a rare collection of arts, this is the place for you.

Open hours: The museum is open on Wednesday to Monday between 10 AM – 6 PM.

7. Canal du Midi

Built-in the 16th – 17th century with 12,000 workers is the Canal Du Midi which has its name added to the UNESCO list. The 240 kilometres long canal was initially built as a shortcut between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic ocean. The starting point of the canal is from the port of Sete in Toulouse in France. The canal is truly a mind-blowing construction done during the 16th century with minimal resources. Take a stroll through the canal and enjoy the lush green environment and soothe your mind. 

8. Museum of Saint Raymond

Located next to Saint Sernin is Basilica is the museum of Saint Raymond which was established in the year of 1981, home to rare antiques and roman arts. The museum exhibits artefacts of at least 1000 years old and from the Roman and Mediterranean histories.

Open hours: The museum is open on all days in a week between 10 AM – 6 PM.

The land with amazing architecture and rich history is a must-visit place for all history buffs. As for others, visit the city of Toulouse and get mesmerized by the warm colourful tones in the buildings, that make you feel welcomed. Travel to Toulouse with Pickyourtrail and tell us about your experience of travelling to France. Choose from various travel packages available and say Salut to France.