Basilica of St Sernin & beyond
The five-tier octagonal tower of Toulouse’s Romanesque Basilica of St Sernin rises gracefully above the surrounding rooftops. Inside, narrow, unadorned columns either side of the nave lead the eye upwards to the high, vaulted ceiling which is beautiful in its simplicity.
Wander south from here through the streets of red-brick buildings and Renaissance stone mansions built by merchants who made their fortune from woad dye, and you’ll soon come across another of the city’s main landmarks: the elegant city hall, or Capitole, which dominates the large, bustling square of the same name.
Continue southwards again, and you’ll arrive at the Musée des Augustins, Toulouse’s museum of fine arts, boasting a large collection of works by artists such as Rubens, Delacroix, Toulouse-Lautrec and many others. This is one of four important art galleries in the city – Les Abattoirs, a former slaughterhouse, focuses on contemporary art, while the Château d’Eau houses collections of modern photography. Highlights of the fourth gallery, the Fondation Bemberg, include works by Monet, Cézanne and Matisse.
Elsewhere in the city, other places of interest contrast the ancient and modern sides of Toulouse – the archaeological museum includes artefacts from up to the end of the first millennium while, in the Cité de l’Espace, there is a planetarium and other space-related exhibitions.
To see yet another side of the city, head for the Canal du Midi, a favourite place among locals, who come to stroll and picnic along the towpath, shaded by plane trees.
Most museums are closed one day a week; check up-to-date opening times online.