Pont Neuf claims to be the oldest and most beautiful bridge in Toulouse. It was built between 1544 and 1632, and Louis XIV himself crossed it in 1659. Flooding of the Garonne destroyed all the previous bridges, but this one has been in place for four centuries, thanks to tunnels above the arches, which allow water to flow away during floods. From the right bank, there is an exceptional view of the Hôtel-Dieu and the Prairie des Filtres Park; from the left, you can see the Daurade and Tunis quays. The two bridges either side are the Pont-Saint-Michel (upriver), and the Pont-Saint-Pierre (downriver). The latter offers an excellent view of the Pont Neuf.
Basilique St. Sernin is one of the largest remaining Romanesque churches in the world. It takes its name from Saint Saturnin, Toulouse's first bishop in 250 CE. In 402 his remains, previously kept in the du Taur church, were moved here and a small church, Saint-Exupère, was built around them. Work on the present basilica started around 1080. It is worth visiting for the exterior brickwork, the two crypts, the tympanum over the main door depicting Christ's ascension, and the 800 sculpted column heads.
Located in the heart of the city, Place du Capitole is a historic square surrounded by the beautiful architecture around it. The square houses magnificent Capitol building also known as City Hall along with many vibrant restaurants and bars. The square also hosts many cultural events and weekly markets. Take a stroll around the square admiring the bewitching architecture.
This magnificent monastery and its peaceful cloister have had a stormy history. The construction of the church took more than 100 years! It is the resting place of Saint Thomas Aquinas, thought to be one of Christianity's greatest theologians. There is plenty for the eyes to feast upon at this extraordinary Gothic edifice. The floor is black marble, and the apse called The Palm of Jacobins is quite famous. On the head of one of the columns, a bull's head symbolizes the martyr, Saint Saturnin.
Tucked away at the back of a bistro, the Bijou is somewhere between a café-theater and a concert-café, putting on various shows including one-man turns and a capella singing. If you enjoy the latter, there's a monthly session with Toulouse society the Joueurs de Voix, during which you can join the artists and sing along on stage. You can witness a lot of talented and upcoming musicians in the local music scene performing here. The interiors are modest and homey and the menu includes interesting options like Tuna Steak in the crust of cereals and Burger Bijou XXL.
On the banks of the River Garonne, this concert venue and discotheque is well known not just in France but internationally, too and is reputed to be one of the most bustling concert venues in the country. It hosts more than 150 events per year and the excellent program varies from novice French groups to world-class rock stars such as Steve Vai. Theme evenings alternate with concerts and they also house an in-house restaurant that is open only during summer.
This Catholic chapel of the Haute Garonne is part of the Saint-Jérôme church parish. The current structure was built in 1827 and includes a portal preserved from the original chapel built on the site. The original chapel was built in 1577, but destroyed during the French Revolution. The Chapelle Saint-Jean-Baptiste was acquired by the Diocése de Toulouse on the 18th of November, 1852.
It was Vincent Auriol, former mayor of Muret and President of France under the IVth Republic who insisted on creating the Clément Ader Museum inaugurated in 1930 in Muret, outside Toulouse. The museum was closed during World War II, but it reopened in the 50s, closed again in the 70s has been reopened since 1983. In 1992 an archeology department was added to the existing collections on an appropriate site… at last! While locally-found tools dating from the Paleolithic era to the 19th Century can be seen in the archeology department, visitors will meet with past local celebrities: Vincent Auriol, the composer Nicolas Dalayrac, Adolphe Niel, Secretary of State in Napoleon III’s Government, Clément Ader, founder of modern aviation and a talented inventor who namely improved Graham Bell’s recent discovery, the telephone.
Rib-tickling shows welcome you at the Théâtre Rive Droite. Though diverse performances are staged at this theater, it is more popular for its comedy shows. The much anticipated show called the 'La Comedie Rive Droite' is a hit among the entertainment seekers. And season after season Théâtre Rive Droite comes up with a new show, not disappointing its audience.
La Mounède is a concert venue dedicated to showing world music while increasing awareness and respect of foreign cultures and traditions. Through music, they intend to help rebuild cultural memory and community and preserve the heritage of France's diversity for future generations. Along with concerts, they host artist residencies, family events, traditional dances, and culture-conscious festivals. The concert hall can be organized to accommodate 150 (cabaret style), 250 (sitting), or 600 (standing) audience members, and a restaurant on-site combines meals with art exhibitions to accompany the show. Check website for ticket prices.