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.
Labeled as one of the finest gardens of Toulouse, Jardin Japonais has been a city tradition since the year 1981. Not too far from the city's convention center and administrative headquarters, this Japanese garden proffers a serene and tranquil atmosphere to escape the city bustle. The garden reflects the quintessential landscape styles adopted for those island nation's gardens built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Some of its key features include a turtle island, dry waterfall, and a tea pavilion.
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.
Both adults and children enjoy Toulouse's mini-train. The half-hour trip starts at the Place Wilson and takes in all the major sights of the historic center: the Place du Capitole, the Saint-Sernin basilica, the quays of the Garonne River and the Place Esquirol. Young visitors love this child-sized train whilst adults take advantage of its lazy pace to get an overview of the city. Between June 1 and September 30, the trains run everyday from 10:30a to 12p, and then from 1:45p to 6p. Outside of the tourist season, the trains run on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and school breaks (at the same hours).
The commune of Fronton is at the center of the oldest wine producing regions in France, where wine-making is considered more as a culture than just an art. Located along the Route de Montauban is the winery called Cave de Fronton which is well known for producing quality rose wines derived from the local grape, négrette. Grapes from the plantation here are carefully picked and processed to make premium quality red wines. Call or visit their website to know more.
This is the junction of the Canal du Midi, the Brienne Canal, and the Lateral Canal, which leads from the Embouchure Port to the Garonne River. Three bridges cross over the three waterways: the first two were built in 1774 and named Ponts-Jumeaux (twin bridges); the name remained even after the addition of a third bridge in the 19th Century. A few barges are still moored here. Go down the steps to the reservoir; the superb marble bas-relief on the wall, dating from 1775, depicts the Garonne, surrounded by symbols of agricultural fertility and the ancient city.
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.
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.
Labeled as one of the finest gardens of Toulouse, Jardin Japonais has been a city tradition since the year 1981. Not too far from the city's convention center and administrative headquarters, this Japanese garden proffers a serene and tranquil atmosphere to escape the city bustle. The garden reflects the quintessential landscape styles adopted for those island nation's gardens built between the 14th and 16th centuries. Some of its key features include a turtle island, dry waterfall, and a tea pavilion.
This is the most interesting château to visit in the region, not so much for the architecture (although it is a handsome specimen of typical local architecture) as for the wonderful gardens and decorated rooms. They are a rare and perfectly preserved example of 18th-century style. The entrance fee includes a guided tour of five small reception rooms, which feature a rare group of 17th and 18th-century tapestries, portraits of the Chalvet family (they've owned the château for three centuries), 18th-century and Regency furniture, and an odd "Chinese room". The château is really more the size of a mansion; it has an atmosphere of intimacy and well-being. You are then free to wander through the box garden. It is unique in Europe, and includes 6 kilometers of box hedges and a maze. The towns nearby, Merville and Lespinasse, are charming little villages with typical "clocher-mur" churches to see. For timings call ahead.
A famous French aeronautical museum, located in Blagnac, is a favorite among local residents and tourists. This aerospace and avionics museum features a massive exhibition hall that houses close to thirty vintage aircrafts, both military and civilian, multiple models, classic engine and air parts, and other artifacts that highlight the rich history of French Aviation. They offer a range of varied tours, including discovery, free, thematic, guided and visioguidage. They also offer in-depth knowledge programs for children that includes regular visits, interactive sessions and creative workshops, along with a playful booklet titled 'Rally to the Museum'.