Toulouse, France

Toulouse
Le Capitole (built 1753) in the heart of Toulouse on the site of the Roman Capitoline Temple. Photo © Sacred Destinations.

Once an important Roman colony called Tolosa, Toulouse is a large city in southwest France with a population of about 1.1 million in the metropolitan area. Perhaps best known today for its central role in the European aerospace industry, Toulouse is also full of religious and historical treasures. The Basilica of St. Sernin is one of the finest Romanesque churches in France, St. Thomas Aquinas is buried in the Eglise des Jacobins, and the Musée de Raymond and Musée des Augustins overflow with Roman and medieval art, respectively. And it is the proud home of 20 historical pipe organs, more than any other city in France. A pleasant city for shopping and walking despite its size, Toulouse also makes a good base for exploring the scenic Midi-Pyrenees region.


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St. Sernin Basilica
One of the finest Romanesque churches in France, pairing large and harmonious architecture with important medieval sculptures and frescoes.