Toulouse Things to Do

Nothing remains of the Cordeliers Convent, built between the 13th and 15th centuries by Franciscan Friars, except the church bell tower and the entrance gate. The Banque de France stands in place of the original building. Stran... more

This tiny square, crossed by several pedestrianized streets, was the scene of violent fighting during the crusade against the Cathares in 1216. It is now one of the most peaceful places in the Saint-Etienne area. The simple fou... more

Originally founded to cope with victims of the great plague epidemics in the 15th century, it was converted into a general hospital in 1647. The Saint-Joseph de la Grave hospital is still a major medical centre as well as an im... more

From the Pont-Neuf, this large church with three towers and machicolations looks slightly like a fortress. It has been rebuilt several times and the present edifice dates from the 16th century. The bell tower and its 83-metre s... more

This small château in the middle of a large public garden was built in 1781; it belonged to Jean de Barry. He lived there alone since his wife, Madame du Barry, was King Louis XV's favorite. She stayed in Paris until the death... more

The Rue de la République opens onto a triangular square, in the center of which stands a fountain, surrounded by handsome maple trees. The Olivier family donated the three-tiered fountain, built in the 19th century by Dargassie... more

If you only have time to visit one of Toulouse's many old mansions, it should probably be the Assézat Renaissance palace. Built in 1555 for Pierre d'Assézat, a pastel merchant, it is now the headquarters of the town's academic... more

Jean-Pascal Virebent is an important figure in the history of Toulouse. Appointed city architect in 1782, he radically changed its layout. He opened up six new squares; Place de la Trinité is one of them. His nephew Urbain Vitr... more

It may not be the Champs-Elysées, but there is definitely something grand about this modern avenue, which was finished in the 1960s. It runs slightly uphill from the Place Wilson to the Canal du Midi and at the very top, a stat... more

A few steps down from the Daurade Square lies the Daurade garden, a tree-lined lawn on the bank of the Garonne River. The garden is bordered by the Henri Martin promenade, a paved path, which runs along the water from the Bazac... more