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Things to see in Toulouse

Attractions

Couvent des Jacobins

This former Dominican monastery is a splendid example of southern Gothic style from the 13th century, and also houses the relics of St Thomas Aquinas. Look up to see the giant ribbed vault aptly nicknamed the palm tree. There's also a tranquil cloister and a chapel filled with 14th-century art.

Address: , Rue Lakanal, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 61 22 23 82.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1900 (Jun-Sep); daily 1000-1800 (Oct-May).

Website: http://www.jacobins.toulouse.fr
Admission Fees:

No, except for the convent

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Le Musée des Augustins

The architecture of this museum really steals the show, housed as it is in a beautifully restored Gothic monastery. You'll find a superb collection of paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. The Romanesque and southern Gothic sculptures are probably the most impressive, and don't miss the cloisters.

Address: , 21 rue de Metz, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 612 2 21 82.
Opening times:

Thurs-Tues 1000-1800, Wed 1000-2100.

Website: http://www.augustins.org
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Basilique St-Sernin

The sheer size and beauty of this Romanesque basilica will win you over. In keeping with medieval Toulouse, it's made from soft pink bricks and stone, which give a gentle edge to its majestic dimensions. Its importance on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela puts it on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.

Address: , Place Saint-Sernin, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 61 21 70 18.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0830-1900, Sun 0830-1930 (Jun-Sep); Mon-Sat 0830-1800, Sun 0830-1930 (Oct-May).

Website: http://www.basilique-saint-sernin.fr
Admission Fees:

No, except for the crypt and ambulatory

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: Yes

Le Capitole

If there's one building in Toulouse that doesn't do understatement, this is it. With eight marble columns and an elegant pink façade that stretches across the entire length of the central square, the Capitole isn't subtle. It combines the town hall with the Théâtre du Capitole and the elaborately painted Salle des Illustres.

Address: , Place du Capitole, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 61 22 34 12.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0830-1900, Sun 1000-1900.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Fondation Bemberg

A rich collection of Renaissance and Impressionist paintings fills the rooms and corridors of this 16th-century mansion – in a setting that's just as enticing as the objects within. With pink-brick arches, a tranquil courtyard and sumptuous Venetian furnishings, it offers a glimpse into Toulouse's golden age.

Address: , Place d'Assézat, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 61 12 06 89.
Opening times:

Tues-Sun 1000-1230 and 1330-1800 (Thurs until 2030).

Website: http://www.fondation-bemberg.fr
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Muséum de Toulouse

More than two million objects piece together the natural history of the region in this sprawling, airy space near the Jardin des Plantes in the southern part of the city. There are plenty of interactive exhibits to bring the natural world alive to visitors of all ages.

Address: , 35 allées Jules-Guesde, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 67 73 84 84.
Opening times:

Tue-Sun 1000-1800.

Website: http://www.museum.toulouse.fr
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Musée Saint-Raymond

This fascinating museum showcases life in Tolosa (as Toulouse was known) under the Roman Empire. There is an exceptional collection of marble sculptures, with the most important series of Roman busts ever discovered in France, as well as archaeological remains excavated on site, sarcophaguses and a necropolis from the fourth century.

Address: , Place Saint-Sernin, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 61 22 31 44.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1800.

Website: http://www.saintraymond.toulouse.fr
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Les Abattoirs 

What used to be Toulouse's abattoirs is now a large, airy and decidedly quirky museum of modern art. The exhibitions inside vary throughout the year but look out for the permanent feature outside: a giant pink squiggle that resembles intestines. Take a break in the café and check out the garden's bizarre sculptures.

Address: , 76 allées Charles-de-Fitte, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 34 51 10 60.
Opening times:

Wed-Sun 1200-1800 (till 2000 Thu except during school holidays).

Website: http://www.lesabattoirs.org
Admission Fees:

Yes (free first Sun of the month)

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Cité de l'Espace

Combining fun and education, this theme park is dedicated to the exploration of space. Climb aboard a Soyuz spacecraft and see a replica of the MIR space station and a launch rocket. There's also an IMAX cinema and a planetarium as well as a space gym, where you can attempt to defy gravity.

Address: , Parc de la Grande Plaine – Avenue Jean Gonord, Toulouse,
Telephone: + 33 5 67 22 23 24.
Opening times:

Daily 0900-1700, 1800, 1900 or 2300 depending on the period. Closed Mon (Feb-Mar and Sep-Dec) except during school holidays. Closed Jan.

Website: http://www.cite-espace.com
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Musée Aeroscopia

Explore the history of aviation and Toulouse's major role in developing this industry. Step inside Concorde or an Airbus A300B as well as the Super Guppy, the massive aircraft that transports other segments of planes. Fun, interactive exhibits show everything from how to fly a plane to how to put one together.

Address: Blagnac, Allée André-Turcat, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 34 39 42 00.
Opening times:

Daily 0930-1800.

Website: http://www.musee-aeroscopia.fr
Admission Fees:

Yes

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Office de Tourisme Toulouse

Address: , Donjon du Capitole, place Charles de Gaulle, Toulouse,
Telephone: +33 5 40 13 15 31.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0900-1900, Sun 1030-1715 (Jun-Sep); Mon-Fri 0900-1800, Sat 0900-1230, 1400-1800; Sun 1000-1230, 1400-1700 (Oct-May).

Website: http://www.toulouse-tourisme.com

Tourist passes

The Toulouse Pass Tourisme is valid for one to three days and gives you free public transport and admission to most museums, along with reductions on other attractions, services and shops. With a premium pass you also get a boat trip on the Garonne or the Canal du Midi and a ride on the tourist train. Available at the tourist office or online.

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