Toulouse is the European and even the global capital of aviation as we have surpassed Boeing. Very quickly, the mayor of the time and the entire population of Toulouse wanted to cerate an aviation museum. it's natural, our city are always had a strong connection with aeronautics. We found the location near Toulouse airport, 1, Alley André Turcat 31 7 000 Blagnac. Then the project was launched, it took a little delay, as it was necessary to find the funds. It was in January 2015 that the museum was inaugurated. It's a unique place not to be missed. it attracted more than 288 000 visitors in 2018 and now I think much more. The visit is done in two stages: First you will visit an oval-shaped building in which you will find a multitude of airplanes and you will learn about the history of aeronautics. Secondly, you will move towards two outdoor tarmacs. You will discover the legendary planes built in Toulouse, which have made our city famous. The interior of Aeroscopia: You can explore the inside of the A380 and the Concorde, as well as many other aircraft, in this aerospace museum in Toulouse. Inside this magnificent oval-shaped hangar, you will find the star of the place, the Concorde. You will be able to observe many other planes, models, and learn about the history of aviation. This museum works well because it is interactive, you participate in many experiences and it continually renews itself. What's great it that you can get into the airplanes, and it's magical. A Toulouse Association, the "Ailes Anciennes" ( old Wings ), renovated warplanes and gives them to Aeroscopia for display. So, you can also observe legends like the Mirage, and the MIG, among many others. Aeroscopia's latest acquisition in a life-sized LEGO X-wing. Outside Aeroscopia: You can discover an A320 and an A340 !. Outside Aeroscopia, you will have access to two tarmacs where you can see the airplanes that made the aeronautics history of Toulouse. One the first tarmac, the star is the Concorde. You will feel a great emotion seeing this beautiful bird. On the second tarmac, the star is the Airbus A380. Prepare yourself for a grand experience, just like this extraordinary airplane. You will be able to observe different interior layouts of this plane. It's amazing to go inside the A380 in order to discover his amazing interior . That's all for today. If you come to Toulouse, do not miss visiting Aeroscopia. It had managed to rise to the level of the World's greatest aeronautical museums. One last detail, there is another complete tour of the Airbus factories complex. I have done it and is fantastic and unforgettable. Please note, tickets for the Airbus factories tour can be purchased at Aeroscopia. INTERACTIVE PHOTOS BONUS: INTERACTIVE A380 PHOTOS BONUS: INTERACTIVE VIDEO BONUS: The Toulouse blog present to you the interior of an aircraft in the aviation museum of Toulouse. Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

Toulouse is the European capital of space. Indeed, in our city are located Thales, CNES, major engineering schools, start-up, and a room to observe the laugh of space vehicles. So it was only natural that Toulouse should have a museum dedicated to space. it was inaugurated in 1997. its success is undeniable, as it is constantly evoling and there is a lot of interactivity at the Cité de L'Espace. The visit takes place in two stages. First, you will go inside to see the permanent and temporary exhibitions. Then, you will go into the landscaped park to admire evrything you see on the map above. The inside of the City Space: The permanent exhibitions: You will literally be immersed in the space environment. What's interesting is that you will often beinvited to participate in numerous experiments, as the City of Space is not just a simple museum. The temporary exhibitions: This year the program is rich. An exhibition to learn all about the moon. Rovers are on stage! On a Martian terrain of the City of Space, watts real-size robots evolve. The night-time at the City of Space: Every Tuesday and Thursday from September 11 to August 24, until 11 pm., Telescope observation, garden lighting, night-time show on the rocket. The outside of the City of Space: Next, you will stroll through the garden to admire the star, the life-sized Ariane 5 rocket, and all the others. you can also participate in numerous attractions. This year, there is a new one this autumn, " MoonXplore " . It's a sphere that will show you the stages of a trip to the moon. In particular, you will experience 2 to 3 G's in this centrifuge. For your information, astronauts experience 4 G's. To conclude, here are some additional information: You have three dining spaces available to eat. There are 4 000m2 of exhibition space. 27 000 life-sized objects. 4 hectares of space garden. 2 planetariums. An IMAX 3D cinema. 132 astronauts have visited the City of Space. There are over 30 science educators. That's all for today. The City of Space is a unique place in the World that you definitely shouldn't miss. As proof, since its opening, it has welcomed 8 million visitors. I hope this will inspire us to come and visit Toulouse. Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Daurade: The Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Daurade is located on the banks of the Garonne River, and it stands majestically. It's distinctive feature is taht its entrance is composed of whitecolumns, which contrast with the rest of the building that is of a typically Toulouse architectural style. You can see it in the two photos below. Thanks to the city hall, it underwent a significant renovation project two years ago. You will see, it is full of suprises, it not to be missed. It's name comes from our regional language, Occitan " DAURADA" which means golden. After a Roman tempel, there was a Wisigothic buildind covered in gold. The Basilica was built in the 18th century and it displays a heavy pediment on pillars. The ashes of the poet " Pierre Goudouli", transferred by the Floral Art Academy, are in the basilica. The Basilica: It was listed as a historical monument in 1963. In the 9th century, it was incorporated into a Benedictine Monastery. In the 11th century, it was extented by a Romanesque nymph, and in 1977 a cloister was built. In 1760, the dome was built and in 1761 all the Romanesque part was demolished because it was threatening to collapse. In 1764, a project to redisign the docks was enacted, it will be carried out by the architect Saget. The project is ambitious, the Basilica is replicated but reversed, so heart is built on the transept. It was consacrated in 1836 and elevated to a basilica by Pope Pius IX in 1876. It was completed in 1883. The black virgin: The particularity of the basilica is that is houses a black virgin. The worship is dedicated to pregnant women. It was burned during the French Revolution and was rebuilt in 1807. It measures 2 meters in height. It has numerous different dresses, many of which have been created by high fashion houses. One of the dresses was created by " Jean-Paul Gautier ". To ensure that the Virgin does not always wear the same dress, they are regulary changed. The crown of the Virgin, as well as that of the Child, are classified. The organ: There are 2 organs, one on the gallery which is classified as a historical monument and one in the choir. They participate in the Toulouse Les Orgues Festival. The gallery: It is called the Chapel of the Angels. The altar and the tabernacle are made in marble. There are two statues, on the right is Saint Joan of Arc and on the left is Sainte-Germaine de Pibrac. You can also see a painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The ceramics are made by Gaston Virebent. The magnificent special feature of basilica is that it is completely covered in painted murals, from the walls to the ceilling. There is a painting of the Virgin's heart and one depicting the Stations of the Cross. The basilica by night: The Church of la Dalbade: It is located in the Carmes neighborhood. It is typical of Southern Gothic architecture. In the 15th century, a violent fire ravaged the neightborhood, and even the church did not escape. The reconstruction took place in the 16th century, and it retained the name of La Dalbade. The bell tower is the work of " Nicolas Bachelier ", dating back to 1551. In 1881, to showcase ecclesiastical power, the bell tower reached a height of 80 meters, making it the highest point in the city. In 1926, it collapsed, killing a baker couple and causing damage to the neigtboring houses. The outside: The church has the appearance of a medieval fortress with few openings. On the facade, you can see a tympanum of the Italian Renaissance Type. (Photo on the right) It is made of ceramic representing the coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico, created by " Gaston Virebet " in 1874. The porta itself dates back to 1537. Inside: It was restored in 1926 after the collapse of the bell tower. In contains several statues of Mary. The heart: There is a work, the Nativity of the Virgin by " Jean-Baptiste Despax", which is classified. The stained glass windows: They depict scenes from the life of Mary. the Orgal: In 1849, it was built by " Prosper Antoine Moitessier" and includes 46 stops, 3 keyboards, and a pedalboard. it was oerfectioned in 1888 by the Toulouse native, " Eugène and Jean-Baptiste Puget" and has 50 stops. In 1927, after the collapse of the bell tower, " Maurice Puget" restored the organ. It is classified as a historical monument. The Church La Dalbade by Night: You have a very nice tapas bar to admire the exterior of the Dalbade church. The Saint-Exupère Church: It is located in the Grand Rond neighborhood, on Allée Jules Guesde. Built in 1620, it wax inaugurated in 1623. In 1807, it was renamed Saint-Exupère after the bishop of Toulouse from the 9th century. It was classified as a historical monument in 1974. The outside: The plans were made by " Didier Sansonnet". The statues present on the facade are the work of " Gervais Drouet" in 1658. it has a typical Toulouse architecture and its flat and rounded bell tower is particularly noticeable. inside: The Christ behind the tabernacle and the wooden statues of " Saint-Louis Bertrand" and " Rose de Lima" are from the 17th century and were created by " Thibault Maitrier". The paintings in the cloirs date back to 1838. Numerous paintings adorn this church, including the famous Tracian Sibyl. the heart : The interior is decorated with 17th century plasterwork and painted canvases from the 17th and 18th centuries. The entire ensemble is listed as the historical heritage site. The Orgal: It is notable for is 27 stops, 3 manual keyboards with 56 notes each, a pedalboard and 1 500 pipes. Yoy will notice the beautiful marble columns that support the structure. Comme and stroll around and listen to the organ. The songs That are played on it are not always very traditional or religious. It dates back to 1887 by " Théodore Puget". It is the Baroque style, with its musical cherubs, flower pots, and carved foliage friezes. It has been classified as a historical monument since 2011. The Church of the Taur: Unfortunately, it is currently closed for renovation. It is located 12 bis Taur Street 31 000 Toulouse. It was built between the 14th and the 16th centuries. It is was southern Ghotic architecture. Its particularity lies in its bell tower, which is a characteristic feature of the region and is designed as a wall tower. It was built on the site where Bishop Saturnin was martyred by the Romans. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1840. Outside and inside: Its bell tower is a wall tower aligned which the facades of the surrounding houses. It reaches a height of 40 meters. the tower is composed of two levels, framed by turrets, and topped with a triangular pediment. The corillon comprises 13 bells dating back to the 15th century. The portal is in the Gothic style from the 14th century. It is framed by two niches that house statues. It xaw enlarged in the 15th century with two triangular side chapels. in the 17th century, the walls of the nave were covered with woodwork, and a magestic bench was installed on both sides of the nave. On one wall, you can see a painting of the martyrdom of Saint-Saturnin dating from 1825. On the facade wall, there is the organ, manufactured between 1878 and 1888 by the Toulouse-based compagny Puget. It underwent renovations in 1992 and 2017. In the 15th century, the choir was constrcted, ans in 1970 a new altar was dedicated following the reforms of VaticanII. The Church houses relics of Saint-Saturnin. The organ: It consists of 40 stops with three keyboard and a pedalboard, built by Puget. It has been classified as a historical monument since 1987. The Saint-Nicolas church: It is located in the Saint-Cyprien neighborhood, at 36 Grande rue Sian-Nicolas 31 000 Toulouse. Outside: It was dedicated to the patron Saint of those who fear water and shipwre. Indeed, it is quite ironic considering that the Saint-Cyprien neighborhood itsel was a victim of the largest flood ever recorded. There were hundreds of deaths during the flood. In 1300, it was rebuilt in a regional Gothic style, and its octogonal bell tower, in the Toulouse style, shares similar characteristics with that of Saint-Sernin Church. The tympanum depicts the " Adiration of the Magi" dating back to the 15th century, which the presence of the Virgin Mary. The heart: The church is built in the regional Gothic style and was constructed by " Jean Constantin" in the 15th century. Many of the paintings inside date back to the 19th century. Notably, there are six ferscoes depicting the life of Saint-Nicolas from 1891 to 1894. The Heart: The decoration of the Church date back to the 18th century. The altarpiece, created by " Etienne Rossat" and the painter ' Sébastien Despax", is composed of marble columns and a painting depicting the " Apotheosis". The organ : The organ built by " Callinet" in 1845, features three manual keyboards and a pedal board. it is classified as a historical monument, recognizing its artistic and historical significance. Church Saint-Nicolas by night : Here are some typical exemples of churches in the region: That's all for today. I wish you a good read. Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

The Church: Originally, the building was simple, reflecting the humble preaching brothers who lived there. The facade is very strict, with only a few gargoyles and a door present. Aportal from 1234 is also on the west side. The building was constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is a jewel of Languedoc Gothic art, entirely in brick typical of Toulouse. It was considered the most beautiful Dominican church in Western Europe. The church consists of a cloister, a chapter house, a refectory and a " Saint-Antonin " chapel. Initially, it was a building where the Dominican Catholic preaching brothers wanted to bring the good word to the Albigensians, the Cathar heretics according to the King of France. It measures 80 meters in length and 20 meters in width. The millstone piles are 22 meters high. The most notable is the construction of tree co-called palm the technique, which is a unique masterpiece in the World, it is 28 meters high. The church will be extent in the middle of the 13th century, the heart will be raised at the end of that same century, thanks to the palm tree technique. The bell tower in on the north side of the church and is 45 meters high. It is an octogonal bell tower with 4 floors. During the French Revolution, its spire was destroyed. The nave, however, was raised in the 14th century. The Jacobins, throughout their history, underwent numerous renovations. The Cloister: It is a haven of peace in the heart of the city, when you are there, there is no sound. Many people from Toulouse come to read, draw, paint, or relax there. It was constructed over a century between 1230 and 1315 and consists of four galleries. The colonnades are made of gray Saint-Béat marble and the capitals are adorned with vegetal sculptures. They support the lean-to roof. It is located between the refectory and the chapter house. Built and decorated between 1335 and 1341 at the expense of " Dominique Grima ", Bishop of Pamiers. Its decoration represents the second vision of the Apocalypse. Near the white windows with false lily flowers, there are angels, each of them with musical instruments. The Walls paintings of Saint-Antonin, Bishop of Pamiers. Since 1369, the church has housed relics of " saint-Thomas D'Aquinas ". The interior is painted with polychrome decorations and Occitan crosses from Toulouse. The stained glass windows date back to 1955 and were created by " Max Ingrad ", inspired by Western roses. The evolution on the Jacobins over time: The first Empire made it a barracks for the soldiers. The French Revolution led to the relocation of the religious to Saint-Sernin. For several centuries, the Jacobins housed the University of Toulouse, but it was relocated during the French Revolution. In 1908, there was a major political congress of the socialist party, with the great local left-wing politician " Jean Jaurès ". At the end of the 19th century, an exhibition of arts and industry brought together more than 1 600 craftsmen. During the first World War, the church served as a hiding place for the treasures of the Paris museums. In our times: Today, the Jacobins are very much open to the public. Catholic Masses are now celebrated there on a small altar in its midst. In the summer, the Jacobins host temporary exhibitions and after dark, classical music concerts are organized in this wonderful setting. Above all, there is the annual Jacobins Piano Festival. The Jacobins Church is a first-rate architectural building in Toulouse. The Jacobins by night: The illumination dates back to 1918 and has been improved many times since. Today, it is illuminated by an eco-friendly LED system. The lighting is not harsh, but rather gentle, in order to highlight the major architectural elements of the building. That's all for today. I hope you will enjoy reading this post dedicated to the Jacobins. Perhaps this will make you want to come to Toulouse to visit this magnificent building. Welcome in Toulouse The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

Hello everybody, I hope is doing weel. Today, I told you from the begining that Toulouse doesn't reveal itself to you, it's by walking around, by looking up that you will discover the city. What I'm doing to tell you is an exemple. There are Toulouse inhabitants who know about it but have nver seen it, Toulouse inhabitants who are unaware of it and very few Toulouse inhabitants who know about it and have actually seen it. Even who have taken the street thousands of times to go to my law School classes, realized that it was the street where what I'm going to talk to you about is located. I'm walking down this street and I find myself in front of an ordinary door, it's typically Toulouse-like ans d I think to myself......no it can't be here . I double-check..... I haven't made a mistake. I push the door open and find myself facing a white stone esplanade and a grand entrance, with a magnificent door adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary and a rose window. With my curiosity growing, I tell myself, I just have to go in and see this famous chapel. Actually, today I'm going to talk to you about the Carmelites chapel of Toulouse. It was built in the 17th century and decorated in the 18th century. It was the place of prayer for the convent, which was destroyed during the French Revolution. The numerous wall painting by " Saint-Rivalz" and paintings has been classified as a historical monument since February 11, 1909. Louis XIII promised to provide ressources for the construction, but he did not follow through. The construction was able to begin thanks to the president of the Parlement of Toulouse. Its architect was " Didier Sansonnet". The chapel was completed in 1643 and it consist of single nave, four transepts ans a three-sided apse. It has a length of 29 meters, a width of 10 meters and a height of 11,82 meters. The chapel is illuminated by 8 high windows. All the fourniture has disappeared. In 1751, a Roman-style marble high altar by the sculptor " Etienne-Rossat" was installed. In 1658, the nuns ordered new paintings with the intention of removing those created by " Jean-Pierre-Rivalz" and remained in the chapel. During the French Revolution, all the paintings were transferred to the " Musée des Augustin" and the " Saint-Sernin Basilica . Between 1807 and 1905, the woodwork of the aspe and the painting of the Annunciation were created. In 1817, the painter " Roques ", restored the ceiling paintings. Today, the chapel is open to the public, allowing visitors to discover this extraordinary place. Sometimes, they hold symphonic candlelight concerts there. I don't know if you have been to Rome to see the wonder that is the " Sistine Chapel", designed by Michelangelo. If you haven't had the chance to go yet, I highly recommended you do so without a second thought. But it's worth nothing that the Carmélites Chapel in Toulouse was built taking inspiration from Michelangelo's Sistine chapel in Rome. There is indeed an atmosphere of the Italian Renaissance in this chapel, especially when one sees the prophets and the sibyls painted on the ceiling. The chapel of the Carmélites: 1, Périgord street 31 000 Toulouse. Interactive Bonus: One evening in this magical place, I listened to the concert of a symphony orchestra by candlelight. The theme was : Vivaldi's Four Seasons " . It was magical!!!!!. I'll let you listen and let yourself be carried away. This symphonic concert in this beautiful chapel of the city center of Toulouse is amazing !. Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

Saint-Etienne Cathedral of Toulouse: Hello everybody, I hope is doing well. Today, I'm going to talk to you about Saint-Etienne Cathedral of Toulouse and her square. The topic is indeed quite interesting and you will quickly understand why. The exact date of construction for the cathedral of Saint-Etienne is not very well know. It is believed that in a 3rd century, Saint Saturnin , who had established a Catholic community in Toulouse, created a place of worship at that very location. This is early place of worship laid the fondation for the subsequent construction of the cathedral of Saint-Etienne. At lirit glance, when you enter the Cathedral, it may not appear particulary inviting. It is understand that one may initially feel hesitant or overwhelm med upon the Cathedral. From the outside, the architecture is chaotic as the Cathedral is a patchwork of architectural styles. But I will show you why and demonstrate that Saint-Etienne is not as uninteresting as it may seem. It is intriguing to learn that your region was involved in a religious conflict with Paris and the French King. He had converted to the catholic religion , while we were what was called Cathares. In the eyes of the King, we were simply heretics who needed to be eliminated ans converted. It was in the 13th century that a violent battle called the " Albigensian Crusade " took place on the square in front of the Cathedral. The crusader soldiers of the King of France opposed the defended of Toulouse, but it was the King's. Certainly! The tumultuous events of the " Albigensian Crusade " had meaningful consequences on the architecture of the Cathedral. Indeed, the cathedral initially had a nave in the style of medieval Romanesque architecture, which is characteristic of our region. When the King of France won the battle, as a symbolic gesture, he planned to transform the Cathedral by marking it ressemble the Cathedrals in the northern part of France. The most visible alteration was the construction of an immense nave a Gothic architectural style, which stood in stark contrast to the Romanesque nave, that you can see on the photo. From the square, one quickly realizes: there is a rose window that is inspired by the one from Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. It houses mural, numerous relies, tombs and most importantly, the statue of Pierre Paul Riquet, who was the designer of the Canal du Midi. Indeed, Pierre Paul Riquet is buried within the Cathedral. It is worth nothing that all the stained glass windows are original. The King of France continues to desire to transform and expand the cathedral in order to assert his power. In the late 13th century, there was a project proposed by " Bertrand-de-l'Isles-Jourdain. The project was intended to focus on the nave, but it was never completed because there simply wasn't enough money available. This was resulted in leaving Saint-Etienne Cathedral in a state of disarray, which still the case today. Magnificent relic located in Saint-Etienne Cathedral. There are at least ten of them. In 1522, a young archbishop named " Jean D'Orléan " erected the impressive 55-meter high bell tower, which significantly advanced the project. It is worth nothing that the bell tower has 17 bells. In 1609, of fire broke out in a Cathedral, resulting in the complete destruction of its roof. It was " Pierre Levesville " who resolved to install a vault the nave. Originally, the project planned for a height of 40 meters, but it ended up being built to a height of 28 meters. The burned furniture was replaced with Gothic and Baroque pieces. Saint-Etienne Cathedral boasts a magnificent organ that has been well maintained over time. The original organ dates back to 1612. It was expanded and restored several times between 1677 and 1787. It weighs 13 tons, stands 12 meters tall and is 10 meters wide. In 1977, It was classified as a historical monument in France. I will tell you about the greatest cardinal of Toulouse: Cardinal Saliège. Indeed, during the German occupation, cardinal Saliège took a stand in support of Jews during all of his masses. For his actions, he received numerous decorations and was awarded the title of cardinal. The Square of the Saint-Etienne Cathedral: The fountain: It was created by diverting an aqueduct that used supply water to the cloister of the Cathedral. In the mi- 16th century, " Jean Rancy" grave it a renaissance style. Later, it was transformed by Pierre Affre. The prefecture: From the photo, we can see that the porch opens onto a magnificent inner courtyard, with architecture completely in the Toulouse style. Formerly the Episcopal Palace, it is now the seat of the regional prefect in the Republic. The porch, the entrance door built in 1614 and the entire building constructed in the typical architecture Toulouse style, are classified as historical monuments. Inside, you can find a stunning stair case, created in 1691 by the sculptor " Jean Pujos". Since 1800, more than 90 prefects have occupied the premises , coexisting with the General Council until 1999. The chocolatier: CRIOLLO A great find, this chocolatier from Toulouse is in my opinion, one the best in the city. You can just buy chocolates, but since they also have a tea room, I recommend indulging in some sweet treats as well. CRIOLLO: 2, Saint-Etienne Square 31 000 Toulouse. The Italian restaurent: Officina-gusto: Push the door and you will be amazed a beautiful painted ceiling with baked color, created by " Renées Aspe", a Toulouse based painter, who won the grand prize in New-York. You will be able to enjoy refined Italian cuisine with impeccable service. OFFICINA-GUSTO: 7, Saint-Etienne square 31 000 Toulouse. The BARS: BONUS PHOTOS: On the square, the are several bars side by side. In the evening, the terraces are sunny. Enjoy an aperitif and admire the charming of Saint-Etienne Cathedral, which is definitely worth mentioning. That's all for today, I wish you a good read and I hope it will make you want to come visit Toulouse. Welcome in Toulouse. The Blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck. EXTRA PHOTOS :

Now you know that Toulouse was a city built by the Romans with terracotta bricks over 2 000 years ago, which is why it's known as the pink city. In Toulouse, whenever you want to build a new structure or make a new development, you always come across Gallo-Roman archeological remains. Therefore, before any new project, we are obliged to conduct excavations to study this rich and invaluable heritage. Toulouse: TOLOSA under the Roman Empire: From the first century onwards, Toulouse had built an ancient Roman theater on the banks of the Garonne River, at the foot of the current " Pont Neuf ". Toulouse had a population of 20 000 inhabitants and offered plays, entertainment, and music. The most beautiful vestige of TOLOSA is visible in front of the Prefecture of " Haute- Garonne ". Indeed, we can observe here the foundations and walls made of terracotta bricks, typical of Roman architecture. Another visible proof of " TOLOSA " the Roman, is the amphitheater and Romain baths of " Purpan-Ancely ". These vestiges are evidence of the games the Romans were fond of, including " gladiators ". During the reign of Claudius, this amphitheater was created with a seating capacity of 7 000 seats. By the third century, its capacity had increased to 15 000 seats. At this location, in addition to the amphitheater, there were also houses, baths, a market, and a swimming pool. At present, the site is not in good condition, but within a year, the municipality plans to restore and enhance it. In the basement of the Uniqlo store in Toulouse, on " Poids de l'huile " street, there are vestiges of Toulouse, the Ancient Roman city. These are part of the foundations of the old city of " TOLOSA ". At the TNT, which is the contemporary art theater of Toulouse, there is a restaurant in the basement that I recommend you try. In a pleasant setting, there are several food stands where you can serve yourself, pay, and then enjoy your meal. You can enjoy good local products, fish, sweet foods and even sushi there. At the back of the room, you can also find traces of Toulouse during the Roman era. The fortifications of Toulouse in the Christian era: In the Christian era, Toulouse was promoted and became a Roman colony, which allowed it to have city walls. The walls were 3 km long, included around 50 towers, and surrounded the 90 hectares of the city. The construction was solid, using limestone and terracotta, which allowed Toulouse to resist the Arab sieges in 721 and the Catholic crusaders at the beginning of the 13th century. The fortifications of Toulouse in the Middle Ages: In the 16th century, new walls were erected . They can be found in the " Raymond IV " Garden, on the left bank of the Garonne river, in the garden next to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Toulouse. This wall is 300 meters long and has 4 towers. They are in perfect condition because they have been renovated. These walls protected the city on the left bank of the Garonne against the Saracens in 721 and the English during the Hundred Years War. In 1509, war broke out with the King of Spain and Louis XII wanted better protection for the second city in the kingdom. He provided Toulouse with a wall consisting of 10 brick towers, of which 3 are still standing today. You can see them in the photo at the bottom left. You can see some walls from this era in perfect condition, which have been restored, on " Boulevard Armand du Portal ", along the faculty of law. The last two photos show vestiges of the Toulouse city walls from the Middle Ages, one can be found on " Allée Jules Guesde " and the other in front of the new University of economics in Toulouse. The fortifications from the 18th century: Indeed, in 1789, the urban planner " Louis de Mondran ", due to Toulouse's growth, demolished 170 meters of the city walls. That is why there are only a few remaining walls, and the most beautiful ones are in the " Raymond IV " Garden. From the " Saint-Cyprien " market, looking towards the city center, you can see the vestiges of the old city gate. ( Here are the last two photos ). And it is at this location that you can observed the " Taillefer " tower which is the most remarkable vestige. It is the largest defensive tower ever built in the city and, in 15th , it was an invincible artillery work. Later on, it was used to house the sick, particularly those with the plage, to isolate them from the rest of the city. Today, it houses the school of midwifery. The " Raymond IV " Garden nowadays: Nowadays, it is a very pleasant garden. There is a carousel with games for the little ones and a refreshment stand with a magnificent view of the Garonne River. As you can see in the second and third photos, you can enter the wall where an art piece is displayed. That's all for today my friends. I hope that you will have enjoy to reading this post about Toulouse " TOLOSA ", who was built by the romans with terracotta bricks. Welcome in Toulouse. The blog from Toulouse. Greetings Franck.

Today, I am going to talk to you about the Saint-Sernin Basilica, which is my favorite monument. It is the biggest Romanesque church in Europe, together with the cathedrals of Speyer in Germany and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. It has 260 Romanesque capitals. It is the most visited monument in Toulouse, since in 2022 it welcomed 645 000 visitors. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, a part of the Way of Saint James de Compostela. The history of its construction: Its construction took place between 11th and 13th centuries. It all began in the 3rd century, when Saint Saturnin established the first Christian community in " TOLOSA ", which is Toulouse in Occitan. One day, unwilling to renounce his religion, Saint-Saturnin was about to leave when he was seized by pagans. These pagans tied him to a bull that dragged him from a city gate to the Basilica. This is how Saint Saturnin became the first Gallo-Roman martyr. It was he who will be at the origin of the construction of the Basilica, where there is a sanctuary dedicated to Saint Saturnin. The Saint-Sernin Basilica from the outside: It has a 65-meter-high bell tower with 5 levels. It is shaped like a cross, with the transept measuring 65 meters high and each arm having two apses. It is built with terracotta bricks, typical of Toulouse, but it also features limestone and green-colored " marne " stone. It has a nave that is 115 meters long. In 1478, a spire with a Catholic cross at the top was added to the Basilica. The Saint-Sernin Basilica from the inside: Inside, there are 128 relics, including those of 6 apostles. It is the second church in the world to have the most relics after the Vatican. Inside, one can find flesh, chandeliers, numerous busts of saints and medieval wall paintings dating to 1180. The Saint-Sernin Basilica has 24 bells. The tomb of Saint Saturnin, " the Fires of Ecstasy", pictured in the first photo, was built by the sculptor " Marc Arcis " in a Baroque style with gold accents and marbles. The sanctuary of Saint Saturnin is only open once a year, on November 29th. It has the most beautiful orgen in the city, it was completed by the " Aristide Cavaillé-Coll house " in 1889. It includes 3 458 pipes. If you ever come to Toulouse, you will see the dates on the Toulouse blog's calendar, including the " Toulouse les Orgues " festival. The city is the organ capital of Europe and hearing this organ being played is truly magnificent. During the festival, organ concerts are held every evening in different churches throughout the city. In the Southern part of the Basilica, there are two feet embedded in the wall, which belong to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims used to kiss these feet before visiting the relics. During that time, the Basilica became one of the largest pilgrimage centers in the West, due to Toulouse being a stop on " the Way of Saint James de Compostela ". Aspect of the square in the Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, the square surrounding the Basilica was a town that was completely destroyed during the French Revolution. Even the cloister did not resist this phenomenon of destruction. Between 1804 and 1808, it was the French urban architect " Urbain Vitry ", who designed the new square. In the 80s, the car culture prevailed over the Basilica, as an open-air car park was located all around it, a paradoxical situation. On May 27, 2005, for the inauguration of the Airbus A380, Toulouse had the honor of welcoming Elisabeth II, Queen of England. She was dressed in purple and carried a bouquet of violets from Toulouse, paying tribute to our city. Afterwards, she wanted to visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and as soon as she arrived, she said: I'm shocked. Who came up with the idea of putting a car park around this magnificent monument?. If Elisabeth II were still alive, she would be happy about the new layout of the square. It was not until 2019, that the inauguration of the new square took place, featuring benches, plated trees and bars with large terraces. But the most significant change is that the square has been rid of cars and is now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. It is the Catalan urban planner " Joan Bousquet ", who is behind this successful development. He even reconstructed the cloister by creating a platform with trees planted in its place. People can read, paint, rest or play pétanque there. The Way of St. James de Compostela: Toulouse and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin are one of the biggest stages of the Way of St. James de Compostela. This has been the case since the Middle Ages, when only 3 out of 10 pilgrims arrived at their destination. Indeed, there were 1000 km between Toulouse and Santiago de Compostela. its paths are called the " VIA GARONA ". Along the Way, there are stages where pilgrims stop at various holy places, such as Saint-Bertrand-de-Cominges, Saint-Gaudens and Rieux-Volvestre. If you wish to explore the paths of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, I'II give you the website of a company that organizes various circuits. I have personally met them, they are serious. La pèlerine: www.lapelerine.com contact@lapelerine.com The Saint-Raymond Museum: It was an ancient hospital, then a college for the Poors. In the 19th century, everything was destroyed on the architect Virebent's orders. Toady, this museum is built in the Toulouse style with terracotta bricks. It has a collection of Gallo-Roman art. On sunny days, there is a small refreshment bar, very pleasant in the small garden. The Labor Exchange: Built in 1930, it is of Art Déco style. It houses many French trade unions. Jean Jaurès, a great local left-wing politician, frequented the place for a long time. The Du Barry Hotel: Louis XV had given it to a great family, the " Dubarrys ". The classic facade is common, but the interior is magnificent: painted ceilings, stuccos, mirrors, tapestries and luxurious furniture. All the rooms are lined with numerous garlands . This family had a tragic fate, and nowadays the building is a high school, the Saint-Sernin high school. Bernard street: It is the street that leads to Saint-Sernin from the boulevards. An important architectural curiosity on this street, not to be missed. Indeed, one can see three houses set back and a magnificent Art Deco-style building, amidst the local architecture. If you come to Toulouse, don't miss seeing this complex dating back to the 1920s. Saint-Sernin by night: Thanks to an ecological LED system, Saint-Sernin illuminates every evening in the Toulouse sky. The white lighting is particularly successful and it really enhances the monument. Here's to hoping that you enjoyed this post about the beautiful Saint-Sernin Basilica. If you ever come to Toulouse, it's definitely a monument you shouldn't miss out on. Welcome in Toulouse. The Toulouse blog . Greetings Franck. EXTRA PHOTO OF THE BASILICA SAINT-SERNIN IN TOULOUSE : EXTRA PHOTO OF THE BASILICA SAINT-SERNIN HER ENTRANCE RENOVATED AND HER ITS NEW CONTEMPORARY ROSE WINDOW : EXTRA VIDEO OF THE BASILICA SAINT-SERNIN IN TOULOUSE : Video showing the magnificent entrance façade of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse with its new contemporary rose window. Video showing the peaceful surrounding of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse, with pleasant bars and terraces.