From Bagneres de Bigorre we went on a day trip to Toulouse. While there, we went on a tour around the city. Here are some of the interesting points we learned while on our self guided tour. We used the app called Discovery Itineraries which is a virtual tour.
The City Hall
The City Hall is a beautiful building built around the King Henry the Fourth courtyard decorated with his statue. The main square has a neoclassical facade with alternating brick and stone.
The Donjon Du Capitole
Built in the 16th century, the Donjon Du Capitole held the city’s archives and was used for town meetings. It has crenellated ramparts, four watch towers and one bell tower. It is now the town’s tourist office.
The Carmelite Chapel
The Carmelite Chapel was built during the 17th century. On the inside of the church there are paintings along the walls and vaulted ceiling. The artwork was mostly painted by Jean-Pierre Rivalz. His successor, Jean-Baptiste Despax finished his work assignment. This is said to be one of the painted masterpieces of Toulouse.
The Taur Church was named in memory of the marytydom of St. Sernin who was the town’s first bishop. He met an untimely death when he was dragged through the streets by a bull.
The Basilica was built between the 11th and the 14th century and is an Unesco World Heritage Site. Inside, a golden box holds the relics of Saint Sernin. The basilica is also one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe. It can be recognized by its portly architecture and ornate decorations.
The Jacobin Convent is a beautiful building with colourful stained glass windows and tall columns going all the way down the middle. There is a ribbed ceiling and at the top of the last column it looks like a big palm tree. The relics of St. Thomas Aquinas are also held in a gold box up at the altar.
Although all of the facts and buildings are interesting, my favorite part of our tour was when we stopped at a chocolate shop. The chocolate art was FANTASTIC, it looked so good you would not want to eat it and ruin it. Instead of chocolate, we bought a meringue that was bigger than my head for Mikhaila and I to share. That is why Toulouse is TERRIFIC!
Comments
9 responses to “Terrific Toulouse”
I just love the way your history lesson ended with an historically huge reward!! Did you ask how long it takes to become an ‘Artiste du Chocolat”? Those Chocolat pieces looked amazing.
Are the cities busy this time of year with tourists? You are SO lucky to be away from the snowstorms that are starting to happen in Ontario.
Hi!
I did not ask…. Better reason to go back!
Hi Zoe,
Thank you for this interesting and beautiful blog. The European architecture is so beautiful, and the Artists’ work is outstanding!
The photos are classic, and I agree with you , chocolate art is Fantastic–too good to eat! Love Baba
Hi!
We got meringues so we did not have to worry about eating the chocolate artwork! 🙂
I really like the Jacobins Convent…. It was so beautiful! 🙂
Thank goodness you told us about the chocolate and meringues, Zoe. I was beginning to thing you’d gotten all grown up on us 🙂
Hi!
I like tours…. But I also like meringues and chocolate…. Both together is the way to do it…. But the chocolate and meringues sounds great with ice cream and candy! 🙂
Yummy and so talented. I wouldn’t want to eat them either….or would I? Glad you had a great day at Toulouse! Love Teta Doreen xoxox
Did you visit the Airbus Factory in Toulousse!! we went two years ago. Fabulous
I love the looks of the chocolate! However, I agree that it would be hard to eat them as they are so beautiful! Glad to hear that you are still happy and healthy.
Keep looking for more chocolate stores:)