Toulouse looks like a sea of terracotta from a pigeon's perch, but the action happens down on the pavement. The map is the real city and the round is played on its actual streets, using local attractions like the Capitole as holes. Skip knows these alleys by heart. It is a full round of 18 holes with a par of 56, covering 11.1 km and using 34 portals.
Let me show you the Canal de Brienne. This French canal is built to connect the Garonne River with the Canal du Midi and the Canal de Garonne. It is a key piece of the local water network and is also known as Canal de Saint-Pierre. As you follow the banks, you can pick out the two locks that manage the water levels. One of these, the Ecluse Saint-Pierre, is the specific lock opening to the Garonne. It is a peaceful spot to watch the water move through the city.
You will first notice the curated greenery and serene atmosphere of the Jardin japonais. This botanical garden is designed to offer a quiet retreat for those visiting the city. As an urban park, it provides a dedicated space for nature and plant life amidst the surrounding buildings. I find it is a great spot to slow down and take a breath before heading back into the bustle of Toulouse. It is the kind of place where you can forget the noise of the traffic for a while and just appreciate the plants.
The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a minor basilica and monastery located in Toulouse, France. This site is built on the location of a previous basilica from the 4th century. It is dedicated to Saint Saturnin, who served as the first bishop of Toulouse in c. 250. Visitors can see that the style of the building is Romanesque art. Because of its architectural and historical value, the basilica is a classified historical monument and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1998.
This isn't an active place of worship, but a deconsecrated Roman Catholic church. Located in Toulouse, the Église des Jacobins is a classified historical monument that started construction in 1230. Its architecture influenced the development of the Gothique méridional style. While the building underwent major restoration in the 20th century, it has since been partially converted into a museum in the early 21st century. I've seen plenty of fancy eaves and ledges in this city, but the lines of this particular place are something else entirely.
You might expect a standard museum, but the Musée des Augustins is actually a secularized convent. Located in Toulouse, the site is known for its Gothic art and had an inception in 1396. It is a place where religious history meets public art, though it ceased to be a convent in 1790. I've always found the transition from a cloistered space to a public one quite fascinating. You can pick out the remnants of its spiritual past as you walk through the halls, which provide a very different atmosphere than a modern white-wall gallery.
Notre-Dame du Taur is a Roman Catholic church in Toulouse. The building is an example of the Meridional Gothic style. It is situated on the rue du Taur, positioned between the Capitole and the Basilica of St. Sernin. Because of its significance to the city, the building has been classified as a historic monument since 1840. Visitors can observe the distinct architectural characteristics of the Meridional Gothic style while visiting this site on the rue du Taur.
Let me show you the Capitole. It is a central landmark in Toulouse that began its inception in 1205. This site is a key point of interest for anyone visiting the city, offering a look at the architectural evolution of the area. You can pick out the scale of the building as you walk by, and it is a place that remains central to the identity of the town. I find it is a great spot to watch the city pulse around it, especially since it has been a fixture here for so long.
The Hôtel d'Assézat is a private mansion in Toulouse. This French Renaissance hôtel particulier of the 16th century was designed by the architect Nicolas Bachelier, with its inception in 1555. It is officially a classified historical monument and currently houses the Bemberg Foundation. If you look closely at the stonework, you can see the precision that defined the era. I find that the courtyard provides a wonderful sense of space compared to the busier streets outside, making it a perfect place to pause and take in the surroundings.
Let me show you a spot beside the Pont-Neuf. Here you will find Galerie Le Château d'eau, a nineteenth century water tower that sits near the cours Dillon. It is a monument historique inscrit, and both the building and its pumping station have been listed as historical monuments since 28 September 1987. It is a great landmark to spot while you are wandering through Toulouse. I usually see a few of my friends hanging around the eaves of these old stone structures.
Temple du Salin is a Protestant church building. It is a classified historical monument and is also part of the Patrimoine du XXᵉ siècle. The construction of the building was started in 1911. The architect responsible for the design of this site was Léon Daures. Visitors can observe the specific style of the era that Daures implemented here, making it a notable point of interest for those interested in the religious architecture of the twentieth century in Toulouse.
Palais Niel is a palace located in Toulouse. It is a notable landmark in the city for visitors to see. I have noticed that the architecture makes it a distinct point of interest for anyone walking through the neighborhood.
Let me show you the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle. You can find this natural history museum in the Busca-Montplaisir neighborhood of Toulouse. It was founded in 1796 and has since grown into a massive resource, housing a collection of more than 2.5 million items. Visitors can explore these treasures across some 3,000 square metres of exhibition space. It is a popular spot in the city, seeing 243,432 annual visitors. I usually find the neighborhood quite peaceful for a stroll between the exhibits.
Located in Toulouse, France, Cathédrale Saint-Étienne is a Catholic cathedral. It is a classified historical monument that serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Toulouse. You can pick out a blend of several architectural styles in the structure, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Meridional Gothic. The building has been listed as a monument historique since 1862. This site is a central point of the city's religious life and provides a clear example of the different building techniques used over the centuries to construct this large and significant place of worship.
This building is not a church or a civic hall. It is the Synagogue in Toulouse, a synagogue that serves as a place of worship for the community. Construction on the building was started in 1857. This site is an important center for the Jewish faith within the city, providing a space for prayer and gathering. Visitors can observe the architecture of this house of worship as they move through the streets of Toulouse. It remains a dedicated place for the religious practice of the synagogue community.
You will first notice La Halle aux Grains as a concert hall. This venue is also a corn exchange, meaning it serves both the arts and the agricultural trade. I find the combination of a musical space and a grain market quite a unique way to spend an afternoon in Toulouse. Whether you are here for the acoustics of a performance or to see the business of a corn exchange, there is a distinct character to this building that makes it a highlight of the city's streets.
Église Saint-Aubin is a church building in Toulouse. Visitors come to this site to see the architecture and experience the atmosphere of the space. It is a place of worship and a point of interest for those walking through the city.
Let me show you Place du Président Wilson. This square is a monument historique inscrit, which means it is officially recognized for its historical importance and protected by the state. When you visit, you can see how this specific space has been preserved as a site of heritage within the city. It is a great example of the local urban layout and the way the city values its older public spaces. I've noticed it's a nice spot to pause for a moment and watch the world go by while you are exploring the neighborhood.
You will first notice the distinct architecture of Église du Gésu, a church building designed by Henri Bach. This site is a monument historique inscrit, ensuring its preservation for future visitors to the city. Work on the structure began in 1854. For anyone walking through Toulouse, the building is a significant example of the religious architecture found in the region. It is a place for quiet reflection and a landmark that helps orient you as you move through the local streets.