Visit Saint Etienne Cathedrale in Toulouse

Saint Etienne Cathedrale

Marvel at the wooden organ and work out the parables depicted in the stained glass in this blend of two separate religious buildings.

Saint Etienne Cathedral is an exceptional combination of two incomplete medieval churches. As such, its western façade is irregular, adorned with a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque features. Notice the many beautiful abnormalities as you make your way around the exterior and interior of this remarkable mongrel of a church.

Snap photos of the intriguing façade, recognizable by its large 13th-century rose window. Consider how the slanted roof of the Romanesque façade appears out of place with the oblong tower of Gothic design. Admire the elaborate arches, pillars and brick patterns that complete the western frontage.

Enter the church to look around the spacious nave, where sunlight streams through the colorful designs of the wonderful stained-glass windows. Inspect the walls of the church’s interior, which are decorated with Baroque fittings and works of art. The nave also has mixture of architectural styles, having been modified and added to many times over the centuries.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the context and history of this exceptional cathedral, an audio guide is available. Inspect the large wooden organ at the back of the church. Attend a Mass service and listen to the powerful reverberations of the organ. The church has excellent acoustics. At other times, enjoy the sense of serenity in this tranquil religious haven.

Note that the cathedral, which is free to enter, opens daily from morning until evening. There is a fee to access the chancery, which contains fascinating religious artifacts.

Saint Etienne Cathedral is on the southeastern corner of its namesake square a little southeast of the city center of Toulouse. Ride the metro to the François-Verdier stop and walk west for 1 or 2 minutes to get to the church. Explore the area to see other sights such as the Church of Saint-Aubin, the Paul Dupuy Museum and the Jardin Royal.

Guide to Exploring around Saint Etienne Cathedrale

Pont Neuf

Study the intriguing pointed pillars on the river and relax on the grassy knoll of the park beside this iconic bridge.

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Jardin des Plantes

Encounter the fun and elegant features dotted around this large urban park and feed the ducks and swans in the pond.

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Capitole de Toulouse

Attend a theatrical or orchestral performance and admire the artworks on the alleged spot where St. Saturnin of Toulouse was martyred.

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Museum of the Augustins

One of the oldest museums in France, this institution is a fantastic place to see paintings, sculptures and architecture spanning centuries, back to the Middle Ages.

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Airbus

Learn about Toulouse’s long history of aeronautics with the three guided tours of this iconic developer’s factory and main sites.

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Cite de l'Espace

Watch your kids have fun learning, predict the weather and train physically for a mission into space in this hands-on museum.

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Saint George Place

Sit on a café terrace and stroll along the cobbled lanes of this pleasant square, where a notorious execution took place.

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Jardin Royal

Relax in view of the fountain and examine rare species of trees in one of the so-called Remarkable Gardens of France.

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Japanese Garden Toulouse

Appreciate the stillness and traditional artifacts near the lake and forest of these well-paved gardens in the heart of Toulouse.

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Museum of Toulouse

Gaze up at the elephant and learn of humankind’s relationship with cats and dogs in this historic museum of natural history.

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Basilique Saint-Sernin

Inspect the iconic organ and medieval altar and walk the passageways of one of the largest Romanesque structures in the world.

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Church of the Jacobins

Study the Gothic fixtures and enjoy the light, airy feel of the nave, with its intricate vaulted ceiling patterns, in this wonderful church and museum.

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Esquirol Place

Browse shops and cafés, consider the history of this former Roman plaza and then explore the surrounding area to find other Toulouse attractions.

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Notre-Dame of Dalbade Church

Examine the impressive 19th-century organ and notice the range of colors in the Renaissance ceramics that adorn the elaborate façade of this building.

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Saint Raymond Museum

Find out what the Labors of Hercules are, see the sarcophagi in the basement and inspect ancient tools in this former prison and necropolis.

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Garonne

Take a cruise on this wide river, as it meanders between the leafy parks and historic bridges and buildings of the Pink City.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Saint Etienne Cathedrale

See all 738 Properties near Saint Etienne Cathedrale

Nemea AppartHotel Résidence Concorde $97

Per night/room

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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Nemea AppartHotel Résidence Concorde

16, Boulevard Bonrepos, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Toulouse City-Centre, this residence is within a 15-minute walk of Rue d'Alsace-Lorraine and Basilique Saint-Sernin. Place du Capitole and Museum of the Augustins are also within 1 mi (2 km). Toulouse Matabiau Station is only a 2-minute walk and Marengo SNCF Station is 5 minutes.

Crowne Plaza Toulouse $93

Per night/room

Sep 20 - Sep 21

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Crowne Plaza Toulouse

7 Place Du Capitole, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Toulouse City-Centre, this luxury hotel is steps from The KASE Toulouse Saint-Rome and Place du Capitole. Museum of the Augustins and Basilique Saint-Sernin are also within 10 minutes. Capitole Station is only a 3-minute walk and Esquirol Station is 5 minutes.

Best Western Hotel Toulouse Centre Les Capitouls $69

Per night/room

Oct 11 - Oct 12

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Best Western Hotel Toulouse Centre Les Capitouls

29 Allees Jean Jaures, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Toulouse City-Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Place Wilson and Place du Capitole. Basilique Saint-Sernin and Museum of the Augustins are also within 15 minutes. Jean-Jaurès Metro Station is only a 2-minute walk and Capitole Station is 6 minutes.

Novotel Toulouse Centre Wilson $84

Per night/room

Oct 4 - Oct 5

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Novotel Toulouse Centre Wilson

15 Place Du President Thomas Wilson, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Toulouse hotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Place Wilson, Place du Capitole, and Museum of the Augustins. Basilique Saint-Sernin and Toulouse Business School are also within 1 mi (2 km). Jean-Jaurès Metro Station is only a 2-minute walk and Capitole Station is 2 minutes.

Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra $121

Per night/room

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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Grand Hôtel de l'Opéra

1 Place Du Capitole, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Toulouse City-Centre, this spa hotel is steps from Capitole de Toulouse and Place du Capitole. Museum of the Augustins and Basilique Saint-Sernin are also within 10 minutes. Capitole Station is only a 2-minute walk and Jean-Jaurès Metro Station is 6 minutes.

Hotel Toulouse Canal Du Midi $62

Per night/room

Oct 6 - Oct 7

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Hotel Toulouse Canal Du Midi

5 Boulevard De La Gare, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Toulouse East, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Halle aux Grains Theater and Museum of the Augustins. Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin are also within 1 mi (2 km). Francois Verdier Station is 7 minutes by foot and Jean-Jaurès Metro Station is 12 minutes.

Hôtel Le Père Léon $92

Per night/room

Sep 21 - Sep 22

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Hôtel Le Père Léon

2, Place Esquirol, Toulouse, Haute-garonne

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Toulouse City-Centre, this hotel is steps from Esquirol Place and Museum of the Augustins. Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin are also within 15 minutes. Esquirol Station is only a 2-minute walk and Carmes Station is 4 minutes.

Le Grand Balcon $88

Per night/room

Oct 6 - Oct 7

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Le Grand Balcon

8 To 10 Rue Romiguieres, Toulouse, Haute-Garonne

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Toulouse City-Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin. Capitole Station is only a 4-minute walk and Jeanne d'Arc Metro Station is 7 minutes.

Saint Etienne Cathedrale Vacations

Saint Etienne Cathedrale