Toulouse Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Etienne)

The basics

Toulouse Cathedral consists of two incomplete churches joined together—one started in the first half of the 13th century and the other started at the end of the 13th century and then abandoned. The two churches bring together two distinct Gothic styles. One is the first-ever example of Southern Gothic style in red brick; the other is built in the more traditional Northern Gothic style, similar to what is found at the cathedrals of Chartres and Notre Dame.

The interior is just as unusual as the exterior, with two separate sections that are not on the same axis and give the cathedral a disjointed feeling. One of the main attractions lies inside: an organ whose pipes are suspended 56 feet (17 meters) off the ground. Originally built in the 17th century, the organ is still used for concerts today.

Things to know before you go

• Entrance to the cathedral is free.
• The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
• Keep an eye out for the interesting choir stalls with carvings of both pagan and mythological creatures.

How to get there

The Toulouse Cathedral is located in Place Saint-Étienne on the southern edge of the Old Quarter, about a 20-minute walk from the Toulouse's central station. You can also join a guided cycle tour of the city to see the cathedral and other monuments in one trip.

When to get there

The cathedral is open daily throughout the year, but opening times vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check in advance.

Bike the city

Ranked one of the best cities in France for cycling, Toulouse has 305 miles (490 kilometers) of bicycle paths, and 15 percent of its roadwork is designed for bikes. There are also more than 3,000 docking stations for the city’s public bike network, along with plenty of bike rental companies, making it an ideal place to explore on two wheels.