Basilique Saint-Sernin in Toulouse: visit and practical advice

In Toulouse, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a veritable time machine! Don’t miss this masterpiece of Romanesque art, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. Located 22 km from your campsite near Toulouse, Camping Les Violettes, this visit is a must for anyone visiting Occitanie.

The essentials about the Basilica of Saint-Sernin

• The largest Romanesque church in Europe, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• A major stage on the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.
• Light-filled nave, galleries and ambulatory.
• Crypt housing precious relics.
• Sculpted capitals and remarkable medieval works.
• Prestigious organ and regular concerts.
• Recommended visit in the morning.

Where is the Basilica of Saint-Sernin in Toulouse?

Find the Basilica of Saint-Sernin on the square of the same name, a few minutes’ walk from the famous Capitole. It dominates the university district and vibrates with a special energy, oscillating between the sacred and the student bustle of Rue du Taur.

The forecourt has recently been given a facelift. The council has removed unauthorised parking to pedestrianise the area. The result is a complete transformation, as the building can finally breathe! Take advantage of this unobstructed esplanade to admire the stepped chevet before entering.

This location is the ideal starting point for finding other places to visit in Toulouse in the immediate vicinity.

Access tip: leave your vehicle in the city centre! Toulouse’s traffic plan favours pedestrians. The metro (line B, Jeanne d’Arc station) is still your best bet for getting to the basilica without any stress.

What is the history behind this basilica?

Why does this building captivate historians from around the world? The Basilica of Saint-Sernin holds an absolute record! It is the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe. Its construction began in the 11th century, around 1070, to honour Saint Saturninus, the city’s first bishop.

Local legend tells of his martyrdom in the year 250. Pagans are said to have tied him to a raging bull before dragging him through the streets of the Roman city. The current church was built on the site of his tomb to accommodate the growing crowds of worshippers.

Key figure: in 2024, the Basilica of Saint-Sernin welcomed 898,000 visitors according to the official figures from the Toulouse Team tourism agency.

A key stage on the way to Santiago de Compostela

In the Middle Ages, Toulouse became a major stop on the Via Tolosana. Pilgrims flocked to Galicia and needed space. Consecrated in 1096 by Pope Urban II, the church adapted its architecture to accommodate this constant flow of visitors.

Observe the floor plan! It is designed for traffic flow. Worshipers could enter, walk around the choir to pray before the relics, and exit without ever crossing paths with those entering. An excellent crowd management system!

The proportions of the building

To better appreciate the scale of this giant of brick and stone, here are the dimensions that have made it famous:

• Total length: 115 metres.
• Width: 64 metres at the transept.
• Height of the bell tower: 65 metres.

What to expect from a visit to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin?

Discover what a visit to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin has in store for you!

The exterior of the basilica

Look up before crossing the threshold. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a perfect example of southern Romanesque architecture. Note the extensive use of local brick, punctuated with white stone. This combination has ensured the building’s solidity for nearly a millennium.

The octagonal bell tower immediately catches the eye. It consists of five levels. Take a close look at the three lower levels! They date from the Romanesque period (semi-circular arches), while the two upper levels, added later, herald the Gothic style (pointed arches). The current spire dates from 1478!

The interior of the church

Enter through the south door. The nave is striking for its verticality (21 metres under the vaulted ceiling) and its golden light. Don’t stand still! Walk down the central aisle. The rows of columns seem endless. The very wide transept (double nave) reinforces this feeling of grandeur.

The interior architecture follows a specific spiritual logic. The light guides the eye towards the choir. Admire the galleries above the aisles. They were used to accommodate pilgrims on busy days or to house those who kept vigil over the holy bodies.

The site’s hidden treasure: crypt and relics

The true sacred heart of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin lies hidden behind the high altar. Walk around it to reach the ambulatory. This is where the relics are displayed, including those of Saint Saturnin.

For a small fee, descend into the crypt. This underground area houses a treasure trove of exceptional historical and spiritual value. Here you will discover reliquaries (chests containing relics) and religious objects of remarkable craftsmanship.

The favourite attraction for visitors to the basilica

• The carved Romanesque capitals, veritable medieval comic strips recounting the Bible!
• Christ in Majesty, a white marble bas-relief.
• The recently restored murals in the north transept, dating from the 12th century.
• The tour of the ‘Holy Bodies’ in the ambulatory: a collection of reliquaries arranged around the choir in accordance with the tradition of large pilgrimage churches.
• The shrine of the True Cross, decorated with Limousin enamel, is a precious example of medieval art from the 12th–13th centuries.
• An early Christian sarcophagus preserved in the crypt, a remnant of the early centuries of Christianity in Toulouse.

Visiting tip: visit in the morning, before 11 a.m. The light shines through the stained glass windows and highlights the volume of the nave.

What events bring this church to life?

This monument is not a museum frozen in the past. The Basilica of Saint-Sernin remains an active parish in the Diocese of Toulouse, where services, celebrations and spiritual events still punctuate the life of the place.

If you enjoy sacred music, you’ve come to the right place! The building houses a monumental organ built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1888. This symphonic instrument is considered one of the most remarkable pieces of French heritage. During the ‘Toulouse les Orgues’ festival, it reveals its full power.

Guided spiritual tours are organised regularly. Among other things, they enable visitors to decipher the symbols carved on the gates, including the famous Porte Miégeville.

Tip: Please remain silent during religious services, as the basilica is a place of worship.

Practical information

Organise your visit to the Basilica of Saint-Sernin without a hitch.

• Address: 13 Place Saint-Sernin, 31000 Toulouse.
• Opening hours: every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Crypt opening hours: generally from 10:00 to 17:30 on weekdays and from 13:00 to 17:00 on Sundays.
• Official website: basilique-saint-sernin.co.uk

After visiting the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by nature! Book your accommodation now at Les Violettes Campsite in Deyme. Take advantage of our swimming pool and 3-star services to relax your legs after your adventures in Toulouse!

Source :

• Toulouse Team. (2025, 5 février). Toulouse Team dresse le bilan 2024 et dévoile ses ambitions pour 2025 [Communiqué de presse].