On Thursday, we went to Toulouse for lunch and the afternoon with my friend, Rebecca. We ate lunch at Casa Bomba, then went on a walking tour of part of the old center of Toulouse. Our first stop was at the Augustin Convent and Cloisters, founded in 1286. It was built in the early 1300's. The convent was decommissioned in 1790 and since 1795, it has housed the Toulouse Museum of Art. The art exhibited is from the early Middle Ages through the start of the 20th century.
Next stop was the Hotel d'Assezat Foundation Georges Bemberg, a French Renaissance hotel particulier or urban palace, built in the 15th century. Today it houses the Bemberg Foundation, a major art gallery of Toulouse. It is currently being renovated, but we enjoyed seeing the grand exterior.
We walked along the Garonne River, past the Ecole des Beaux Arts, and the Basilique Notre Damela Daurade.
Then past Hotel de Bernuy, another French Renaiisance hotel particulier mansion, built in the 16th century, and used as a school since 1567.
We visited the Convent des Jacobins, started in 1230. The deconsecrated sanctuary is known for it's Palmier des Jacobins - columns with ribs resembling palm trees. We enjoyed visiting the cloister, and the museum, exhibiting sets and costumes from various operas.
Our last stop was at the Capitole of Toulouse. The Capitouls of Toulouse are the governing magistrates and the original building was started in 1190, to provide a seat for the government. The current facade dates to 1750. The sculptures, decorations, and paintings in the Capitole are made by Toulouse artists. It is a magnificent building!
