Musee des Augustins

A true sanctuary of art in the heart of Toulouse, the Musée des Augustins occupies a former convent of the Order of Augustinian Hermits, whose southern Gothic architecture is a spectacle in itself. Within its walls of typical Toulouse red brick, the museum houses an exceptional collection spanning from the Romanesque period to the early 20th century. Sculpture reigns supreme here: its gallery of Romanesque capitals, salvaged from Toulouse's lost buildings (such as La Daurade and Saint-Sernin Basilica), is considered one of the richest and most impressive in Europe. The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the grand 14th-century cloister, a verdant haven of peace surrounded by elegant columns. Wandering through the painting galleries, one discovers masterpieces by Rubens and Delacroix, as well as monumental 19th-century sculptures that seem to converse with the centuries-old vaults. The blend of the monastic rigor of the place and the artistic abundance of the collections creates a unique atmosphere, both solemn and intimate, typical of Occitan charm.