Top Things to do in Midi-Pyrénées
Top Hotels in Midi-Pyrenees
What to do and see in Midi-Pyrénées, Occitanie: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Stretching from the wooded Dordogne to the towering peaks of the Pyrenees, this vast region is a popular winter sports destination, but one without the hordes that besiege the Alps. Spring's melted snows lure kayakers and rafting enthusiasts. In summer, amateur and advanced hikers take to the hills.
Restaurants in Midi-Pyrenees
1. Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,251 reviews
Reviewed By soloflyer2018 - Brisbane, Australia
The magnificent brick building with its amazing Gothic entrance is very hard to describe because it is so huge and apparently the largest brick Cathedral in that part of the world. But... when you enter inside that is when your breath is taken away...it is beautiful. Although it is a French Cathedral the Art is Italian and it is spectacular. I actually visited more than once because I could not absorb everything. The history, the color, the Art ,amazing and a definite "must see" in Albi.
2. Chapelle Notre Dame de Ruffis
3. Basilique de l’Immaculee Conception
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By JW_Dam - Nijmegen, The Netherlands
The basilique was blessed on August 15, 1871 and consecrated in July 1876. The stained glass in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception retrace the history of the Virgin Mary until the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Pope Pius IX in 1854 and the Apparitions of Lourdes in 1858. This same Pie IX is represented on a medallion above the entrance of the Crypt. Surely worthwhile to visit
4. Eglise Saint-Jerome
5. Sanctuaire Notre Dame de Lourdes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,717 reviews
Reviewed By laurencC2840FK - Paris, France
Through walking the cute quiet town of montemarte, which has tons of quirky art and souvenir shops, you reach the beautiful church and climb up to the dome. Lots of stairs so be prepared but worth it.
6. Chapelle des Carmelites
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By JJH12345678 - Market Harborough, United Kingdom
This is now run by the council. There are fantastic paintings on the walls and ceiling. A mini Sistine Chapel. The text explaining the pictures is a bit complicated to work out. Concerts are held here quite regularly and worth the experience of the music in such a beautiful space.
7. Cathedrale Sainte Marie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 576 reviews
Reviewed By kacccak - Keswick, United Kingdom
It is a must see in Auch. A beautiful gothic cathedral with an original medieval wooden choir stall, tainted, colourful windows and impressive craftsmanship.
8. Eglise Abbatiale Sainte-Foy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By ginsengNewYork
This abbatiale has been and still is an important stop for hikers and pilgrims on the Road to Compostella. Its stark beauty is enhanced by the modern, milky stained glass windows by Soulages , reminiscent of the first abbatiale windows covered simply with parchment paper. The Tympanum representing the Last Judgement over the main door is simply miraculous! You wonder how it survived religious wars , or the French Revolution...It looks like a comics book, especially with the devils trying to influence the Judgement in order to send more humans to hell...It must have terrified people in the Middle Ages! Don't miss Frere Jean's explanation in the evening, nor the night visit of the abbatiale 2nd story while organ is played down below. The Brothers Community is extremely welcoming and helpful!
9. Abbaye Saint Pierre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 462 reviews
L'abbaye de Moissac est un haut lieu de l'art roman, classée Monument Historique en 1840 et inscrit au patrimoine mondial de l'humanité par l'Unesco en 1998, au titre des chemins de Compostelle. The abbey of Moissac is a masterpiece of Romanesque art, classified at the French Historical Monuments since 1840 and World Heritage by Unesco since 1998 as part of the pilgrimage to Saint-James of Compostela
Reviewed By bluestocking78 - Iowa City, United States
We visited the cloister on the last day of a week in which we viewed many beautiful examples of Romanesque tympanums and cloisters, in varying degrees of preservation- however they all paled in comparison to what is here in Moissac- the sheer amount of art to be taken in, and its amazing preservation. Do purchase the audio guide and use the legend to study every capital ( both available in English, and includes the church) If you are anywhere nearby, this is definitely worth the detour. It is Art History 101 come to life. We arrived 90 minutes before closing- if you are at all into this period of art and architecture I would allow at least two hours.
10. Cathedrale Saint-Etienne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By mariont276 - Newburyport, United States
The massive fortress-like facade does not really suggest what awaits you in the interior--a magnificent nave with two domes, one painted with ancient frescoes, and a plethora of tiny chapels all around the aisles and the apse. On the exterior, the north (?) portal is really magnificent with impressive sculptures above the door and floral decorations around the arches. The stone used for the architecture is alternate courses of black and white limestone, enhancing the sculptural decoration. Off the south side of the church, you open the door into an amazing cloister with elaborate flamboyant Gothic decoration.
