Saint-Etienne Cathedral

Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Toulouse

Saint-Étienne Cathedral is the main Catholic church of Toulouse, the seat of the archbishopric. The Toulouse audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this singular building, with its composite plan, a witness of the long religious history of the city.

A cathedral with a composite plan

The Church of Toulouse was founded in the third century by Saint Saturnin. Saint-Étienne Cathedral, raised and remodelled over the centuries, presents a singular composite plan: the nave and the choir, built at different periods, are not on the same axis. This particularity, the fruit of a long history of construction, makes it one of the most original cathedrals in France.

What to see

You admire the singular composite plan of the cathedral, its nave, its offset choir and its interior, in an atmosphere of contemplation. Saint-Étienne testifies to the many construction works that shaped the building over the centuries. It is a stop for lovers of architecture and religious heritage, in the heart of Toulouse.

Practical information

Saint-Étienne Cathedral lies in the heart of Toulouse, reachable on foot. A working Catholic place of worship, it is usually open every day, generally Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm, with respect for services; hours may vary. Entry is generally free.

What is particular about Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Toulouse?

Its composite plan: the nave and the choir, built at different periods, are not on the same axis, which makes it a singular cathedral.

Where is Saint-Étienne Cathedral?

In the heart of Toulouse, in the Pink City.