On the roads to Santiago de Compostela
Very popular since the Middle Ages, the route to Santiago is still used by many walkers today. The most curious will have noticed the signs bearing the stylised shell, symbol of Santiago, which stand alongside the markers for GR and other hiking trails. Whether you are seeking spirituality or slow tourism, the Via Tolosana has a thousand wonders to show you!
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Iconic monuments
Two monuments in Toulouse are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela: the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the Hôtel-Dieu.
The basilica is a masterpiece of Romanesque art and houses the relics of the first bishop of Toulouse, Saint Saturnin. It is typical of large pilgrimage churches with wide aisles lining the nave to allow the many pilgrims to move around the church.
The Hôtel-Dieu, whose immense façade borders the Garonne River, was built to welcome pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela in the 13th century. Today, it houses the administrative buildings of the university hospital as well as two museums: the Museum of the History of Medicine and the Museum of Medical Instruments.
Crossing Toulouse
Toulouse is a large city, but it is easy to get around on foot or by public transport, giving walkers’ feet a rest. You arrive in the city centre surrounded by nature, alongside the water: you walk along the Canal du Midi! It is an easy route, shaded by plane trees. More experienced walkers may prefer to take the high route and cross the hills to reach the city centre by following the Garonne.
To leave Toulouse, you can take your time and follow the Garonne along the dyke, then cross the airport area. And why not take the opportunity to visit the Airbus factories or the Aeroscopia museum? If you have already taken the time to visit Toulouse and would like to resume your walk, we recommend taking the LIO train (Toulouse-Auch line) from the Arènes station (metro line A) to Pibrac, and rejoining your route in front of the Sainte-Germaine basilica.
Carte de la Via Tolosana
Practical pilgrimage
Where to stay in Toulouse?
The Toulouse Tourist Office has arranged for pilgrims to stay at two hostels in the city centre.
The small Saint-Sernin hostel offers shared rooms in a friendly atmosphere at affordable prices. The Royal Wilson hostel offers single, double and dormitory rooms arranged around a charming patio.
The credencial
La crédencial est le document qui permet d’attester du statut de pèlerin. Véritable « passeport », il compile les tampons des diverses étapes du chemin et devient alors un véritable carnet de voyage en souvenir des villes et villages parcourus. Elle s’obtient après avoir pris connaissance, et accepté le contrat moral de la charte du pèlerin : délivrance du carnet de pèlerin.
The credencial is the document that certifies your status as a pilgrim. A veritable ‘passport’, it collects stamps from the various stages of the route and becomes a real travel journal, a souvenir of the towns and villages you have visited. It is obtained after reading and accepting the moral contract of the pilgrim’s charter: issuance of the pilgrim’s booklet.
How to prepare for your pilgrimage
It is essential to take the time to prepare well for your pilgrimage. These associations provide practical information and advice to help you make this journey a personal success!
Luggage storage
Drop off your luggage and explore freely!
Here is a non-exhaustive list of online luggage storage services that allow you to store your luggage in certain local shops, restaurants and hotels: Nannybag – Edmond voyages – Bounce.
Luggage storage service in hotels near the station: Grand Hôtel d’Orléans – Hôtel d’Orsay, and near theCapitole : Hôtel Albert 1er.
