The Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage was an important part of Christian life in the Middle Ages. There are three major St. James routes across France, used by pilgrims from all over Europe on their way to Santiago de Compostela. One of them, the Arles Way, or the “Via Tolosana”, goes through Toulouse, bringing large numbers of pilgrims from Eastern France and Italy.

Toulouse is an essential halt on the Arles Way, as it allows pilgrims to gather around the wonderful relics in the St. Sernin Basilica and the Black Madonna in the church of La Daurade.
In the 11th and 12th centuries, Toulouse became a hub for vast crowds of pilgrims, and this contributed to the growth of the city.

      

There are still a few remaining traces of how the accommodation of pilgrims was organised: the St. Sernin Basilica and its treasure of relics, and the “Hotel Dieu”, built in 1197 with the aim of caring for and accommodating pilgrims arriving in Toulouse.

As part of the St. James pilgrimage, the St. Sernin Basilica and the “Hôtel Dieu” have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: a tribute to their important role in the history of the St. James Way.

Association de Coopération Inter-Régionale les Chemins de Saint Jacques de Compostelle
www.chemins-compostelle.com
4 rue Clémence Isaure 31000 Toulouse
Tel: (0)5 62 27 00 05 - fax: (0)5 62 27 12 40