Until January 5, 2025, the Saint-Raymond Museum and the Couvent des Jacobins, two emblematic establishments of Toulouse, join forces to highlight the “Cathar” period. Designed as one and the same journey, "Cathars". Toulouse in the Crusadeis the first large-scale exhibition devoted to this subject in France. A cultural event, accessible from 8 years old, not to be missed!
One exhibition, two museums
This exceptional and unique exhibition in France, subtitled Toulouse in the crusade, addresses the events and twists and turns which punctuated the crusade against the Albigensians as well as the question of the so-called “Cathar” heresy. To try to answer all the questions, no less than 300 exclusive objects and documents are scattered between the Musée Saint-Raymond (the city's archaeological museum) and the Couvent des Jacobins.
< p>Indeed, exceptional archival documents, rare archaeological objects, sculpted or painted works, historical reconstruction, but also, and for the first time, the manuscript of the famous Canso (song of the crusade albigeoise), are exhibited on all of these two Toulouse sites."Thus this southern shield from the first half of the 13th century with the arms of
Toulouse made by a specialized craftsman, from fine linden slats , made of linen and untanned leather, weighs less than a cat - going against the usual clichés about the medieval period, maintained by cinema and theme parks.", explains the press release about this weapon.
< figcaption class="article-full__media-infos"> A unique exhibition awaits all Toulouse residents (and other curious people) > To reserve your tickets online, it's here and highly recommended .
The Couvent des Jacobins, time for questions and answers
The Couvent des Jacobins returns to the explanations of the creation of the word “Cathar”, the questions and all the mysteries that resulted from them. For nearly 20 years, the traditional vision of "Catharism" has been questioned by a growing number of historians. Should we use the term "Cathar"?, Is "Catharism" a religion?, Were the Good Men (as they were called) exemplary Christians or heretics?, What social class did they belong to? ….
Here, the exhibition therefore presents the question of the so-called "Cathar" heresy, around the debates which currently animate the community of historians and other enthusiasts of the medieval era.
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The Saint-Raymond museum, on the way to the Crusade
A 10-minute walk from the first place, the Saint-Raymond museum highlights, through objects from incredible and revolutionary quality(sometimes in 3D), the different protagonists of the crusade against the Albigensians (1209-1229), the events and twists and turns that punctuated it as well as the daily life of the people of Toulouse during the clashes. Since, as a reminder, the Pink City was besieged three times between 1211 and 1219, but never taken.
Cathars, crusade, castles, inquisition, pyres… At the end of this incredible journey, the repertoire and history associated with the crusade against the Albigensians (launched by Pope Innocent III) will no longer hold any secrets for you!
Interactive and fun devices for everyone
To enhance the experience of the visit, sound, digital and interactive devices are set up for curious people of all ages. A fun and open-to-all event also invites visitors to compose their own chronicle of the crusade against the Albigensians. The opportunity of a lifetime to step into the shoes of a troubadour.
For those who want to go even further in this cultural adventure, guided tours are offered, including one with Laure Barthet, director of the Musée Saint-Raymond and curator of the exhibition.
Whether you are 8 or 88 years old, you have nine months to not miss this rendezvous with the history of Toulouse and Occitania!
Saint-Raymond Museum
1 ter place Saint-Sernin
31000 TOULOUSE
05 61 22 31 44
saintraymond.toulouse.fr
Couvent des Jacobins
Allée Maurice Prin – Place des Jacobins
Entrance via the church
31 000 TOULOUSE
05 61 22 23 82
jacobins.toulouse.fr