Toul
Meurthe-et-Moselle, Grand Est
The 65 metre high towers of Saint-Étienne cathedral provide a unique perspective over the town of Toul and the Moselle river’s bends. To reach the top via the southern tower, a 325 step climb awaits the fittest visitors. Having recently celebrated its 800th anniversary, Saint-Étienne cathedral is a symbol of Toul’s rich episcopal past.
© Vincent Damarin
More than fifteen centuries of human presence awaits in Toul! This thousand-year-old town nestled along the Moselle River and the canal that runs from the Marne to the Rhine, 15 minutes from Nancy, is set amongst the Côtes de Toul vineyards. A fortified city in the Gallo-Roman era, fortified again by Vauban in the 18th century, the small town has always featured a military presence. But what immediately stands out is the cathedral of Saint-Étienne, a masterpiece of the Flamboyant Gothic style with a western facade that stands majestically in the town centre. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 800-year-old lady is being celebrated from June 2021 to December 2022. This is an ideal opportunity to visit its unique cloisters, the abbey of Saint-Gengoult, splendid collections at the Museum of Art and History, or the Vauban fortifications and town hall, a former episcopal palace. Proud of its history and heritage, Toul is a vibrant, flowery town that is resolutely turned to the future. Its Bach festival is becoming increasingly popular. Past and present discoveries will not fail to arouse curiosity and enthusiasm.