Emblematic of Toulouse, the Jacobin Convent is getting a makeover

For a year, the roof of the Couvent des Jacobins in Toulouse (Haute-Garonne), weakened by the wear and tear of time, underwent a major restoration. The building remains open to the public during the work.

By Julie Rimbert

The roof of the church of the Couvent des Jacobins, built 795 years ago, has been adorned with large scaffolding, which will remain there until the summer of 2026. ©Toulouse City Hall

It's a jewel of Toulouse's heritage (Haute-Garonne) that was in need of renovation due to the wear and tear of time. The roof of the Jacobin Convent Church, built 795 years ago, has been adorned with extensive scaffolding for the past few days.

"The wear and tear of time and the vagaries of the weather have weakened the roof, threatening certain structural elements of the framework and the building," explains Toulouse City Hall. "The work undertaken will make the church watertight (restoration of part of the framework, restoration of the gutters, complete repair of the roof) and improve the fire safety systems. The objective of this intervention is twofold: to ensure the long-term conservation of the building and to guarantee a safe environment for the 400,000 visitors welcomed each year to the Couvent des Jacobins."

The project mobilizes specialized expertise in the restoration of historic monuments, with particular attention paid to original materials and techniques. Built in 1230 by the Order of Preachers—founded in 1215 in Toulouse by Dominique de Guzman, the future Saint Dominic—the Couvent des Jacobins has already undergone several restorations, including its roof, since the 16th century.

The latest dendrochronological studies (a technique for dating wooden pieces) of the framework attest to the presence of pieces from interventions of different periods. The oldest are dated from the 16th century, the most recent are associated with the resumption of the structure of the framework in the 19th century. The roof of the church was partially redone between 1940 and 1945 with the renovation of the gutters which lead to the evacuation of rainwater, then a more comprehensive intervention was carried out in 1968.

The Couvent des Jacobins will remain open throughout the construction period. Tours, exhibitions, and cultural events will continue, with the necessary adjustments to ensure safety.

The cost of the work, which is due to be completed in the summer of 2026, amounts to 2.5 million euros, financed by the Toulouse city hall, with a contribution from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs.