The city of St. Gaudens is located in the Midi-Pyrenees region of southwestern France near Toulouse. It faces the mountains and overlooks the Valley of the Goronne at a crossroads between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

This area has been settled to some extent since the Iron Age, but the modern-day town really began to grow during the 11th century when the Romanesque-style church was built. Today, this rich cultural heritage makes it an excellent place to explore. The church, which is known today as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter and St. Gaudens, boasts a basilica and three naves. It was built on the site of an even earlier church, and underwent construction to make upgrades in the 16th century. While touring St. Gaudens, be sure to pay close attention to the architecture, as many fine examples of medieval and 18th century buildings still exist and have been very well preserved.