This southern French city boasts a UNESCO-listed cathedral, medieval architecture, and a fortress. The Tarn River offers swimming and canoeing opportunities nearby.
Albi, a city in southern France, is known for its red brick buildings. The Sainte-CĂ©cile Cathedral and the Palais de la Berbie are two major landmarks. Exploring the medieval streets, you will find half-timbered houses, Renaissance mansions, and markets offering local specialties.
Sainte-CĂ©cile Cathedral: The Largest Brick-Built Cathedral
The Sainte-CĂ©cile Cathedral is the world's largest cathedral constructed from bricks. Built in the 13th century, its simple exterior contrasts with the detailed interior. Inside, 18,000 square meters of frescoes cover the vaulted ceilings and walls. The rood screen, featuring stonework and statues, separates the nave from the chancel. Pay attention to the Last Judgment fresco, which covers 300 square meters.
Palais de la Berbie: Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Next to the cathedral, the Palais de la Berbie houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. This former bishops' palace contains the largest collection of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's works. You can view over 1,000 pieces, including his posters of Parisian nightlife, paintings, and lithographs. The palace gardens provide views of the Tarn River and the red-brick buildings of the city.
Exploring Albi's Old Town
Albi's historic center features narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and Renaissance mansions. The Castelnau quarter, developed in the 12th and 13th centuries, includes some of the oldest buildings in the city. Visit the Maison du Vieil Alby to see a well-preserved medieval house. During the Renaissance, Albi prospered from the woad trade, a plant used to produce blue dye. This wealth is evident in buildings like the Hôtel de Reynès, a 16th-century mansion.
Pont Vieux: An 11th-Century Bridge
The Pont Vieux has crossed the Tarn River since the 11th century. At 151 meters long, it is one of France's oldest bridges still in use. Originally built in stone, it was later covered with bricks to match the city's architecture. Walking across the bridge offers views of the cathedral and the riverbanks.
River Tarn and Boat Trips
For a different view of Albi, take a boat trip on the Tarn River. Traditional flat-bottomed boats called "gabarres" provide tours along the river, highlighting the city's landmarks from the water. These trips also illustrate the river's role in historical trade and transportation.
Local Cuisine and Markets
Albi's food scene features the hearty flavors of southwestern France. Try the local "pot-au-feu," a stew with sausage, beef, beans, and duck confit. The covered market, built in 1905 and now a historic monument, is a great place to sample local produce, cheeses, and meats. Be sure to taste wines from the nearby Gaillac region.
Visiting Albi
Albi is accessible by train from Toulouse, with the journey taking about an hour. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for exploring the city on foot. Albi can be busy during the summer months, particularly during the Pause Guitare music festival in early July.
