05 April 2021 | Tourism, UNESCO , Architecture
Albi
Albi a hidden gem in Midi-Pyrenees, nestled in the Midi-Pyrenees region. The city of Albi may not be first on your list of cities to visit in France, but it has a lot to offer the visitor, including the impressive UNESCO-listed brick cathedral.
Albi is not a city like the others in France. The red brick used to build the impressive cathedral and many other buildings in the city adds a pleasant warmth to the atmosphere. The center is relatively small and easy to walk around. A visit to Albi ensures a great day out in the Midi-Pyrénées region.
The largest brick cathedral in the world
When you first visit Albi, you'll want to head straight to Sainte-Cécile Cathedral to admire the interior and exterior of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gothic structure.
Art lovers can then visit the Toulouse-Lautrec museum. We recommend that you buy the municipal pass from the tourist office (next to the Toulouse Lautrec museum) in order to obtain discounted passports to see these two sites. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the historical sites of this beautiful city.
A very pleasant city
Stroll through the old town and cross the river on the old bridge to snap a photo of the imposing cathedral and surrounding red-brick buildings. There are many lovely restaurants, spread around the old town and some along the river for the best views. Stroll through the small streets to discover pretty little traditional houses.
Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum is located in the Palais de la Berbie, in the heart of Albi, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, it houses the largest collection of paintings, posters, drawings and works of art by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Discover the exhibitions taking place in the Palatial room with its terracotta tiles, the De La Croix room and the Ambroise gallery with its impressive 15th century ceiling in the shape of an upside-down boat hull.
Our article on Toulouse Lautrec.
Fashion museum
The fashion museum is located in the heart of Albi, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in part of the former convent of the Annunciades, a historic building, of which many architectural elements from the 12th to the 17th century are still visible: vaulted cellar, spiral staircase, carved doors... Various exhibitions where you will find embroidery and haute couture pieces.
Our article on the fashion museum.
Where to eat in Albi?
Restaurant le Cascabar
Modern and chic restaurant serving seasonal dishes using fresh local produce offered in fixed price menus.
"Market" menu - €18 for lunch
Menu at €26 and menu at €29
The Epicurean
Vegetarian menu: €32
Current menu: €35
All fish menu: €49.50
Epicurean menu: €59
Book your table online on the Epicurien website
Restaurant le Pont du Tarn
Trout and sturgeon – €30
Terre-mer of veal sweetbreads and oysters – €32
Mount Royal Pigeon – €30
Tosa-mi of veal with black garlic – €30
If you are on holiday in Midi-Pyrénées, don't forget to visit Albi!
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