Inspiring Destinations - Albi, France

Albi, France

Albi is a town on the Tarn River in southern France, northeast of Toulouse. In 2010, the medieval city centre was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Dominating the skyline is the 13th-century, red-brick Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a Gothic landmark with large interior frescoes, including the dramatic “Last Judgment.”

View of Sainte-Cecile Cathedral of Albi from Rue du Castelviel

Begun in 1282 and under construction for 200 years, it is one of the largest brick buildings in the world, rising to a height of 78 metres and 113m in length.

The stunning interior of Sainte-Cécile Cathedral

Albi is known as the “red city,” and its major remarkable buildings are constructed from red bricks.

The centuries-old Palais de la Berbie houses the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, honouring the Albi-born painter. The Fashion Museum, in a former convent, shows costumes from 18th to 20th century.

Palais de la Berbie is an ancient bishops’ palace with military architecture. It now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec museum.

For all your fresh produce, cheese, meat and wine, visit Marche Couvert, the covered market.

The covered Market in Albi has a wide variety of produce, meat and wine from local suppliers.

The River Tarn divides the city, and the bridges provide great views up and down the waterway.

Le Pont Neuf or Pont du 22 Août reflected in the River Tarn

Would you like to live on a bridge? From the 14-18th century 16 families had homes on the Pont Vieux (“Old Bridge” dating to 1040), until a flood ruined them in 1766.

Looking down the River Tarn to Albi Cathedral with Pont Vieux, the first bridge.

For more on Albi and other French destinations – 10 Inspiring Places of Southern France.