Top 5 things to do in Albi

Bordered by the river Tarn, Albi is a remarkable town in the Occitanie region with just under 50,000 inhabitants. It’s a peaceful town, far removed from the tourist hustle and bustle of southern France. If Albi were a coastal town, it would surely attract far more curious visitors. Albi is renowned for its impressive cathedral and episcopal centre, which leave no one indifferent. Just an hour’s drive from Toulouse, and you’ll have no trouble discovering Albi. It’s perfectly possible to visit the main sights in a full day.

1- Visit Sainte-Cécile Cathedral

Category: Free / Cultural

Description: The Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d’Albi is THE monument to visit on your way to Albi. I forbid you to leave Albi without seeing the impressive cathedral overlooking the city. It’s so imposing that you can’t miss it. It took two centuries to build. Work began in 1282 and was completed in 1480. Like the rest of the region, the cathedral is in typical Southern Gothic style. This particular style is characterised by the use of buttresses instead of flying buttresses. Many of the religious buildings in Languedoc-Roussillon are ochre-coloured. Since 2010, Albi’s Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most visited cathedrals in the country.

2- Discover the Palais de la Berbie

Category: Cultural

Description: Perched high above the Tarn, the Palais de la Berbie is one of Albi’s jewels, a fortified castle that commands respect and admiration at first glance. The former residence of the bishops, this medieval palace impresses with its imposing walls, soaring towers and wildly elegant formal gardens. But don’t let its austere appearance fool you: inside, a journey through history and art awaits you. As well as housing the fabulous Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, the palace offers breathtaking views over the city and the river. With its spectacular architecture and bucolic setting, you’ll be torn between wanting to capture every detail or simply lose yourself in the tranquil beauty of the place.

3- Visit the Toulouse-Lautrec museum

Category: € / Cultural

Description: Nestling in the historic heart of Albi, the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec is a real gem that will take you on a journey through the extravagant and colourful world of the famous painter. Housed in the sumptuous Palais de la Berbie, the former residence of the bishops, this museum not only exhibits the emblematic works of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, it literally plunges you into the bustling life of Montmartre during the Belle Époque. Whether you’re a fan of cabarets or daring posters, or simply curious to discover an artist who was never afraid to sketch life (and its colourful characters), this is the place to come! What’s more, the architecture alone is worth the diversions, with its hanging gardens majestically overlooking the Tarn. In short, a visit that combines art, history and a healthy dose of Albigensian charm!

4- Discover Albi by pedalo

Category: € / Unusual

Description: Would you like to discover Albi from a new angle while having fun? Climb aboard a pedalo on the Tarn and get ready for a refreshing and picturesque escapade! Gliding gently over the calm waters of the river is the perfect opportunity to admire the jewels of Albi, including the majestic Sainte-Cécile cathedral and the Palais de la Berbie, reflected in the water like a living painting. Between a friendly race to see who can pedal the fastest and moments of idleness watching the local wildlife, this is a ride that combines relaxation and discovery. And the bonus? A few laughs guaranteed if you forget to coordinate your movements!

5- Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon to admire Albi

Category: €€€ / Unusual / Sensations

Description: Who doesn’t dream of taking to the skies to observe and contemplate the magnificent towns of the Tarn, including Albi? With this activity, your eyes will no doubt thank you. You’ll fly for almost an hour at an altitude of 600 metres to admire the medieval city of Albi and discover Sainte-Cécile Cathedral from a viewpoint you can’t see anywhere else. You’ll be able to see more than you would on foot. You can take a guided tour, but if you prefer to go it alone, that’s also possible. You’ll wander through picturesque landscapes, Burgundy’s famous vineyards and even enjoy a little relaxation over a picnic.