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Visit Albi

Retracing the history of the Red City

  • Tour

  • 3,5 km

  • 1h40

  • 27 audios

00 plan albi

26 lieux d'intérêt à découvrir pour visiter Albi in one day

Text version

Welcome to Albi! Situated on the banks of the Tarn river, right at the heart of the countryside, this Occitan city is sure to impress with its beauty and rich history. As the day wears on, its brick buildings are clad in a stunning palette of colours – soft pink at dawn, glowing orange in daylight and fiery red as the sun sets. The crown jewel is none other than the UNESCO-listed Episcopal City, with the imposing Berbie palace and the jaw-dropping neighboring cathedral. But there’s more to this city than meets the eye. Its medieval heritage reveals itself in every corner. Wandering the streets, you’ll see private mansions, well-preserved half-timbered houses, and museums dedicated to local legends. We won’t spoil all the surprises, but trust me when I say that Albi won’t disappoint! Nestled amidst stunning scenery, this charming, timeless city is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!

  • 16 place du vigan

    1. Vigan Square

    Affectionately nicknamed “the navel of Albi”, Vigan Square looks anything but historic. Well, looks can be deceiving! Back in Roman times, there were pottery kilns right here, under the big café Pontié, said to be the oldest in the city. Read more

  • 15 theatre municipal des lices

    2. Lices Municipal Theater

    Though not as grand as the Cordeliers Grand Théâtre, the Lices Municipal Theater stands as one of Albi's most important cultural venues. Its indisputable elegance speaks volumes about the tireless efforts that went into creating it on this very spot two centuries ago. Read more

  • 17 hotel reynes

    3. Reynès townhouse

    This stunning mansion, dating from 1530, was once home to the Reynès, one of Albi's most prominent families in the 16th century. They first made their fortune in the cloth trade, then in the woad trade. The Reynès held all the top jobs in town and their marriages Read more

  • 18 maison enjalbert

    4. Maison Enjalbert – Enjalbert House

    What you're looking at is one of the city's most iconic landmarks – the Enjalbert House! This 16th-century building is a real head-turner. Wood and brick come together to create stunning half-timbered motifs that are different on each side. And it gets better when you notice the perfect Read more

  • 19 hotel de saunal

    5. Hôtel de Saunal

    Toulouse, Lavaur, and Albi: these three Occitan cities aren't just neighbors – they all share a colorful past. Back in the day, they were major players in the woad trade. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Albi rose to prominence as the leader in global woad commerce. With its perfect climate Read more

  • 21 collegiale saint salvy

    7. Saint-Salvi Collegiate Church

    Just a stone's throw from the Saint-Cécile Cathedral, you'll find the collegiate church of Saint-Salvi. It might seem a bit overshadowed, but don't be fooled! This church boasts just as much history and hidden treasures. In fact, it's the oldest church in Albi. And that's no mean feat! Read more

  • 22 marche couvert dalbi

    8. Albi’s covered market

    Calling all foodies and history buffs! Albi's covered market is nothing but ordinary. This spot has been buzzing with activity since the Middle Ages. Then, in 1860, it was chosen as the prime location for the future covered food market. Fast forward to 1902, and architect Thierry Bourdois and Read more

  • 24 quartier de la madeleine

    9. La Madeleine district

    The La Madeleine neighborhood across the Tarn River might seem pretty big at first glance. Well, believe it or not, it's actually the smallest one in Albi. It's all but an optical illusion. Back in the day, this district wasn't really part of the main city, but then things really took off thanks to the construction of Read more

  • 25 moulins albigeois

    10. The Albigensian Mills

    The La Madeleine district stretches out right before you, on the left bank across the Tarn river. Let me guess! The first thing that catches your eye is this cluster of brick buildings with rounded windows. These were once Albi's vermicelli factory, known as “Les Moulins Albigeois”, that is, the Albigensian Mills. Read more

  • 27 point de vue sur la ville et le pont neuf

    11. View of the city and the Pont Neuf

    Just look at this view! I bet you can't wait to capture it with your camera! They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that's definitely true here. Get ready to be blown away by the beauty of Albi, a city famous for its distinctive red-brick medieval architecture. Read more

  • 26 musee laperouse

    12. Lapérouse Museum

    Walking through Albi, you can't miss the statue and the old house of Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse. There's even a museum dedicated to him! If his name didn't ring a bell before, it will now. You see, Albi never forgets its own! There is no shortage of Read more

  • 01 pont vieux

    13. Pont-Vieux – Old Bridge

    Introducing the Pont-Vieux, the Old Bridge, that has connected the two banks of the Tarn River for centuries. It's one of the oldest medieval bridges still in use in France and it was listed as a historical monument in 1921! Back in the Middle Ages, Albi was booming. With trade flourishing, Read more

  • 03 palais de la berbie

    14. Berbie Palace

    No visit to Albi is complete without a visit to the impressive cathedral and the majestic Berbie Palace. Prepare to be awestruck! One can’t help but feel humbled by their imposing presence and grandeur. These two buildings have a rather long history, dating back to the early days of the Episcopal City. Read more

  • 02 quartiers historiques dalbi

    15. Albi’s historic districts

    Towering over the entire city, the Episcopal City of Albi with its unique brickwork is sure to impress. Spread across a 50-acre surface area, it's impossible to miss as you enter the Red City. This essentially medieval architectural complex is made up of four districts that hold over twenty centuries of epic history. Read more

  • 04 jardins du palais

    16. Palace Gardens

    Lucky you! In a few seconds, you will be standing in one of the most magical spots in Albi! Just head down these stairs and take a left until you reach the terrace. Prepare to be blown away by the stunning panoramic views over the Tarn river! Read more

  • 05 place de la trebaille

    17. Trébaille Square

    Albi has a way of surprising you with little gems like this, away from the crowds. Sure, it's not the most bustling part of town, but sometimes you have to venture off the beaten path to make the best of discoveries. Time just seems to stand still in this tiny square; it's almost like it's a secret only a few people know about. Read more

  • 06 les fresques du castelviel albi

    18. The Castelviel Frescoes

    The Castelviel neighborhood is but a handful of streets west of the Saint-Cécile Cathedral. It's the oldest one in the city, dating from protohistoric times – we're talking all the way back to the era of early metalworking, even before writing was a thing! Every red brick here Read more

  • 07 place savene

    19. Savène Square

    I know, it might feel like we're a tad off the tourist trail! But do not fret – it's all part of the plan! Mark my words: this little detour will take you to one of the most charming spots in Albi! Just a few steps ahead, at the far end of this small dead-end street, you'll find the Savène Square. Read more

  • 08 cathedrale sainte cecile

    20. Saint-Cécile Cathedral

    Albi’s Cathedral is a real head-turner! It actually looks more like a fortress than a church. It's measuring a whopping 113 meters long, 35 meters wide, and 78 meters tall! Talk about XXL! You're looking at the biggest brick cathedral in the world! For the most part, it's a fine example of Southern French Gothic architecture, Read more

  • 09 maison du viel alby

    21. La maison du Vieil Alby – Old Albi House

    The Old Albi House is without doubt one of the most iconic buildings in the historic heart of the city. You can't miss it as you wind your way through the narrow streets of the Castelnau district. You'll be immediately struck by its brick and half-timbered façades, hallmarks of the Middle Ages. Read more

  • 10 maison de laperouse

    22. Lapérouse House

    Exploring Albi's heritage isn't just about the sights; it's also about the people that made them this special. Our tour brings their stories to life. Take this house, for example. It might not look like much, but it belonged to a local legend – Jean-François de Galaup, Count of La Pérouse. This noble family name belies Read more

  • 11 maison natale toulouse lautrec

    23. Birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec

    While most visitors to Albi come simply to explore its rich heritage, others make all this way for a mini pilgrimage to the birthplace of one of France's most famous 19th-century artists: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You might not know this, but this world-renowned painter and illustrator was born here in Albi, Read more

  • 12 monument aux morts

    24. Albi war memorial

    "Simple yet grand": no clearer instructions could have been given to the architect of the Albi war memorial, just to your right. And so it was. The monument stands out from afar with its classic Triumphal Arch design, which is said to have cost a hefty sum – nearly 280,000 French francs. Read more

  • 13 grand theatre des cordeliers

    25. Cordeliers Grand Théâtre

    Halfway between the old town and the university campus, you'll find Cordeliers, Albi's cultural district dating back to the late 1990s. Spread over an area of 3.2 hectares, it is home to a multimedia library, a cinema and, above all, a theater like no other. Read more

  • 14 statue laperousse

    26. Lapérouse Statue

    Before you is the bronze statue of Jean-François Galaup, Count of Lapérouse – his eyes fixed on the horizon, a spyglass in his right hand, a map and a broken mast at his side. The statue stands as a reminder of the remarkable man he was; you see, his legacy is cherished here more than anywhere else. Read more

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Recommended Starting Point

No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audio-guide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point: on the Pont Vieux (on the right river bank), heading towards the old town

Recommended parking downtown

Place Colonel Arnaud Beltrame Parking

 

In Albi, there’s always the option of on-street parking, with some spaces being free of charge. Just keep in mind that there’s a resident-only zone since 2014; it includes the area between Lices Pompidou Street, Soult Boulevard and Montebello Boulevard. You cannot park there without a resident parking permit.

Visit Info

As part of our tour, we will be visiting the gardens of the Berbie Palace. To avoid any last-minute surprises, be sure to check the opening hours. If the gardens happen to be closed during your visit, you can simply continue down Temporalité Street towards our next point of interest. No need for detours!

Got Some Extra Time?

Think we’d let you leave Albi without spoiling you rotten? Here’s a list of other activities you might enjoy!

 

Nature promenades

No trip is complete without a break in nature, right? And let me tell you, while in Albi, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

 

First up, there’s Rochegude Park, located in the cultural district of Cordeliers. This sprawling 4-hectare green oasis was once the private property of a wealthy admiral, who generously donated it to the city upon his death. Today, it’s a haven for nature lovers, housing a Renaissance hotel now used as a reception and cultural exhibition space, English and French formal gardens, a bird island and more. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Albi – it truly has something for everyone!

And if you’re craving for more, there’s always the Pratgraussals leisure park, just outside the city center. You’ve got over 13 hectares of green to enjoy the great outdoors. Unwind, play some games, burn some energy, have a picnic, or even try your luck fishing in the cute little pond they’ve set up there. And all this just 700 meters from the Saint-Cécile Cathedral!

 

Feel like exercising in the heart of nature? Look no further – the Échappée Verte is for you. This 4-kilometer urban hiking trail winds through a preserved area, offering three routes for all fitness levels. Here’s your chance to leave the city behind and enjoy a scenic and easy-to-follow trail, right at the foot of the Berbie Palace.

 

All aboard my boat

Feeling lazy? Skip walking and cruise down the Tarn River instead to see the Episcopal City of Albi in a different light! All aboard the traditional gabarre, a flat-bottomed boat traditionally used for transporting goods back in the day. You can catch a ride anytime between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with plenty of departures throughout the day. Choose a 45-minute, 1-hour or 2-hour cruise – whatever floats your boat (pun intended)!

 

Hidden Gems Near Albi

Albi’s got you smitten, but you’re still itching to see more Occitania? Fear not! Just a 20-minute drive away, you’ll find Gaillac, a village at the very heart of the Gaillac vineyards with a controlled designation of origin. Wine lovers won’t be disappointed! Within a 25-35 minute drive from Albi, there’s also Cordes-sur-Ciel, a bastide listed as a Great Occitanie Site, as well as Castelnau-de-Montmiral and Monesties, both ranked among France’s most beautiful villages. Get ready to be swept away by their medieval charm!

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