Albi grew up around its ancient centre and each period of history left its own mark, endowing the town with the finest of its treasures.
The Cathedral of Saint-Cécile was built following the suppression of the Cathars as a symbol of the all-powerful rule of the Catholic Church. It is, without doubt, the jewel in Albi’s crown and one of the finest examples of Southern Gothic architecture in France. Just beside it stands the Berbie Palace (older than Avignon’s Papal Palace), the residence of the bishops of Albi in the Middle Ages. It houses the largest collection of the works of Toulouse-Lautrec in France.
The old town of Albi grew and developed around these two great monuments. In addition, the fine town houses (Reynès, De Gorsse, de Rivières ...), the church and cloister of Saint-Salvy, the Pont-Vieux, the Moulins Albigeois ... create an area of history of untold richness which has led to the episcopal citadel of Albi being put forward as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010.
- The Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile - www.albi-tourisme.fr
Albi’s Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile was built by the Church to assert its power following the Albigensian Crusade. It is one of the masterpieces of southern Gothic architecture in France.
- A tour of old Albi - www.mairie-albi.fr
Albi grew up around the former episcopal precinct. From the walls to the roofs, from the structure to the facings, brick and red tile dominate, This is one of France’s most important historic areas and its wealth of heritage is immense.
- The Berbie Palace and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum - www.albi-tourisme.fr
The Palace of La Berbie is one of the largest episcopal precincts in France, after Avignon. Today it houses a fantastic collection of works by the Albi painter, Toulouse-Lautrec.
- A walk along the banks or a barge-trip on the Tarn - www.albi-tourisme.fr
Enjoy the fine weather fully with a stroll along the banks of the Tarn or going for a river-trip on the gabarres. These flat-bottomed boats ply up and down the Tarn and offer a chance to appreciate the beauty of the river.
Albi on the map
Our holiday ideas
 Contact: Albi Tourist Office Tel: +33 (0)563494880 e-mail: accueil@ albitourisme.com |
 Albi - "City of all the Arts" BreakA range of 2-star to 4-star hotels, ideally situated in the heart of the cathedral quarter. Check availability and book your hotel room online.... Reserve a 2-star to 4-star hotel in Albi book ONLINE |
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