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By Florent P̩cassou Рwikimedia

Top 10 Things do in Albi

Albi is a city famously known for its elite Lycée Lapérouse, a high school with 500 students situated inside an old monastery. It has several advanced literature classes. Albi is also an administrative division in southern France.

Albi was built around the original  (Sainte Cécile cathedral) this historic area covers 63 hectares.

The city is defined by red brick and tiles as the main feature on most of the buildings in Albi. Along with Toulouse and Montauban, Albi is one of the main cities built in Languedoc-style red brick.

Its episcopal city, around the Cathedral Sainte-Cécile, was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 2010.

Let’s explore some top  things to do in Albi.

1. Be awed by Cathédrale St. Cécile in Albi

By ByacC -wikimedia

This formidable cathedral was built in the 13th-century, it resembles a castle and one cannot miss the orange bricks that make up this cathedral as it rises above the city of Albi. It took over a century to complete this building.

The Gothic appearance was built to show the authority of the Catholic Church and falls nothing short of that. The interior of the cathedral is strikingly lavish. The fort-like walls date back to many religious wars that tore ancient Albi.

The Cathedral is still one of the world’s largest brick buildings and has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2010.

Just at the entrance of the cathedral on the right-hand side, is saint Cecile statue. Legend has it that three attempts to behead Cécile failed, there are scars on the neck of the realistic statue in the chapel.

2. Take a tour of Musée Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi

By Yeza – Fotografía propia, .wikimedia

This museum is nested in Palais de la Berbie, previously known as the Bishops’ Palace, this grand fortress was completed at the end of the 13th century.

The museum opened in 1922 and it exhibits the life of Albis most celebrated son, painter . There are more than 1000 original works by Toulouse-Lautrec displayed at the museum.

The artwork was a donation by Toulouse-Lautrec’s mother after he died in 1901. Some sections to see in this museum is the auditorium, an educational Workshop, a resource center, and a temporary exhibition.

Some of the Toulouse-Lautrec works that will catch your eyes are early portraits of some of Toulouse-Lautrec’s friends and family. They clearly reveal his eye and his playful sense of humor.

3. Dine like the French at L’Ambroisie

When in Albi, this restaurant is worth a visit for dinner with your cherished ones. It offers an intimate dining space that sets the tone. It is located close to the collegiate church.

It is celebrated for its service and fine food. Their menu is according to the current trends in gastronomy scene representing a carefully curated and varied cuisine.

4. Spend some time in the garden of the Berbie Palace

By Vincent Ruf -wikimedia

This well-manicured garden stretches to the majestic cathedral of St. Cecile. It is the most visited site in the city.

This former public square was converted into a leisurely garden. You will get a panoramic view spreading onto the banks of the Tarn below, the Pont-Vieux, the old mills and the Madeleine district on the right bank of the Tarn.

Once on the terrace high above the water, you will get the perfect viewpoint to admire the immense cathedral and its outer structures.

5; Old Alby’s House

Another place to visit while in Albi is the old Alby’s house, also known as the Maison du Vieil Alby. It is the heart of this church-city and is one of the major symbols of the historic center of Albi.

This building provides a perfect backdrop for your photos. With a perfect angle at the old house, you will have the impressive bell tower of the Sainte-Cécile cathedral in the background.

You will notice that the structure still maintains its brick and half-timbered characteristics of the old medieval houses in the old center.

6. Get the best panoramic views at the Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge)  Albi

By Marion Schneider & Christoph Aistleitner -wikimedia

This bridge is the first beautiful sight that catches your eyes as you enter Albi city. The perfect arches of the bridge and its brownish color are quite pleasant to the eye with river Tarn flowing down below.

It dates back to the 11th century when the city was making a fortune with the increase in Dyer’s woad yields. This bridge is a landmark attraction in Albi. It is at least 980 years old and a UNESCO heritage site. Pont Vieux opened up more business opportunities after its construction in 1040 AD.

The bridge is a favorite spot for photography with its spectacular views of the river, the Cathedral, and the Berbie Palace.

While enjoying the magnificent views, you will notice that there are spots on the footpath of the bridge marked to help you capture the beautiful views of the arches, the river, and the city as its backdrop.

This bridge symbolizes growth and prosperity in Albi.

7. Boat Rides on River Tarn-Albi

Another fun thing to do while in Albi is taking a boat ride on river Tarn. There are three different loops on the river provided by the tourist center in Albi strategically letting you get breathtaking views of the city.

The cruise on the river will be on two bottomed barges that will take you on one of the three loops where you get a front-row view of the city.

Some notable sights along the river are the city’s old mills, stylish hotels, and red-brick buildings.

The cherry on top will be the view of Berbie Palace and Albi Cathedral from the river forever etched in your memory.

8; Get Fresh Produce from Albi’s Covered Market

As you walk along the historic lanes of the city admiring the massive buildings, drop by the market for some organic produce, grown in Albi.

There is an array of colorful fresh vegetables and mouth-watering fruits in the market, delicately arranged. There is also a range of meat and fresh seafood.

One thing you will not miss in this market is the cured French cheese and freshly-baked crispy bread. It is a few minutes away from the Toulouse- Lautrec Museum.

Get to interact with the friendly vendors at the market as you take in the many historical tales of Albi exhibited through food and culture.

9. Bird Watching at Park Rochegude

This large park with French- & English-style themed gardens has a pond, statues & playgrounds. It also has well-manicured gardens and stoned walkways are perfect for a day out.

The park is home to more than 80 different species of trees and has a bird island where you can spot several unique bird species.

It’s perfect for strolling, kids play and reading a book with the birds chirping melodiously in the background.

10. Collégiale Saint-Salvi

By Florent – Albi -wikimedia

This historic site is a must-see while in Albi France. Saint Salvi Collegiale was the first bishop in the episcopal city of Albi. The church at the site is a 6th-century monument that offers daily prayers and worships to date.

A good chunk of the church fell during the French Revolution in 1776 but the southern tower still stands a symbol of undying faith in Albi.

The church was constructed in two phases, before and after the Albigensian Crusade, therefore displaying a perfect blend of Roman and Gothic style architectures.

It is believed that visitors to this historic site whisper a prayer at the Collegiate Church for a peaceful getaway while in Albi.