Albi

Albi, the "red city" on the Tarn in Occitania, is a UNESCO World Heritage site because it is an exceptionally well-preserved medieval bishopric town, entirely built of warm red brick and hardly affected by modern interventions. The compact center around the cathedral, bishop's palace, and old neighborhoods forms a coherent ensemble that makes the power of the church after the Crusades against the Cathars tangible.

The first highlight you absolutely must not miss is the Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, the largest brick church in the world: a massive Gothic fortress with an overwhelming painted interior and an impressive Last Judgment mural. Right next to it lies the Palais de la Berbie with its formal gardens above the Tarn; the medieval palace exudes episcopal power and today houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. This brings us to the third must-see: the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, showcasing a unique collection of works by Albi’s most famous son, allowing you to experience the city through the eyes of the artist.

Finally, be sure to take a stroll through the medieval streets and the Pont-Vieux for iconic views of this extraordinary city.

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