Welcome to Albi, a veritable open-air museum! A UNESCO-listed former episcopal city, Albi boasts exceptional gastronomy, a gentle way of life and a wide range of activities. But what really makes Albi so rich is its heritage! The Red City is dominated by the splendid Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, a magnificent example of Southern Gothic architecture and the largest brick cathedral in the world. It stands majestically over the pedestrian lanes, the banks of the Tarn and the restaurant terraces. So, what to do and see in Albi? Come and discover our 13 must-sees!
1. Albi's Sainte-Cécile cathedral
You can't help but be impressed by this majestic brick edifice! But the sensation is even more intense once inside this masterpiece of Southern Gothic heritage, built between 1282 and 1480, and now the largest brick cathedral in the world. Its imposing pink-brick silhouette and immense 78-meter-high bell tower, which dominates the region in the heart of old Albi, often earn it comparisons to a fortified castle. At 97 metres long and 28 metres wide, the frescoes in the vaulted ceiling are the largest and oldest in France. It remains the only cathedral in Europe whose walls and vaults are entirely painted over an area of almost 18,500 m². The flamboyant Gothic rood screen is adorned with magnificent polychrome statuary, a unique example of 15th-century French sculpture.
Want to discover the history of Albi? Book a unique guided tour of 18th-century Albi with Mme de Lapérouse here. You'll discover the history, gossip and curiosities of the time through her insightful anecdotes.
2. Visit the Palais de la Berbie
Completed in the late 13th century, this fortress is one of the oldest in France! Over the course of its existence, the palace has undergone several transformations. Over the centuries, the bishops transformed the château into a residence of pleasure, with grand salons, terraces and gardens. One of the oldest in France, it now houses the works of local painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum retraces the whole of the Albi-born artist's work, from his first compositions on horses to his last painting, "Un examen à la faculté de Paris", including major works such as "Au salon de la rue des Moulins". A must-see in the Tarn !
3. What to do in Albi Stroll through the Berbie gardens
This French-style garden lies at the foot of the majestic Palais de la Berbie . Created in the monument's former parade ground in the 17th century, it owes its existence to the first archbishop of Albi, Hyacinthe Serroni. Classified as an outstanding garden since 2010, it is one of the city's most visited tourist sites. Visitors come here to enjoy the tranquility and exceptional panorama of the right bank of the Tarn, the Pont-Vieux and the old mills.
4. Visit the Maison du Vieil Alby
The Maison du Vieil Alby is a typical medieval residence, one of the oldest in the city of Albi, located in the Castelnau district. Today, this medieval house is the headquarters of the Association pour la Sauvegarde du Vieil Alby. It combines brick and half-timbering, and features an open-air attic, known as a soleilhou (where pastel, among other things, was dried), half-timbering and corbelling (a storey projecting from the street to gain floor space). It features exhibitions and slide shows on the history of local life.
5. Collégiale Saint-Salvi, Albi's oldest church
This splendid vestige , topped by an astonishing watchtower bell tower, remains one of Albi's oldest buildings. Its complex architecture bears witness to a long series of construction campaigns in which Romanesque and Gothic styles mingled. Of the cloister, built from 1270 onwards and mutilated during the French Revolution, only the southern gallery remains today. It combines Romanesque forms, such as the round arches, with Gothic elements, such as the capitals and decorations on the pillars. A true haven of peace in the heart of the city!
6. Visit the Lapérouse Museum
The Musée Lapérouse retraces the glorious life of Jean-François Galaup de Lapérouse, set in the context of the great expeditions of his time. It's easy to imagine that, as a child on the banks of the Tarn, Lapérouse was already dreaming of the trade winds. An honest man and a brilliant sailor, this Albigensian spent his life sailing on superb ships, subjected to the perils of his seafaring adventures. The Musée Lapérouse recounts his family life and his voyages, and exhibits numerous objects found at the site of his fatal shipwreck in Vanikoro in 1788.
See also our article What to do in Occitanie? The 21 most beautiful places to visit.
7. What to do in Albi Take a walk in the Parc Rochegude
Created in the late 18th century, this park and its outbuildings originally belonged to Admiral Henri Paschal de Rochegude. A botanical enthusiast, he asked for an "English" garden to be added to the almost 4-hectare park, which already included a formal garden. This English garden was planted with a wide variety of trees, and today the park boasts over 230 species. A scent garden, romantic statues, a labyrinth, water features and beautiful walkways enhance this fragrant and colorful stroll.
8. Canoeing along the Tarn Valley
For lovers of the great outdoors and water sports, a canoe trip along the Vallée du Tarn is a must in Albi. This activity allows you to discover the natural beauty of the region from a unique angle. Canoeing is indeed the Vallée du Tarn's flagship activity, idealfor enjoying the bucolic landscapes and discovering a preserved natural area. Located just a few kilometers from the Episcopal city of Albi, on the way to Millau and the famous Gorges du Tarn, this activity offers a unique experience in the heart of nature.
9. What to do in Albi Visit the Saut du Tarn Museum
Opened in 1995 by former workers from the metallurgical plant, the museum is housed in the building of the first hydroelectric power station, 6km from Albi. It retraces two centuries of industrial and social history through a number of animated models, evoking the days of the Société des Hauts-Fourneaux, forges et aciéries du Saut-du-Tarn. The tour lasts around an hour and a half, and ends with an audiovisual show featuringa giant 23-metre model simulating the spectacular flooding of the River Tarn. Numerous cultural events are also scheduled.
10. Exoticamis zoo
The Exoticamis zoo is the perfect place to spend time with the whole family and discover species from other parts of the world. This one-hectare exotic park is a haven for animals, with a vivarium housing various species such as caimans, chameleons, iguanas, dragons, pythons, vipers and boas. You'll also find wallabies, marmosets, numerous species of turtles and exotic birds from abandoned, donated, administrative or zoological institutions. The small farm welcomes children to cuddle the donkeys and goats, and feed the pigs, ducks and chickens. The park is also ideal for celebrating a birthday with free hands-on activities.
11. miniature Academy Museum
The Académie des miniatures et des petits goûters is a place of magic, nostalgia and poetry. Located on the right bank of the Tarn, opposite Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, this atypical museum showcases the works of Annie Jaurès, a passionate re-enactor. The creations are exhibited and presented by her daughter. The story of this surprising collection began with the artist's deep attachment to her childhood home. As a model-maker, she spent her life reconstructing every room in the house to 1/7 scale, with breathtaking fidelity. Take the time to venture into this timeless space and let yourself be told the many stories of the mistress of the house. A delightful, charming museum to discover.
12. Sainte Sigolène archaeocrypt, just outside Albi
This unusual museum may surprise you! L'Archéocrypte presents a rich collection of objects dating from prehistory and the early Middle Ages, tracing the history of Lagrave. Most of the items on display were discovered on the Troclar archaeological site between 1971 and 1998. An entire monastery founded in the 7th century was discovered there. Located in Lagrave's cultural center, the museum retraces the commune's 150,000-year history on educational panels.
Looking for another unusual activity to do in Albi? Experience the enchantment of a hot-air balloon flight over Albi and take to the skies to discover the Tarn's heritage by booking right here!
13. What to do in Albi Taste the local gourmet specialties
To keep your strength up, you can count on the Episcopal city's gourmet addresses, most of which focus on local produce and regional specialties. Don't miss the famous gâteau à la broche, a traditional pastry baked on a spit over a wood fire. Fans of charcuterie will appreciatethe melsat, a dry sausage typical of the region. And to accompany these delicacies, why not enjoy a glass of Gaillac, a local wine renowned for its quality and diversity. Albi's many restaurants and markets will give you the opportunity to discover these authentic flavors and take full advantage of the region's gastronomic wealth.
Discover the flavors of Albi by booking this guided gastronomic tour of the city, including food and drinktastings in 5 restaurants.
Where to stay in Albi?
Albi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets. Here are a few of our favorites to help you find the ideal accommodation:
- Best value for money: Hotel Les Pasteliers
On the first floor, Hotel Les Pasteliers ' breakfast area and outdoor patio attract visitors with their friendly atmosphere. Each room has its own intimate, baroque decor, and some have a private terrace. Three rooms are even equipped with whirlpool baths! At the entrance, a mini-cybercafé is available free of charge. All in all, a lovely stopover in Albi at an affordable price, which you can book right here.
- The hotel with the best view: Mercure Albi Bastides
Prized for its warm welcome, impeccable service and rooms, the Mercure Albi Bastides hotel is housed in part of Albi's former mills, which date back to 1770. The historic cachet of this old and exceptional site (listed as a Monument Historique) is enhanced by its position overlooking the Tarn, and by the view of the old town illuminated by the glow of sunset. Smart tip: ask for one of the angled rooms for an exceptional view.
Click here to book your stay at this hotel!
- The most prestigious: Hostellerie Saint-Antoine
This is one of Albi's most prestigious hotels. Founded in 1734 on the site of the former monastery, L'Hostellerie Saint-Antoine has been run by the Rieux family for five generations. This 4-star hotel, with its calm and tranquil charm, is just a stone's throw from the Place du Vigan, but has a rare elegance. In the garden in fine weather, by the fireside in winter, this charming hotel isthe ideal destination for a stay where you want to feel pampered and soothed. Click here to to book your stay at this hotel!
What to do in Albi with your family
Albi is an ideal destination for a family vacation, offering a multitude of activities for all ages. Start witha visit to the majestic Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, the largest brick cathedral in the world, which will amaze young and old alike with its impressive architecture. Next, explore the Palais de la Berbie and its museum dedicated to Toulouse-Lautrec, where children can discover the artist's colorful and fascinating works. For a nature break, the gardens of the Palais de la Berbie offer a peaceful setting with a breathtaking view of the Tarn River.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate a canoe trip along the Tarn Valley, a refreshing and fun activity. For younger visitors, a visit to the exotic park will allow them to meet rare animals and enjoy a small farm where they can cuddle donkeys and goats. And don't miss the Académie des miniatures et des petits goûters, an atypical museum that will delight children with its miniature reconstructions.
Discover the best things to do in Albi here:
What to visit in Albi in 2 or 3 days?
Albi is a city rich in history and culture, with many attractions to discover in 2 or 3 days. Here's an itinerary to make the most of your stay:
Day 1: Discover the historical heritage
- Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile: Start with a visit to this magnificent cathedral, the largest brick-built cathedral in the world. Admire its Southern Gothic architecture and impressive frescoes.
- Palais de la Berbie and Musée Toulouse-Lautrec: Right next to the cathedral, explore this episcopal palace turned museum. Discover the works of Toulouse-Lautrec and enjoy the gardens with their panoramic view of the Tarn River.
- Collégiale Saint-Salvi: End your day with a visit to this Romanesque church, one of Albi's oldest, with its peaceful cloister.
Day 2: Nature and outdoor activities
- Canoeing on the Tarn: Start the day with a canoe trip along the Tarn Valley. This activity will allow you to discover bucolic landscapes and relax in the heart of nature.
- Parc Rochegude: After lunch, take a stroll through this exotic one-hectare park, where you can observe rare animals and enjoy a small farm.
- Gardens of the Palais de la Berbie: End your day with a visit to the gardens of the Palais de la Berbie, classified as an outstanding garden, offering a breathtaking view of the Tarn and the Pont-Vieux.
Day 3: Culture and gastronomy
- Musée Lapérouse: Discover the story of Jean-François Galaup de Lapérouse, the famous explorer from Albi, through fascinating objects and stories.
- Académie des miniatures et des petits goûters: Visit this atypical museum where you can admire miniature reconstructions and learn more about local history.
- Taste local specialties: For lunch, sample Albi's gourmet specialties, such as gâteau à la broche, melsat and rocafort cheese. End your day with a stroll through the picturesque streets of old Albi.
This itinerary will allow you to discover Albi's main attractions while enjoying its rich heritage, nature and gastronomy.
What to do around Albi?
The area around Albi offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover, perfect for extending your stay in the region. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Explore the magnificent Gorges du Tarn by canoe or on foot. Spectacular scenery, steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters make this a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Visit the charming hilltop village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. Stroll through its cobbled streets, admire its medieval houses and enjoy panoramic views over the valley.
- Discover the vineyards of Gaillac and take part in tastings of local wines. The region is renowned for its quality wines and wine-growing landscapes.
- Explore the priory of Ambialet, a historic site offering breathtaking views over the Tarn valley. The village is equally charming, with its stone houses and narrow streets.
- Go hiking in the Parc naturel régional des Grands Causses, which offers varied, unspoilt landscapes. Discover the causses, gorges and valleys, as well as the local flora and fauna.
