Are you looking for the best things to do in Albi, France?
Albi, the city capital of Tarn département in the Occitanie region in southern France, lies along the Tarn River 85 km northeast of Toulouse. It was constructed around the original cathedral and episcopal group of buildings, covering 63 hectares.
An enchanting city with a rich medieval and Renaissance history, Albi takes its nickname “la rouge” or “the red one” from its red brick and tiles that are the main features of most of its houses and monuments.
It is one of the three main cities built in Languedoc-style red brick, the other two being Toulouse and Montauban.
Things you'll find in this article
- 10 Best Things To Do In Albi, France
- 1. Explore the massive Sainte Cécile Cathedral (Albi Cathedral)
- 2. Visit Palais de la Berbie and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
- 3. Visit and shop for vintage souvenirs at Musée de la Mode (The Fashion Museum)
- 4. Stop by the House of Miniatures
- 5. Drive or walk over Pont Vieux (Old Bridge)
- 6. Sail the Tarn River on the “gabarre”
- 7. Rest or have a picnic at Park Rochegude
- 8. Ride a hot air balloon
- 9. Sample the local cheeses
- 10. Shop for a pot souvenir at Les Poteries d’Albi
10 Best Things To Do In Albi, France
As Albi is renowned for its special charm and a warm atmosphere, you will never run out of things to do and see in this beautiful Occitan city.
1. Explore the massive Sainte Cécile Cathedral (Albi Cathedral)
Sainte Cécile Cathedral is one-of-a-kind for two reasons. One, it is the world’s largest church made of bricks.
Two, the whole vaulted ceilings and some walls – a total of 18,000 sq m! – are adorned with amazing early 16th-century frescoes.
A true masterpiece of the Southern Gothic style, this massive cathedral took about 200 years to build – from 1282 to 1480.
The cathedral’s grandiose size alone is enough to make Albi worth a visit, certainly one of many breathtaking sights in the city.
2. Visit Palais de la Berbie and the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Right by the Albi Cathedral you will find the beautiful Palais de la Berbie which hosts the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.
The museum is home to the largest public collection devoted to the French painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who was born in Albi in 1864. Here you will find more than 1,000 of his works, including 31 famous posters.
The building itself, which was once a Bishops’ Palace, also has some interesting areas so make sure to walk around after visiting the museum, especially the beautiful gardens.
3. Visit and shop for vintage souvenirs at Musée de la Mode (The Fashion Museum)
This rather tiny but delightful specialty museum will take you to a beautiful trip through fashion history. Don’t be fooled by its size; it’s packed with a wide range of well-curated items on display. These items change each year to give a different theme.
You can buy souvenirs from the shop next door. They are charming and sensibly-priced vintage items that you and your loved ones back home will love.
4. Stop by the House of Miniatures
Académie des Miniatures et des Petits Goûters is another specialty museum in Albi which holds an incredible exhibition of a lifetime’s work of Madam Juras.
Madam Juras is an elderly lady who recreates her childhood memories of her family home in miniatures and shares this with the world. Her beautiful miniature collection is all her work done in over 40 years.
You will be amazed by the incredible details of every miniature on display. It’s really worth stopping by and spending an hour or two.
5. Drive or walk over Pont Vieux (Old Bridge)
Pont Vieux is said to be the bridge which made Albi a prosperous city. After the bridge’s construction in 1040, the Albi town – then known as Civitas Albigensium – became a major trading center.
With the superb views of the Albi Cathedral and other gorgeous structures, Pont Vieux is a beautiful old bridge in a beautiful setting.
You can drive or walk over it, and you need not look for it as you’ll most likely have to cross it one time or another while in Albi.
6. Sail the Tarn River on the “gabarre”
The Tarn River cruise is an absolute must-do when in Albi. Ride the traditional river boat called “gabarre” for an authentic Occitan experience. This is a fun activity where you will have the best views of the city.
Boats sail by day at 7.50 euros for 30 minutes of navigation pleasure. You can also have lunch on board.
7. Rest or have a picnic at Park Rochegude
A four-hectare landscaped park with well-labelled specimens of trees and rare shrubs, Park Rochegude is a pleasure for a stroll any time of day.
Some 10 to 15 minutes on foot from Cathedral Plaza, its graveled paths lead you through well-manicured gardens, over bridges crossing the ponds and artificial streams that house a “bird island” and some fine carps and goldfish.
Park Rochegude was built in the 19th century on the edge of the mansion Admiral Pascal Rochegude, which the park was named after.
The park has French gardens with boxwood borders, as well as an English garden and other gardens dedicated to aromatic plants, roses, and vegetables.
Park Rochegude is an absolutely charming park off the city center – well worth to visit for a rest or a picnic.
8. Ride a hot air balloon
For an incredible view of Albi and the surrounding countryside landscapes, ride a hot air balloon. You can participate in the inflation and deflation of the balloon before gliding through the air and after the flight.
Spend at least three hours in this activity, which includes an hour’s flight which ends in a field with local cakes or cookies and a glass of sparkling wine.
9. Sample the local cheeses
France is famous for its cheeses and at least three of them hail from Tarn.
Bouyguette des Collines is best paired with rosé or dry white wines.
The copper-colored pechegos is very creamy in texture with flavors that are complex and sharp. Pechegos are best served with eggs or potatoes, and paired with white wines.
Rouelle du Tarn is easily recognized with its hole in the center and is white-gray in color. Pair it with fruity red wines for the best taste of this authentic Tarn cheese.
10. Shop for a pot souvenir at Les Poteries d’Albi
Located at 112 Avenue Albert Thomas in Albi, Les Poteries d’Albi is the last French manufacturer of handcrafted pottery. This family business which has been around since 1891 is considered a living heritage company.
It offers large choices of pottery – classic or modern, in all shapes and colors – at very attractive prices.
You can also walk around the store and have a quick tour of the premises while here.
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.