Discover Albi in South West France
Tourist Information on this stunning medieval Town on the River Tarn
Aug 21, 2008
An hour's train ride northeast of Toulouse in France is the little-known town of Albi that contains two unique sights: a museum containing the world’s most comprehensive collection of Toulouse-Lautrec's work (he was born here in 1864), and one of the most remarkable Gothic Cathedrals in France.
Despite being quite small ( population is 50,000), the town hosts three good festivals over the course of the year: jazz in May; theatre at the end of June/beginning of July, and classical music at the end of July/beginning of August.
The highlights of Albi are the aforementioned Sainte Cécile cathedral; the Palais Berbie (which houses the Toulouse-Lautrec museum) and the “pont vieux” or old bridge, one of the oldest in France.
Half-timbered corbelled houses, narrow passages and cobbled streets add to the quaintness of Albi, a town just made for strolling.
The Hotel Reynes has an extraordinary loggia worth seeing. It was built by a rich pastel merchant in 1530 (pastel was a blue plant dye and the town of Albi grew rich on this trade). The Reynes is one of many merchant Renaissance palaces in the town. Don’t miss also seeing Hôtel de Gorsse, and Hôtel de Rivière.
The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Since 1922 over a thousand works, paintings, lithographs, drawings and posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec have been kept and shown at the Museum in Albi. This exceptional collection is housed in the Berbia Palace, a powerful fortress built in the 13th century.
This most prestigious pieces in the collection were given to the Museum by the artist's relatives, the Count and Countess of Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum's paintings are considered among the painter's most famous works.
Sainte-Cécile Cathedral
The Cathedral was started in the 13th century and took from 1282 to 1480 to complete. It offers an astonishing contrast between the outer defensive style and the richness of its sumptuous interior. Check out the 16th century wall paintings, the rood screen, and the “last judgement day” paintings.
The Renaissance paintings of the vault are contemporary with the Sistine Chapel, and in here you also find the largest group of mediaeval sculptures in southern France.
Practical Information
Lay your head at the Grand Hôtel d’Orléans – a three star establishment on Place Stalingrad (in front of the train station Albi-Ville) 81000 ALBI Tel. 00 33 (0)5 63 54 16 56. This modern Best Western hotel has comfortable rooms with cable satellite television, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer etc and the hotel also boasts a good restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and friendly staff. Singles start from 60 euros (US$88.70).
It’s best to book ahead in August, but most of the year it’s not a problem finding accommodation.
A good place to eat is Restaurant Stephane Laurens - 10, place Monseigneur Mignot. ALBI. Tel 05 63 43 62 41. Contemporary French cuisine at a good price. His “Menu Instant Plaisir” at 24 euros (US$ 35.50) is exceptional value, and the quality of food impressive.
Due to the extensive network, efficient running and general comfort of the trains, travelling by rail in France is always a pleasure. There are some excellent rail passes available from Rail Europe
Five days of travel in a 10 day period InterRail pass costs £212 (US$395) for an Adult Standard class Global pass. This pass allows you to travel in more than one country. However, if you want to travel solely in France a One Country France pass would be more appropriate. A 3 days worth of travel within a one month period Adult One Country France Pass starts from £161 (US$300) in standard class.
Click here for more tourist information on the area.
