Our trip to Albi was during a Sunday afternoon in January. Albi has a vibrant red palette, due to the brick used to construct the entirety of the historic city center.
Albi has conserved its rich architectural heritage, which encapsulates each brilliant period of its history- dating back to the Roman conquest of Gaul (51 BC). Winding through the city’s small medieval paths, you can see…
–Roman bridges
like Pont Vieux, “Old Bridge”. Constructed in 1040.
Wanderlust? Here’s $40 on Airbnb
–A 13th century castle
Palais de la Berbie, “Berbie Palace”. A palace built by episcopal bishop Bernard de Castanet, after he helped the King in a crusade against the Cathars. Don’t forget the elaborate French manicured gardens that oversee the Tarn river. André Le Nôtre designed the gardens, you may have also seen his work in Versailles.
-Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile
“Saint Cecile Cathedral.” Also constructed by Bernard de Castanet, in 1282. The prominent Southern Gothic style basilica was completed in 1480. The 200 years of craftsmanship is evident and awe-inspiring. It’s said to be the largest brick building in the world. This instagram doesn’t do it it justice in terms of scale.
-The birthplace of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec,
post-impressionism painter of colorful, theatrical 19th century Paris. {Marcelle Lender doing the Bolero in ‘Chilpéric’ (1895)}
I HIGHLY recommend one or all three of the walking tours found on a map obtained at the tourist office located between the cathédrale and palais. Because we visited on a Sunday in winter, many regular tourist options were closed. But this didn’t dull our afternoon.
A sweet example of Occitan hospitality,
My boyfriend and I had just left the tourist office, map in hand, bright-eyed and ready to start a long walk. When all of a sudden a warm, older voice with an evident Southern accent asked to see our map. My gaze followed a large hand to up to see a classically dressed Frenchman- beret and all. The French don’t smile wide like Americans, but his eyes were shining like he was. The next 15 minutes were consumed with this kind stranger detailing the red, green and blue tours outlined on the map. “This is my favorite loop, but you’re young- I’m sure you’ll be able to walk all of them.” “Once you finish this, it will probably be lunchtime. This is my favorite café. But if you walk this way, there is the café all the young people go to.” My heart melted. This man, so in love with this city, had to share every detail of the winding stone paved streets. I wish I had asked his name, I wish we could have done more than give a hearty merci for his help.
For lunch we dined in the shadow of the Cathédrale at La Berbie. Dine outside for the amazing view, and we recommend the menu with Confit de canard “Fried Duck Leg.”
Bisous babes !
— Annie
