A UNESCO red-brick city with the world's largest brick cathedral and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum.
Albi is the red-brick capital of the Tarn department and a UNESCO World Heritage episcopal city, about 75 km north-east of Toulouse. The liO Train (TER Occitanie) from Gare Matabiau takes about one hour with around 12 departures a day, and promotional fares start from EUR 1, so the train is the easiest way to go. The station is about 1 km from the old town, a flat 15-minute walk.
The skyline is dominated by the fortress-like Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, the largest brick cathedral in the world, whose interior is covered by painted frescoes and a Renaissance rood screen. Beside it stands the Palais de la Berbie, the former bishops' palace, which houses the Toulouse-Lautrec museum with the world's largest collection of the painter's works. Gardens on the Berbie terraces overlook the Tarn River and the Pont Vieux, a medieval bridge.
A suggested day starts with the cathedral and the museum, continues with lunch in the old town, then a walk along the Tarn and across the Pont Vieux before the late-afternoon train back. April to June and September to October bring mild weather, while mid-summer afternoons can be hot.
| Distance | About 75 km north-east of Toulouse |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour by train |
| Getting there | liO Train from Gare Matabiau to Albi-Ville, about 1 hour with around 12 departures per day; fares from about EUR 1 (~$1.15) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Place Sainte-Cécile, 81000 Albi, France |
How to get there
- liO Train (TER)
- Car
- Coach
Suggested itinerary
- Cathedral Sainte-Cécile, Palais de la Berbie museum, lunch, Pont Vieux and riverside walk, train back
Location
Place Sainte-Cécile, 81000 Albi, France
43.9289, 2.1464 View on map
Highlights
- Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile, with its painted interior
- Toulouse-Lautrec museum in the Palais de la Berbie
- Walk across the medieval Pont Vieux over the Tarn
- Berbie gardens with river views
Tips for visiting
- Take the liO Train from Gare Matabiau; the walk from the station is about 15 minutes
- Visit the cathedral early before tour groups arrive
- Book museum entry online in summer
- Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbled old town
When to visit
April-June and September-October for mild weather; arrive in the morning.
Accessibility
The old town has cobbled streets and slopes; the cathedral nave is accessible, and some museum levels are limited.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get from Toulouse to Albi?
By liO Train from Gare Matabiau in about 1 hour, with around 12 departures a day.
Is one day enough for Albi?
Yes, a day covers the cathedral, the museum and the old town.
Is the cathedral free?
Entry to the main nave is generally free; paid access applies to the choir; confirm on the Albi tourist office site.