What to See on a Day Trip to Albi
A visit to Toulouse is the perfect excuse to explore some of the beautiful cities and regions around southwest France, and one of the most beloved day trips from Toulouse is to the city of Albi. From “the pink city” to “the red city,” these neighboring villes are a mere hour apart, either by train or car, meaning Albi is an easy day trip from Toulouse.
Albi is a smaller city than Toulouse, but that doesn’t shorten the list of what there is to see and do during your visit. Soak up the vivid colors and local history that still thrums with life along the winding cobblestone streets and crane your neck to take in the spectacular beauty of the Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile. To make sure you don’t miss the best spots, here is our list of our favorite activities and sites to see on a day trip to Albi.
If you’d like to explore the town’s culinary culture with knowledgeable locals, please join us for our Taste of Albi Gourmet Tour!
Visit Le Quartier du Castelviel
“Castelviel” means “old castle,” and this quarter is only a portion of the beautiful historic city center of Albi, which spans an immense amount of ground: from the Right Bank in the Madeleine district to the stunning cloisters and walled garden at Saint Salvi. Since 2010, le Quartier du Castelviel has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As soon as you step into the central Episcopal square, you will see why…
Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile
This towering monument is the tallest brick cathedral in the world, putting Albi on the international stage! It looms over the city in the style of a “fortified castle,” imposing and gothic despite its burnt orange stone. It sits perched on the hill overlooking the river Tarn, its bell tower measuring 78 meters, meaning it certainly draws the eye no matter where you are in the city!
Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile is a true glimpse into Albi’s deep past. This masterwork of Southern French Gothic architecture dates back to the 13th century. It took over 200 years to build, and like the rest of Albi (and Toulouse), it was constructed with “foraine” red bricks made of baked clay.
Step inside the cool gloom of Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile and be hit by another incredible world record: this is the largest painted cathedral in the world. Painted by Italian artists in the early 1500s, frescoes depicting optical illusions and geometric designs cover the vaults and walls. Not only that, but the organ, which dates back to the 18th century, is also the largest in France. Enjoy learning about the statues, paintings, and other décor by taking the self-guided audio tour for €5.
Les Jardins de la Berbie
In the shadow of the cathedral, visit Les Jardins de la Berbie – the gardens of the bishops’ palace – which have held the national label of “jardin remarquable” since 2009. Le Palais de la Berbie (“Berbie” being the Occitan word for “bishop”) is a belvedere, a perfect lookout over the river Tarn, and was built in the 13th century. United with the cathedral, these two structures make up Albi’s UNESCO heritage site, both sporting the same austere architecture. Over time, the fortified severity gave way to opulence, which is where the gardens come in.
No longer needing the palace as a defensive fortress, the first archbishop of Albi commissioned pleasure gardens to be cultivated in the 17th century. Structured and manicured in the style of classic French gardens, Les Jardins de la Berbie includes shaded walkways around the perimeter to look out over the river, taking in the Pont Vieux, and the scenic terrace is the perfect spot for spectacular photographs.
In 1922, the palace itself transformed into a museum honoring the Albi native and famous 19th-century painter Henri Toulouse-Lautrec (keep reading to find out more).
Place Savène
The castelviel doesn’t end with UNESCO sites as there are further incredible places to see in Albi’s original city center – namely Place Savène. This tiny square is a picture-perfect hidden gem that captures the historic beauty of Albi. Colorful half-timbered houses in the unique style of the city are jumbled together higgledy-piggledy, and residents keep flowers in boxes out front, so it feels like you’re in a peaceful village in the middle of the city. It is a beautiful spot for a moment of tranquility, so take a break on one of the benches and admire the idyllic surroundings.
Explore Nature in Albi
For a “red city,” there is a surprising amount of greenery that cannot be missed in Albi. The city was awarded the “quatre fleurs” label in 2002 due to its commitment to sustaining the region’s nature, as well as for its rich vegetal heritage. Thanks to the river Tarn, which is pivotal to Albi’s history, biodiversity and wildlife have been sustained in the city. Retreat from the city’s ochre tones to walk along the riverbanks or cool off in the water. In summer, there are sports and activities for kids, including trampolining, mini golf, paddle boating, and tree climbing.
Follow the L’Echappée Verte, an urban hike of 7km that follows the Tarn. Divided into three different pathways, there are options for cycling, family-friendly walks, and studying the incredible 43 different species of fauna. Plus, in summer, feel free to pick your own fruit as you pass under drooping fruit trees! This walking trail transports you out of the city and into what feels like wild countryside and woodland, and not only that, but it is part of the GR 36 trail that traces from the north to the south of France!
If you’d like to escape the city but walking isn’t on your agenda, have no fear! “Gabarres,” or wooden barges with flat bottoms, were used to transport goods to Bordeaux until the 1920s and have now been given a new lease of life as pleasure boats for tourists. Get out on the water for one of three scenic cruises of Albi: history and culture, nature, or picnics and music. Each ride departs from the banks of the river under the cathedral.
Finally, you must take advantage of the opportunity to pass under the Pont Vieux, which dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, making it one of the oldest bridges in France that is still in use. It stretches to 151m long and has changed in appearance considerably since its construction in 1040!
Take a look at the 18th-century pasta factory, its water mill tucked beneath the bridge’s arches, which has been transformed into a hotel. Now listed as a historical monument, it captures how crucial these factories and water mills were to Albi’s industrial history.
Take a Food Tour
Explore Albi by foot (and by stomach) on the Taste of Albi food tour! The best way to discover a city is to taste its food so you can discover the authentic flavors of a region and eat like a local. Follow our culinary guide, Chesca, a native English-speaking local, who will take you to visit food and drink producers around the city. You’ll learn about the food scene and the “terroir” of the region as you devour cheeses, charcuterie, and chocolates and drink wines and cocktails. Discover the history and culture of Albi as you dine like locals and walk through the labyrinthine streets, admiring the architecture and scenery.
Albi Museums
Even after all of these outdoor activities, there is still plenty to see and do inside—Albi is a day trip for all weathers! Let’s take a look at Albi’s museums and galleries; there’s an impressive range for such a small city.
Musée Toulouse-Lautrec
Tucked away inside the remarkable Palais de la Berbie, a tribute to Albi’s most famous painter, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec is displayed. It is the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world, totaling just over 1,000, and includes his famous illustrated poster of the Moulin Rouge. Born in Albi, Toulouse-Lautrec descended from Toulousain aristocracy but spent much of his life painting in Paris, documenting the cabarets and bohemian districts. When he died at the young age of 37, his family and friends donated his full collection, so it could be showcased to the world.
Maison du Vieil Alby
For art-lovers and history buffs, don’t miss out on visiting the Maison du Vieil Alby – a beautifully preserved medieval house, one of the oldest in the city. Built in the unique design of Albi, its roof is half-timbered, and the first floor overhangs the sidewalk. Disappear inside to find an exhibition on Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, detailing the stories of his youth.
Lapérouse Museum
This maritime museum is perfect for families with young explorers! A historical adventure awaits – here, you will discover the tale of Jean-Francois de Galaup de Lapérouse, an 18th-century sea captain and Albi native who disappeared at sea in 1788 as he explored the Pacific. This was the most daring maritime expedition of all time, his trip plotting a route around the world. However, it ended with a shipwreck in the South Pacific, and the whole of France was gripped by the “Lapérouse Mystery” until the wreck was discovered forty years later. Over 600 items were salvaged from the ships and are displayed at the Lapérouse Museum.
How to get to Albi from Toulouse
Train
There is a direct train from Toulouse-Matabiau station to Albi-Ville that takes around one hour – you can buy your tickets at the station or online. The trains are fairly frequent, with one leaving every hour or so – with a higher frequency during morning and evening commutes. The walk to Albi’s historic district from the Albi-Ville train station is only 10-15 minutes, depending on your exact destination.
Car
If you have access to a car, the journey from Toulouse takes approximately one hour: take the A68 toward Lavaur, Albi, and Castres. It requires going through the toll, which is less than €2. Be sure to take cash with you to Albi as you will have to pay for parking in the city.
With the convenient transport links, a day trip from Toulouse to Albi is an ideal option to explore the cities and regions of southwest France. With such a variety of activities and things to see in Albi, the whole family will be entertained!
Remember, if you’d like to see Albi through the eyes of a local, our Taste of Albi Gourmet Tour is a great way to discover the flavors of the Tarn region. And if you are based in Toulouse during your travels in France, explore our full selection of Toulouse Walking Tours and Food Experiences.
