The 10 things to do in Albi

Visit Albi: what are the best things to do and see during a stay in the emblematic city of catharism?

Albi is nicknamed the "red city" because of the red bricks composing the facades of the buildings. It is also, from the Middle Ages, a flagship heretical city. The Albigeois, or Cathars, faced Catholic institutions and suffered a bloody repression. The cathedral of Sainte-Cécile was built by the Church to affirm its power. You understood it, visiting Albi is visiting a whole heritage. Moreover, the festivities of art, heritage or activities in the midst of nature will feel at home.

Albi is full of places of interest. Are you wondering what to do and see during your stay? Here is a selection of the essential activities to be done in Albi! Follow the guide!

1. Saint-Cécile Cathedral of Albi

The Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile d’Albi is undoubtedly the most famous monument in the city. Built from 1282 to 1480 on a rocky piton overlooking the Tarn, it served as a military fortress. We come to contemplate the purest Gothic style in the South: observe these grandiose vaults!

The cathedral includes rich colorful decorations and a guided tour will allow you to know the whole history of the place. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is now one of the most visited cathedrals in France! This mastodon of the local heritage is certainly a must to see when visiting Albi.

2. The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum

Visiting Albi is to visit the birthplace of the famous painter Toulouse-Lautrec . This internationally recognized artist comes from the Cathar city which paid tribute to him by exposing his works in the palace of Berbie, a former episcopal palace.

Today, the space dedicated to Toulouse-Lautrec is one of the most visited museums in the region! It is almost a thousand works, including some major ones, which are presented to the public. "An examination at the faculty of Paris", "At the Salon de la rue des Moulins"... These creations cohabit with sculptures including some of Rodin or Maillol. A good idea of cultural outing that will enchant small and big!

3. Bike ride along the Tarn

Albi is a charming city that enjoys an exceptional geographical location and the presence of a river: the Tarn. And the best way to realize it is to ride it by bike. The authorities understood it well and set up no less than 20 different itineraries and five free bike-routes.

These routes are accessible to all and guarantee a safe journey. For example, you could leave the train station of Albi, walk along the Tarn and thus discover many charming villages. They will be willing to take a break around a glass or a local speciality, by the way: enjoy it!

4. The Museum of Fashion

Located in a former convent, this exceptional cultural space is one of our favourites. If you're lucky to visit Albi, you can't miss this real treasure chest!

Dominique Miraille, the owner, is a passionate collector of rare clothing and trim. He commented on the visit and will present these fabulous pieces from the 17th to the 20th century. This sumptuous private collection will undoubtedly make the happiness of the curious. Don’t be mistaken: this activity is not reserved for women. The boys will also be conquered!

5. Gourmet visit of Albi

Are you a gourmet end and looking for a gourmet trip to Albi? Direction the historic centre to discover one of the city’s traditional restaurants. You can taste the best products from the southwest that are highlighted by passionate chefs. Cassoulet, magret, foie gras, Roquefort or sweet treats await you.

Our advice? Try the albigeon pot-au-feu, hot radishes with salt liver or the famous " respounchous". To discover these exquisite flavours, book a table at the Lautrec, at the spirit of the mill or at the Aliby. These establishments are the pride of the city and the whole region: you have a small hollow?

6. The leisure center of Pratgraussals

Pratgraussals is an institution of relaxation in the Albi region! Located less than 700 metres from the city centre, this leisure base offers moult activities all more fun than others. On 17 hectares this local green lung allows to find that to do in Albi in a blink of an eye. It is therefore a place if you want to recharge.

It is possible to fish, organize a tasty barbecue or play football or tennis. In the summer, concerts are organized including the famous Pause Guitar festival. If you go there with your children, go to the insect hotel, a small hut built with recovery wood. It serves as habitat for many species and even houses a family of hedgehogs.

7. Cap’Découverte

Cap’Découverte is a multi-loisir hub opened in 2003. Its specificity is to be installed on the site of an old open-air coal mine near Carmaux. It forms an amphitheatre of 1300m in diameter over 230m in depth!

This real amusement park offers urban slip sports with a big indoor and outdoor skate park. A demential rail toboggan, a large multi-activity water plan and a mountain bike field are also present. You can also face your friends by defying them during a part of paintball... or minigolf, at your choice. Whether you’re visiting Albi with family or friends, Cap’découverte is a must-see for the city.

8. The archeocrypte of Sainte Sigolène

Troclar is an archaeological site close to the city of Albi. Here, a Merovian named Sigolène founded one of the first monasteries of women in the early 7th century. Today, its crypt decorated with frescoes houses the remains of Sigolène. A place that has been classified as Historical Monument since 1993.

An artificial and air-conditioned labyrinth houses a rich collection of objects dating from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Kitchenware, typical clothing accessories, games and musical instruments... You can learn all about these ancestral lifestyles when you come to visit Albi.

Ideally located, the archeocrypte of Sainte Sigolène is a must-see of heritage in the area. Enjoy a stroll in the region to visit it!

9. Academy of Miniatures

Near the Pont-vieux, in the Madeleine district, the Musée Académie des Miniatures presents the work of Annie Jaurès. Throughout his life, the artist will reproduce pieces from his childhood home and bourgeois buildings.

These 1/7 scale creations include furniture, bibelots, paintings, family photos, musical instruments. Parisian streets are even reproduced in their entirety! Today this work of goldsmith is presented to you by Catherine, the artist’s daughter.

Apart from the museum, you can also enjoy an adjoining tea lounge and succulent homemade pastries. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the sumptuous flowery garden: a nice bucolic walk in Albi.

10. Exoticamis Zoological Space

The owners of this zoological park warmly welcome you throughout the year to present their endearing residents. This open zoo 7 days a week includes an indoor vivarium and an outdoor park with different animals.

Rare birds, farm animals, reptiles, monkeys and suricates will make visitors happy! They can approach animals as close as possible for an unforgettable experience. The smaller ones can even put themselves in the skin of a caretaker during a morning.

Also, know that the animals present here come from seizures, abandonments or exchanges. This virtuous circle has made it early to convince animals lovers: when do you come?

How do I get to Albi?

Albi is located between Toulouse and Montpellier . The city therefore benefits from the presence of their two international airports respective. Moreover, for your reservation, think of using an online flight comparison such as Skyscanner . It will allow you to get there by finding you a flight at the best price. Shuttle and taxis will easily reach the city once on the cow floor.

If you want to visit the surrounding area freely, you can rent a vehicle directly to the airport to benefit from total flexibility. An important detail in more rural areas.

If you have the green fiber, buses and trains are your allies. The city is particularly well served by buses and the railway station offers routes to most of the cities of France. Therefore, joining Albi is relatively simple.

Where to stay in Albi?

When we look for what to do in Albi, we must necessarily think about housing. In fact, you will find on site several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. Star hotel or not, Airbnb , holiday homes, you have a choice.

The historic centre of Albi is a very touristic fortified town that houses several renowned hotels. They are obviously a simple and flexible solution for the occasional traveler!

Moreover, you will find your ideal establishment on a Compare hotels . In addition to the centre, a large rental offer is present in the city, including the Bout du Pont district. This former labour sector offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the "old Albi". The Maison du Vieil Alby and the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, housed by the majestic palace of Berbie, are very close.

Now you know how to explore Albi at best and enjoy the best activities available in this splendid occitane city. But it is up to you to choose the ones that will convince you! We only have to wish you a good trip!