If you’ve decided to travel through the south of France—and especially through the beautiful city of Albi, in the Tarn department of the Occitanie region—here are five must-see attractions you definitely shouldn’t miss. The five things to do when you’re in Albi, according to Travellers Society:
1/ Visit St. Cecilia Cathedral
Sublime, incredible, and a must-see, Sainte-Cécile Cathedral is as impressive from the outside as it is from the inside. In fact, Sainte-Cécile Cathedral is nothing less than the largest brick cathedral in the world. Resembling a fortified castle to a T, it will surprise you with its beauty and majesty. Its dimensions are truly awe-inspiring: 113 m long, 35 m wide, and a bell tower 78 m high.
And because Saint Cecilia also wanted to impress you as you step inside, you should know that this is the largest painted cathedral in Europe, with 18,500 m² of frescoes and decorations. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to enjoy a performance on the grand organ.
Last admission is at 5:45 p.m. year-round. Guided tours are offered in the summer.
Photo credit: Travellers Society
2/ Explore the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Located near the cathedral, the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum will delight fans of the painter and anyone with a curiosity for art, as well as children, who can learn as they wander through the galleries. There are even activities organized for them during the summer. Located in the Palais de la Berbie, it houses the world’s largest public collection dedicated to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.
To find out the opening hours, click here: http://www.tourisme-tarn.com/patrimoine-culturel/musee-toulouse-lautrec
Photo credit: ©Gregory-Cassiau
3/ Take a walk along the Tarn
Cruises depart from Albi, offering you the chance to explore the city and its surroundings from the Tarn River. Take advantage of the many sunny days to set out on a Gabarre cruise. Cruises depart several times a day, especially in the summer. A 30-minute cruise will give you a different perspective on the city.
For more information: https://www.albi-croisieres.com
Photo credit: Travellers Society
4/ Have a picnic in Rochegude Park
The beautiful Rochegude Park, designated a “Remarkable Garden,” welcomes you to its 4 hectares of lush greenery. Several gardens await you there: the maze garden, the shade garden, the demonstration garden, the rose garden, the waterfall garden, and the vegetable garden, among others. Take a stroll and discover the park’s romantic statues.
Rochegude Park Hours: From 1er April through September 30: 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., daily. The rest of the year: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., daily.
Photo credit: F. Guibilato – City of Albi
5/ Play sports at Cap’Découverte
If you feel like stretching your legs, there’s nothing like a little exercise. And to do just that, head to Cap’Découverte. At this recreation center, you’ll find a skate park, a giant zip line, a water ski lift, paintball, and more. Just 10 minutes from Albi, the whole family is sure to have a great time.
Website: https://www.vert-marine.com/cap-decouverte-le-garric-81/
