Albi is a treasure of a city in the Occitania region of France. Sitting on the Tarn River, it has magnificent views a-plenty, cute alleyways, impressive churches, and red brick everywhere. With lots of historic sites to enjoy, alongside convivial squares to people-watch, here are some things to do in Albi on a short 1-2 day visit.
While nearby Toulouse is known as ‘The Pink City’, it’s the similar reddish hue of the area’s bricks that has Albi dubbed ‘The Red City’. Similar materials, different cute names, same lovely effect. While you can visit Albi from Toulouse relatively easily as a day trip, I would recommend a spending a night or two in the area – as it is heritage and wine rich!
How to get to Albi
Getting to Albi is fairly straightforward…
By train, Albi is connected to Toulouse via regional TER services, with direct journeys taking around 1 to 1.5 hours, making it an easy day trip or short stay from the regional capital.
By car, the drive from Toulouse takes roughly 1 hour via the A68 motorway, following well-signposted routes through rolling countryside.
Albi is also about 2.5 hours from Montpellier and 5–6 hours from Paris by train (via Toulouse connection), which makes it accessible but still pleasantly off the main tourist circuit.
We first visited Albi as part of a guided tour from Toulouse – which is a great way to see a lot in a short time! We then revisited at a later date, because we enjoyed that first taster trip!
Accommodation in Albi
We stayed at the Mercure Albi Rives du Tarn – a former water mill overlooking the Tarn River. The view of this hotel from over the river is absolutely stunning!
A budget option, 5 minutes walk further from the river, is The Originals City, Hotel Rive Droite. This spot is good for those road tripping, as it has free parking.
Things to do in Albi, France
Albi Cathedral – Sainte-Cécile
Dominating the skyline, it is the largest brick cathedral in the world and one of the most extraordinary religious buildings in France. Its fortress-like exterior reflects the turbulent history of the region, while the interior reveals a different character.
The cavernous inside is full of elaborate frescoes, intricate stonework and an astonishing painted ceiling. The carved rood loft is absolutely gorgeous, and the detail of the whole place is just enchanting.
The contrast between the austere exterior and the richly decorated interior is a memorable feature to note.
I had a crick in my neck after visiting, because the painted ceiling and stonework were so captivating. The sheer scale of the place is mind-blowing!
Palais de la Berbie – Bishop’s Palace & Toulouse Lautrec Museum
The Palais de la Berbie is a fortress-like palace overlooking the Tarn River. Built in the 13th century, it is one of the oldest and best-preserved episcopal palaces in France and forms part of Albi’s UNESCO-listed historic centre.
The palace now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, home to the largest public collection of works by the artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, who was born nearby.
Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the museum is worth visiting simply for the building itself. Medieval vaulted rooms, Renaissance galleries and grand state apartments provide a fascinating glimpse into centuries of ecclesiastical power.
There are also beautiful manicured French gardens behind the palace. Perched above the river, it adds to the appeal of the view.
TIP: There is actually a free overlook above the gardens – which means views down onto them, as well as across the Tarn. It is a spectacular view, hidden to those who don’t know it’s there! Just head into through the front gates, take the lefthand path and follow it along until you see the overlook.
Pont Vieux
The Pont Vieux is one of the oldest bridges in France still in use today. Spanning the Tarn River since the 11th century, it has witnessed nearly a thousand years of Albi’s history. It was expanded and modernised in the 19th century.
It used to have wooden houses perched on it (pre-16th century), and had drawbridges at either end. Nowadays, it offers a lovely route across the Tarn,
Boat Trip on the Tarn River
During the warmer months, you can take a traditional barge ride on the Tarn River. Glide beneath the Pont Vieux and alongside the historic riverbanks, and enjoy the city views from the water.
There are a few different cruises – a short tourist cruise that covers Albi river history and commercial importance of the barges, and longer nature cruises to spot the wildlife along the river.
NOTE: These cruises only run May to September and are weather-dependant.
There is a guingette (a riverside pop-up bar) along from the boat dock, so you can happily enjoy the river from there also!
Old Town (Vieux Albi)
Much of Albi’s appeal comes from simply wandering its streets.
The historic centre is remarkably well preserved, with narrow lanes, attractive squares and beautiful red-brick buildings around every corner. As you explore, you’ll discover hidden courtyards, artisan shops, independent boutiques and inviting cafés.
The city’s UNESCO designation recognises the exceptional preservation of the Episcopal City, which includes the cathedral, palace and surrounding medieval quarters. Rather than rushing between attractions, allow yourself time to get lost among the winding streets.
Keep an eye out for timber-framed houses tucked between grander buildings and small viewpoints overlooking the river.
Les Halles du Marché Couvert
Hungry? Les Halles du Marché Couvert is the perfect place to grab a sandwich or picnic ingredients.
This covered market is packed with local producers selling cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, seasonal produce and regional specialities.
If you’re only in the city for one day, a great local lunch would be a charcuterie and cheese board from the market, followed by duck for dinner and a glass (or two) of Gaillac wine. Finish with a slice of apple croustade, and you’ll have sampled some of the best flavours the Tarn has to offer.
Cloisters and Passerelles
The Cloister of Saint-Salvi offers a quieter side of Albi’s history. Dating back to the 13th century, the cloister sits beside Saint-Salvi Church and provides a peaceful escape from the busier streets of the old town.
Combining Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, the central garden creates a tranquil place to sit and read or reflect. It’s the perfect place to pause for a few minutes, admire the historic stonework and appreciate the charm of the city.
As you leave the cloister, hunt for one of the historic passerelles. These narrow passageways, hidden corridors and covered walkways connect streets, courtyards and squares throughout the old town, revealing the cities medieval past.
If you have longer in Albi and the surrounding areas
For longer visits to Albi, try the surrounding delights:
- Musée Lapérouse – Dedicated to the famous French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, the Comte de Lapérouse, who was born in the Albi region.
- Just across the Tarn from Vieux Albi, the Madeleine District and riverbank feels quieter and more residential. One of the main landmarks here is Église Sainte-Madeleine, a striking hilltop church that reflects the same warm tones as the old town but is much quieter tourism-wise (both my hotel recommendations are over this side of the river).
- Cordes-sur-Ciel is one of the most dreamy medieval hilltop villages we’ve ever visited. Known for its cobbled streets, stone archways and the artists that have flocked to the area.
- Just a short drive from the Albi, the vineyards around Gaillac produce some of the oldest wines in France. Cellar doors offer relaxed tastings of crisp whites, robust reds and traditional méthode ancestrale sparkling wines. We visited the Château de Mayragues and were delighted by their range.
Albi – Perfect for a Day Trip or Weekend Visit
Albi is compact, but offers an impressive mix of history, architecture, art and food – it’s a city that revels in the slow moments.
Whether you’re visiting as a day trip from Toulouse or spending a weekend in the Tarn, Albi is one of those places that draws you back with its beauty, charm and fairytale views.
I hope this list of things to do in Albi gives you a good jumping off point for your visit to this lovely city!
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All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful guide to Albi. I really enjoyed reading about the city’s beautiful red-brick architecture, historic landmarks, and peaceful riverside atmosphere.