Visit Albi, the beautiful episcopal city !
Albi, the ‘red city’ in south-western France, gets its nickname from the ochre bricks that distinguish its façades. On the banks of the River Tarn, this episcopal city boasts a rich religious, artistic and natural heritage. Would you like to visit Albi during your stay in Haute-Garonne? Our campsite near the Canal du Midi is only an hour away from this marvel. For a smart getaway, we recommend purchasing the Albi City Pass, your ticket to free admission to the best sites and reduced waiting times!
Tourism in Albi at a glance
Just an hour’s drive from Albi, ideal if you want to take a break in this beautiful city and organise hikes in the heart of nature. You can discover what makes its charm, its gastronomy and its popular colors. Our camping near Albi gives you the opportunity to spend one or more days visiting the most beautiful corners of the Tarn, enjoy it!
- Sainte-Cécile’s Cathedral : the largest brick cathedral on the planet, a unique Gothic masterpiece.
- Castelviel district : an authentic medieval setting, ideal for strolling around and taking beautiful photographs.
- Toulouse-Lautrec Museum : a collection of exceptional paintings in the Berbie Palace.
- Lapérouse Museum : a fascinating tribute to the explorer from Albi; an activity for the whole family.
- Original tours offered by the Tourist Office : discover Albi in a different way, through theatre, history and adventure.
- Footbridge over the Tarn : cross on foot or by bicycle to enjoy breathtaking views of the episcopal city.
- Gardens and nature : hiking on the Échappée Verte trail and walks in certified parks.
Sainte-Cécile’s Cathedral
You cannot visit Albi without stepping inside Sainte-Cécile’s Cathedral ! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, it took two centuries to complete this building with its unique southern Gothic style. Among its main features are:
- At 78 metres high and 113 metres long, it is the largest brick cathedral in the world, according to the city’s tourist office.
- Sumptuous interior décor : Renaissance paintings, The Last Judgement, impressive blue vaulted ceiling…
The cathedral is open every day, and its doors close at 5 p.m.
Address : Place Sainte-Cécile, 81000 Albi.
The Castelviel neighbourhood
If you are looking for things to do in Albi, a stroll through the Castelviel district is a must for a total immersion in the history of this city.
90 km from our campsite near Albi, this ancient fortified town, located west of Sainte-Cécile’s Cathedral, exudes an authentic atmosphere and takes you back to the Middle Ages. Its picturesque streets, half-timbered houses and charming squares invite you to stroll around.
Here you will find murals paying tribute to Toulouse-Lautrec, a refreshing water mirror and Albi written in XXL letters. It is the ideal place for souvenir photos !
Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting Albi ! It is housed in the former Berbie Episcopal Palace, a particularly prestigious setting.
This museum houses a collection that is unique in the world, with over 1,000 works by the famous Albi artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. You will discover his genius through his paintings, drawings and posters.
There is even a gallery dedicated to his contemporaries, featuring works by Matisse and Gauguin. Extend your visit by admiring the palace gardens.
Address : Place Sainte-Cécile, 81000 Albi.
Lapérouse Museum
During your visit to Albi, be sure to visit the Lapérouse Museum ! It is dedicated to the Albi explorer Jean-François de Galaup, Count of Lapérouse. Located on the banks of the Tarn River, its setting is particularly pleasant.
This museum is rich in stories of navigation, maps and historical objects. It houses more than 600 items ! Children love the fun activities, such as filling in the logbook.
A visitor described it as “A small, little-known museum, but rich in heritage and history. Excellent welcome and very affordable for novices. .”
Adress : 41 rue Porta, 81000 Albi.
Unique guided tours of the city
Wondering what to do in Albi to discover the city in a different way ? Albi Curio Cité guided tours are perfect !
They allow you to see the city and its heritage in a new light. Classic, dramatised, themed or even adventure tours are available upon reservation. There is something for everyone: families, curious visitors and history buffs!
The starting point is usually the Albi Tourist Office. Expect to pay an average of €8 to €10 for these enriching experiences.
The footbridge over the River Tarn
Ne manquez pas la passerelle piétonne sur le Tarn ! Ce nouvel ouvrage suspendu de 180 mètres de long, construit en 2016, modernise la mobilité douce à Albi. C’est l’endroit idéal pour une promenade contemplative à pied ou à vélo, à deux pas du centre historique.
From here, the panoramic view of the Episcopal City is absolutely sublime ! You will see Sainte Cecile’s Cathedral standing proudly above the River Tarn.
C’est une belle occasion de prendre des photos mémorables et d’apprécier la beauté de la ville sous un autre angle. Une activité simple, mais qui compte parmi les meilleures attractions Albi !
Albi’s natural heritage
In addition to its architectural heritage, Albi is proud of its natural wealth ! Twenty years ago, the city was awarded the 4 Flowers label, proof of the attention paid to its green spaces. You will find numerous parks, gardens and landscaped riverbanks along the Tarn.
- Two of its parks are classified as Remarkable Gardens : Rochegude Park and the gardens of the Berbie Palace.
- The Green Escape is a 7 km hike in the heart of Albi, perfect for discovering the landscapes of Albi.
- Consider taking a trip on a traditional flat-bottomed boat along the River Tarn !
Want to discover Albi and its wonders ? Look no further, choose our Les Violettes campsite as your base ! Nestled just a stone’s throw from Toulouse, our 3-star establishment welcomes you all year round in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy the swimming pool to relax after your excursions in the superb episcopal city of the Tarn.
How to go there
FAQ – Visit Albi
What festivals and other celebrations can one attend in Albi ?
You can attend concerts at the Albi Jazz Festival at the end of January, the Albi Carnival festivities, which usually take place between February and early March depending on the year, and performances at the Pause Guitare Festival in early July.
What are the best markets in Albi ?
We recommend the Place de la Pile market on Saturday mornings between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the Création et des Bouquinistes market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
