About
This UNESCO World Heritage city in southwestern France captivates visitors with its striking red-brick cathedral and medieval architecture. The birthplace of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi houses the world's largest collection of the artist's works in a magnificent 13th-century palace.
Albi is a city in southwestern France, set on the banks of the River Tarn. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visitors come first for its medieval architecture and for the striking red-brick cathedral that rises above the town.
What to see
- The cathedral: Built in red brick, it is one of the city's defining landmarks and can be seen from many points in the old town.
- The medieval centre: The streets around the cathedral keep much of their older character, making the town pleasant to explore on foot.
- The Toulouse-Lautrec museum: Albi was the birthplace of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum is housed in a 13th-century palace and holds the world's largest collection of his works, which gives the visit an art-focused dimension alongside the building itself.
Planning a visit
Albi suits a day trip or a short stay, especially for those interested in art history and historic architecture. The compact centre makes it easy to combine the cathedral, the palace and a walk along the river in a single outing. Because the town is set in a broader region of southwestern France, it also works well as one stop on a longer journey through the area.