On the banks of the Tarn river in south-west France, the old city of Albi reflects the culmination of a medieval architectural and urban ensemble.
Visiting Albi:
Albi, UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Albi, Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Albi, Lapérouse Museum.
Albi, Cathedral Ste Cécile.

Cathedral of Albi

Today the Old Bridge (Pont-Vieux), the Saint-Salvi quarter and its church are testimony to its initial development (10th -11th centuries). Following the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heretics (13th century) it became a powerful episcopal city. Built in a unique southern French Gothic style from local brick in characteristic red and orange colors, the lofty fortified Cathedral (late 13th century) dominates the city, demonstrating the power regained by the Roman Catholic clergy. Alongside the Cathedral is the vast bishop’s Palais de la Berbie, overlooking the river and surrounded by residential quarters that date back to the Middle Ages. The Episcopal City of Albi forms a coherent and homogeneous ensemble of monuments and quarters that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries.

Gaillac

This cycling holiday starts on the quiet roads of the Gaillac vineyards West of Albi. You then head North through rolling countryside, visiting wonderfully preserved fortified villages (Bastides), the most famous of which is hill-top Cordes-sur-Ciel. These walled settlements, with grid-pattern streets and handsome squares, are now beautiful reminders of the great conflicts of the Middle Ages.

Musee Toulouse Lautrec Albi

Winding river valleys, empty roads with just the occasional tractor. Gorgeous Gaillac wines, plus the culture and old city of Albi, with its museums and art galleries, its markets and medieval city centre. Albi is the perfect start of a holiday. Rolling countryside, with half-timbered houses and the walled 'Bastides' that go back to the time of the Plantagenet Kings.

The Cathedral and Musée Soulages in Rodez

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Najac, Un des plus beaux villages de France.