Albi and Tarn Valley, Cycling holidays

Cycling tour on 1937 railway line, this trip is almost flat. You will see hills up to 700m. Hilly however, if you prefer climbing the hills with elevation gains of max. 400m (from 300m alt. to 700m altitude).

Albi, UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Albi, Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Albi, Lapérouse Museum.
Albi, Cathedral Ste Cécile.

Biking the whole old railway line up to St. Affrique (8-day tour) you will bike over 6 railway bridges and through 10 railway tunnels. For holiday makers who don't like tunnels: you will be able to avoid the long ones (more than 100m).

Albi: A Hidden Gem in Southern France

Nestled along the Tarn River, Albi exudes a warm Southern European charm, making it a true hidden gem in the heart of southern France. Often compared to Toulouse for its distinctive red-brick architecture, Albi is a city rich in history and culture. Here, you’ll find the awe-inspiring Cathar-era Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the world-renowned Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. Just 75 km from Toulouse, Albi is the perfect starting or ending point for a family cycling holiday.

Explore the charming old town, savor local delicacies, and enjoy the well-marked cycling paths that wind through the breathtaking Tarn Valley. With its blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure, Albi promises an unforgettable experience for all ages.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

On the banks of the Tarn River in southwest France, the old city of Albi showcases a stunning medieval architectural ensemble. The Old Bridge (Pont-Vieux) and the Saint-Salvi quarter, with its historic church, reflect the town’s early development in the 10th and 11th centuries. Following the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathar heretics in the 13th century, Albi became a powerful episcopal city.

The fortified Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, built in a unique southern French Gothic style from local red and orange brick, dominates the cityscape, symbolizing the renewed power of the Roman Catholic Church. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Palais de la Berbie—the bishop’s grand palace—overlooks the river, surrounded by medieval residential quarters. Together, these monuments form a remarkably preserved ensemble, offering a journey through time.

Your Cycling Adventure

As you cycle through the Tarn Valley, you’ll pass through medieval villages and towns in the Gorges des Raspes du Tarn, deepening your connection to ancient times. You’ll cycle an average of 35 km per day through the scenic valley, with opportunities for adventure, such as a canoe trip near Broquiès.

Travel Information

The easiest way to reach Albi is via Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. From there, take the shuttle bus to Toulouse Railway Station (20 minutes), then board a train to Albi (1 hour, departures every hour, ~€12 per person).

You can start your cycling tour any day of the week.