Albi 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Albi Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Exploring Albi’s Old Town

  • Arrival: The nearest airport is Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS), approximately an hour’s drive from Albi. Rent a car or take a shuttle service to Albi.

  • Check-In: Hotel de la Cité, a charming 4-star hotel located within the ancient city walls.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Albi Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile) and explore the Old Town, including the Maison de Georges-Rouault, an art museum dedicated to the famous Albi native painter.

  • Evening: Dine at Le Cloître, a restaurant nestled in the heart of the Old Town, offering a variety of French cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 2 - Discovering Albi’s Art & History

  • Morning: Visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum to delve into the works of another Albi native, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Bridge of Silhouettes, a unique pedestrian bridge adorned with silhouette portraits of famous locals, and the Berbie Palace (Palais de la Berbie), which now houses the Museum of Art and Archaeology.

  • Evening: Dine at Le Bistrot d’Albi, a casual eatery offering traditional French cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Day 3 - Excursion to Castelnaudary

  • Morning: Drive to Castelnaudary (about 40 minutes from Albi), known as the “Cannons Capital” and famous for its Cassoulet.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Fort de Bellegarde, a well-preserved 19th-century fortress, or explore the charming town of Castelnaudary.

  • Evening: Return to Albi and dine at Le Comptoir des Saveurs d’Albi, offering a mix of Mediterranean and French cuisine.

Day 4 - Relaxation Day

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend the day at leisure. You could visit the local markets, take a boat trip on the Tarn River, or simply relax in one of Albi’s parks.

  • Evening: Dine at La Table de la Cité, offering a more upscale dining experience with a focus on regional cuisine.

Day 5 - Day Trip to Cordes-sur-Ciel

  • Morning: Drive to Cordes-sur-Ciel (about 45 minutes from Albi), a medieval hilltop town known for its well-preserved architecture and artisan shops.

  • Afternoon: Explore the town, visit the Church of Notre-Dame, and wander through the narrow, cobbled streets.

  • Evening: Return to Albi and dine at a restaurant of your choice in the Old Town.

Day 6 - Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you might want to revisit your favorite spots or explore any areas you may have missed during your stay.

  • Check-Out: Hotel de la Cité and head to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Albi is a small city, so everything is within walking distance or a short drive away.
  • English is not widely spoken in Albi, so it may be helpful to have a translation app on hand.
  • The best time to visit Albi is during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.

Tips:

  • Try the local Cassoulet, a traditional dish made with white beans, meat, and sausages.
  • Don’t miss the Night of Lights (La Nuit des Lumières) in June, when Albi’s historic buildings are illuminated for a magical evening experience.
  • Take a canal boat trip on the Tarn River to enjoy the city from a different perspective.