Albi Hotels

The city of Albi (20) km) has a more elegant and upmarket flair. It is famous for its art scene, centered on the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, and its spectacular Gothic skyline, best enjoyed as the medieval red sandstone cathedral glows in the setting sun. The pretty village of Albi France, with its old building facades and its quaint old town, is probably best known for an ugly chapter in its history. This was the first city to provide refuge to the Cathars, and is the origin of a later name that was bestowed on the religious sect, the Albigensians. On a lighter note, this is the birthplace of the famous artist, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. A visit to the city's museum of the artist's work is time well-spent. Albi's markets are reason enough for a visit. The city hosts a wide variety of markets, including a vegetable market every morning except Monday, a poultry market Saturday mornings, a domestic animal market Saturday mornings, a used book market on Wednesdays and an arts and crafts market on Saturdays (except January through March). No trip to Albi would be complete without honoring its most famous son with a visit to Le Musée Toulouse-Lautrec. It not only provides a chance to see the famous artist's work, but to also gaze on the Bishop's Palace in which it is housed. The Musee de Cire presents a panoramic history of the city. There are exhibits on key historical figures in the city, as well as presentations on modern-day Albi.