Self-guided tour in Albi

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Albi.

  

  Discover the magnificent city of Albi, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your walk will begin with the old streets of Albi, discovering the half-timbered houses, the courtyards of pastel merchants' mansions, the Saint-Salvy cloister, and will then continue with a visit to the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral, surprising for the richness of its decor. At the beginning of the afternoon, visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in the heart of the Palais de la Berbie, the former episcopal palace. Completely renovated, the site offers the double interest of the painter's collections, the former bishops' apartments, and beautiful views over the Tarn. Overnight stay in a 4* hotel in the city center of Albi.

• day 2

  Hiking and bastides

  

  In the morning, hike in the forest with beautiful viewpoints and panoramas starting from Puycelsi. (About 12 km - medium difficulty - other options are possible) In the afternoon, discover the emblematic bastides of the Albigensian region by visiting in particular Puycelsi, Castelnau-de-Montmirail, and Castelnau-de-Lévis. Overnight stay in a 4* hotel in the city center of Albi.

• day 3

  Cordes-sur-Ciel and canoe

  

  Free visit of the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel, a medieval bastide with many houses from the Middle Ages (if you do not wish to walk up, a small train shuttles every fifteen minutes or so). Departure through the valley and the gorges of the Aveyron to Najac, a fortified village topped by its royal castle. From the village, you will enjoy a canoe trip (about 2h) with stair, slide, or slalom passages (depending on the season). Overnight in a 4* hotel in the city center of Albi.

• day 4

  Vineyards and castles

  

  In the morning, set off for the Gaillac region to discover the vineyard. Discover a splendid wine estate and its French-style park. Visit the vineyards and enjoy a tasting. In the afternoon, discover the Château de Mauriac, a historic monument built in the 13th century, during a visit rich in history, heritage, and painting. Visit its magnificent gardens with a view of the vineyards. Overnight stay in a 4* hotel in the city center of Albi.

• day 5

  Departure

  

  Departure after breakfast. Enjoy your last hours in Albi by taking a tour of the city market halls and stocking up on local specialties.