In which neighborhood to stay in Albi?

January 31, 2023

Are you going to the south-west of France? Here is which neighborhood to stay in Albi, the birthplace of Toulouse-Lautrec!

Albi is a charming little town of 50,000 inhabitants, located between the Aquitaine basin and the Massif Central, right in the center of the Tarn department of which it is the largest municipality. Nicknamed the “red city” because of the color of its brick buildings, it was created in Antiquity and became the stronghold of the Trencavel lords in the Middle Ages then, in the 13th century, an episcopal city and… a high place of Catharism – a Christian doctrine deemed heretical by the Catholic Church. It was to fight against the Cathars – now known as the Albigensians, they suffered fierce repression – that the splendid fortified cathedral of Sainte-Cécile was built, an architectural jewel of the region, and the palace de la Berbie, where the archbishops of Albi lived.

City of exchanges, whose specialty during the Renaissance was the culture and trade of pastels, it finally became an industrial center specializing in glassware and coal mining in the 19th century, then… a major tourist and cultural site, appreciated by the many visitors charmed by the place!

So, want to come and discover this jewel of Occitania? We share with you all our tips for finding the best accommodation to sleep in Albi!

Read also: The 10 essential things to do in Albi

Historical Center

The historic center of Albi is an old fortified town, whose signature takes the color of the red bricks that make up its buildings, developed around the episcopal complex formed by the Sainte-Cécile cathedral and the Berbie Palace. The half-timbered houses, colorful and flowery, are organized in a circle all around the Place Savene, the scene of festive events during the summer season. Not to be missed: the Old Alby Housea high place of Albigensian memory, and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, housed in the majestic Berbie Palace.

Accommodation in Albi in the heart of the city is not a problem, many hotels are referenced there and will welcome you whatever your budget.

Bout du Pont district

Starting from the historic center, the visitor just has to walk along the banks of the Tarn (watercourse separating the city into two banks) to reach the district called “Du Bout du Pont” or Faubourg de la Madeleine (located on the right bank of Old Bridge) built to meet the growing demand for housing: brickyards, tanneries, dyeworks quickly established themselves there in order to take advantage of the power of the current. A former working-class district, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of “old Albi”. An interesting story: the church of the Madeleine which watches over the district, built in the 19th century, looks like two drops of water to… the Church of the Madeleine in Paris, which inspired its construction!

Where to sleep in Albi in the heart of this district? No problem, just book a room in one of the many hotels in the area.

Vigan district

Le Vigan acts as a border between the historic center and modern Albi. The Place du Vigan is a heart of town where cooling off is doubly possible: in one of the many bars that are set up there, of course, but also, during the summer, thanks to the water jets that delight young and old alike! Sumptuous mansions, witnesses of the prosperous era of the pastel trade, stand alongside the town hall and the famous Enjalbert house and its half-timbered facade. Came with family? Head to the national garden and its flowerbeds around the bandstand, or to the charming Carrousel d’Albi and its wooden horses.

The icing on the cake: no housing problems for those looking for a place to sleep in Albi with all the advantages linked to the sector, the highly developed hotel offer coexisting here with a variety of rental solutions. For example, you can find your happiness at the Vigan hotelrenowned for its location and warm welcome.

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