Since an epic meal deserves an epic journey, we decided to visit Albi France as part of our Maison Bras getaway from Lyon.
We love Europe, and France in particular, for many reasons – great food, magnificent scenery, ancient cultures and some of the best public transportation on the planet.
It’s a pleasure to hop on France’s network of TGV trains and travel to and from many destinations including Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Strasbourg. Traveling on high-speed rail is easy, fast and comfortable.
However, even in France, there are times when travelers want to hit the road, rent a car and traverse the countryside. Popular French road trips include the Loire Valley, the South of France and Western France.
As for us, we chose to take a road trip from Lyon to Albi and Laguiole. Our end goal was eating a meal at Maison Bras.
Located in the picturesque central French region of Aubrac, Maison Bras presents a formidable journey for French food and dessert lovers. Getting to the restaurant isn’t easy though. Trains don’t travel to nearby Laguiole. Rodez, the closest city to Bras, is five hours by rail from Paris. Buses to Laguiole only leave once a day from Rodez.
We decided to extend our trip and soak up some ancient French scenery in Albi before rolling into the French hill country. As an added bonus, our drive skirted a number of French towns that we never considered visiting.
We were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of towns like Puy en Velay. Puy, the french lentil epicenter, astounded us with its striking red Virgin Mary statue atop Rocher Corneille rock.
The wonderment of these sites, along with breathtaking natural scenery, fill the Gallic nation from end to end. It’s no wonder why many French people never want to leave France, even for the occasional vacation.
Why Visit Albi France?
We didn’t totally know what to expect when we decided to visit Albi. While featured in some American travel guides, Albi is not a key destination for many American travelers.
So, as we strolled along the majestic Tarn river, moving past the city’s ancient buildings and arching stone spans, we couldn’t help but think of the Burt Bacharach/Hal David song (and Michael Caine film) Alfie, singing (and joking):
“What’s it all about, Albi?”?
All jokes aside, Albi is located in the region of Tarn, about an hour outside of Toulouse. It’s a small but bustling city with loads of shops and eateries.
A quick word of advice: Don’t visit Albi for fine dining. The town, while possessing a decent central public market (the Albi Market) and some excellent wine shops with bottles from nearby Gaillac and Languedoc, is filled with touristy restaurants.
We looked for solid local food while we there, thinking we would score some awesome cassoulet and duck confit, but instead ended up with gristly steak and inedible banana crème brûlée. We did enjoy a fresh, seasonal lunch at Croc’citan as well as a delightful breakfast at our apartment.
However, what Albi lacks in food it makes up for in amazing scenery. Roman bridges span the Tarn river bowing before the fortress-like, rustic brown brick Saint Cecile cathedral. The cathedral is impressive on its own, with an ornately painted ceiling and gardens that overlook the flowing river.
Albi prides itself as the home of noted impressionist artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and its quality museum of the same name. This museum warrants a visit on its own.
The Musée Toulouse-Lautrec not only houses many of the artist’s iconic illustrations from Paris’ Belle Epoch – think classic Moulin Rouge posters. The museum also provides a unique history of an artist both cursed and blessed by physical deformities that shaped his unique creative vision.
Albi France – A Photo Essay
Albi is best enjoyed at sunrise and is worthy of a photo display. So, as a part one of our amazing road trip through Central France, we present the ancient city of Albi in photos. Enjoy!
If you’re inspired by our French road trip, get tips on planning your own two-week itinerary here.
Hungry For More?
Check out our dinner at the world-famous Maison Bras restaurant in nearby Laguiole.
About The Authors
Daryl & Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.
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Disclosures
Article Updates
We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article.
Funding
We self-funded our trip to Albi.
Original Publication Date: May 25, 2016
Lucy
Sunday 12th of December 2021
I just saw a program called, “Somewhere Street” & it’s focus was on the town of Albi. Looks like a lovely town to visit especially seeing the Tarn river.
I only have one question- is Albi in a mountainous area? I’m afraid I am scared to death of high places.
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Sunday 30th of January 2022
No. The area around Albi is not mountainous and the town is generally at sea level.
Karyn Jane
Sunday 5th of June 2016
What an absolutely gorgeous little town!
Kenny
Friday 27th of May 2016
Interesting - never heard of this place before and now I do! Besides, you have some great capture of the cityscape :)
Mags
Friday 27th of May 2016
Beautiful scenery. I'll be in Paris this fall and have been considering renting a car and branching out a bit. I may have to check out Albi!
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Saturday 28th of May 2016
You'll love wherever you visit in France!
melody pittman
Thursday 26th of May 2016
I had never heard of Albi before. What a gorgeous little place. Your pictures are fabulous. I love the diversity of them, the stones on the street, the yellow flowers in the foreground, the frescoes, but my favorite is Daryl pointing in the first one. Classic! ;)