The Albi Cathedral is made from clay brick instead of stone—giving it a pinkish hue—and it’s also one of the largest brick cathedrals in the world. One of the most noticeable features is the bell tower, which looks more like a fortress than a typical decorative spire. The same property also houses the Berbie Palace—a former bishop’s palace that’s now home to the Toulouse-Latrec Museum. The cathedral is a popular stop on tours from Carcassonne or Toulouse, and is often combined with Cordes-sur-Ciel.
The cathedral is located in the town Albi in Southern France, about a 10-minute walk from the local railway station. Cordes-sur-Ciel is roughly 30 minutes away if there isn’t much traffic. Toulouse takes about 60 minutes to reach by car or train, while Carcassonne is 1-hour and 45 minutes away.
The cathedral is typically open to visitors on a daily basis. Opening hours may be limited on Sundays during mass, but you can usually visit either before or after mass. Visitors can also attend mass, though it’s not permitted to take photos during this time. Free organ concerts are sometimes held during the summer months.
If you're visiting Albi as part of a guided tour, chances are you'll also hit up Cordes-sur-Ciel, a fortified hilltop town that dates to 1222. Along with beautiful old buildings and fortifications, Cordes is home to an open-air market and a museum featuring art made entirely of sugar.