VISIT ALBI

FROM THE CAMPSITE

Photo ©MMensler

A GETAWAY TO ALBI
DISCOVER THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF ALBI’S EPISCOPAL CITY

Albi is a magnificent city and a must-see during your stay in the Tarn. It will likely be your first destination from Camping Le Soleil des Bastides, near Albi. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, Albi is best explored on foot.

This charming walk revolves around two iconic landmarks: Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and the Palais de la Berbie. But there’s so much more to discover…

ALBI, AN EXCEPTIONAL HERITAGE

  • Sainte-Cécile Cathedral is the largest brick cathedral in the world.
  • The Palais de la Berbie is one of the oldest castles in France. A historic monument since 1862, it now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum (the famous painter born in Albi). Plan at least two hours to visit both the palace and the museum. Looking for shade and greenery? Head to the palace gardens — they are freely accessible and offer panoramic views over the Tarn River and the city’s surroundings.

Also freely accessible and located in the city center, don’t miss from our campsite:

  • The Saint-Salvi Collegiate Church: a blend of stone and brick, showcasing various architectural phases.
  • The Saint-Salvi Cloister: built in 1720, it’s a great place to rest and cool down under its arcades. At the center, you’ll find a garden — today, it serves as a vegetable patch open to passersby.

Photo ©Benh LIEU SONG

FOCUS ON ALBI,
CITY OF MUSEUMS

Albi is also a city of museums. Beyond the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, you can also visit:

  • The Lapérouse Museum, dedicated to the famous explorer born in Albi, a royal navy officer who died on an expedition.
  • A unique museum: the Miniature Academy Museum, featuring 66 miniature dioramas of living spaces.
  • The Fashion Museum, home to thousands of garments displayed according to a different theme each year.
  • 15 minutes from Albi, you’ll find the Saut du Tarn Museum, located in a former metalworking factory — a historic monument. It reveals the site’s history during the 19th and 20th centuries and the living conditions of its workers.

Photo ©VIJORVIC Daniel

DISCOVER THE TARN IN A DIFFERENT WAY,
THANKS TO THE CENTRAL LOCATION OF CAMPING LE SOLEIL DES BASTIDES NEAR ALBI.

RECOMMENDATIONS
FROM CAMPING LE SOLEIL DES BASTIDES

  • If you enjoy nature walks, we recommend the “Échappée Verte”. This 4 km trail runs along the banks of the Tarn and offers three different routes in a lush, refreshing environment.
  • Every summer, Albi hosts the Pause Guitare Festival at the Pratgraussal leisure area. Relax at our campsite near Albi and enjoy the event.
  • 20 minutes from Albi, you’ll find the leisure base and Aiguelèze Port. From there, you can sail the Tarn aboard flat-bottomed boats (“gabarres”) on 1h45-long cruises.
Cathedral Photo ©RIVIERE Christian – Boat Photo ©VIJORVIC Daniel – Pause Guitare Photo ©WALTER Pascale