ALBI
,
77km and an hour's train ride northeast of Toulouse, is a small
industrial town with two unique sights: a museum containing the most
comprehensive collection of Toulouse-Lautrec's work (Albi was his
birthplace); and one of the most remarkable Gothic cathedrals you'll
ever see. Its other claim to fame comes from its association with
Catharism; though not itself an important centre, it gave its name -
Albigensian - to both the heresy and the crusade to suppress it.
The town hosts three good
festivals over the course of the year: jazz in May, theatre at the end
of June/beginning of July, and classical music at the end of
July/beginning of August. During July and August there are also free
organ recitals in the cathedral (Wed 5pm & Sun 4pm).
Copyright Rough Guides Ltd as trustee for its authors. Published by Rough Guides.
All rights reserved.The Rough Guides name is a trademark of Rough Guides Ltd.