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ALBI |
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Hotels in Albi |
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).
The Town
The
Cathédrale Ste-Cécile
(daily: June-Sept 8.30am-7pm; rest of year 8.30-11.45am & 2-5.45pm; entry to choir 5F/¬0.80, to treasury 20F/¬3.05), begun about 1280, is visible from miles around, dwarfing the town like some vast bulk carrier...
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