Located in the Languedoc region on the Tarn River about 50 miles northeast of Toulouse, Albi is a medieval city in France that is renowned for its Toulouse-Lautrec museum and breathtaking Sainte Cecile cathedral. The city’s quaint old town also features gorgeous old building facades, and its markets are legendary.

Albi, France is also the birthplace of famous artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. A visit to the Bishop’s Palace to see his work is a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon, while the Old Bridge (Pont Vieux) remains in use today after nearly a millennium and should not be missed on any sightseeing tour.

A commercial center, Albi is known for its glassworks, food and textiles – in addition to hosting a thriving tourist industry. When staying here, also be sure to get out and explore the surrounding areas. The foothills here on the French side of the Pyrenees boast a rich red color that washes into the river Tarn and was used to manufacture the colored brick of the city’s ancient buildings for centuries, lending the city its most popular nickname, “The Red City.”