ALBI, fascinating symbol of Cathar heresy :
St Cecile Cathedral, masterpiece of gothic architecture is fortified with ramparts and parapets, its construction began in 1282 by the Lord-Bishop of Albi and ended in 1480.
It was built as a defensive fortress and statement of strength after the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229), waged by the Catholic Church against the Cathars and the Count of Toulouse.
The 'Palais de la Berbue' and the 'Tarn Gardens' Home to the bishops in the XIIIth century, today it hosts the Toulouse Lautrec museum, painter born in Albi in 1864.
"Le Vieil Alby", old town - 'Maison du Vieil Alby' - 'Cloître St Salvy' - 'Le pont vieux'...
Lapérouse museum, famous XVIIIth century navigator.
The banks of the Tarn - boat trips on the ancient 'gabares' flat bottom boats.
Parcs and gardens.
www.mairie-albi.fr
www.albi-tourisme.fr
CORDES-SUR-CIEL, bastide founded in 1222 by Raymond VII from Toulouse during the 'Albigeois' crusades. It was a favored refuge for Catharism followers. Perched on a hill top it is famous for its narrow winding streets and magnificent gothic houses dating back to the golden age when Cordes was a rich commercial center.
At the present date it is now home to numerous craftsmen and artists.
Things to see :
La Maison du Grand Fauconnier, la Maison du Grand Veneur, la Maison du Grand Ecuyer
La Halle, l'Eglise St Michel, the fortifications.
www.cordes-sur-ciel.org
THE ALBIGEOISES BASTIDES CIRCUIT
Les 'castelnaux', first created in the middle ages became the 'bastides' (new town), there are 36 of them. They were created by powerful lords who wished to consolidate their power and political influence in the region, control their borders and exploit the land.
The 'Route des Bastides' will take you through Salvagnac, Lisle-Sur-Tarn et Castelnau de Montmiral, Puycelsi, Vaour, Penne du Tarn all the way to Cordes and Monesties.
www.tourisme-vignoble-bastides.com
LA VIGNE ET LE BLE
Jean-Brice and Frédérique PETER
Rue Gérard Roques
81630 SALVAGNAC
(+33) 5 63 33 23 78
(+33) 6 80 66 52 58
