Albi

To answer your question, yes. Several years ago we stayed in Albi for about 3 weeks so we got to know the city very well as we used it as a base to tour the region. We loved the medieval center of Albi, the red brick cathedral, the Toulouse Lautrec museum, the markets, the history. What interests you about visiting Albi and for how long might you have to explore this region?

Since Rick likes it, I plan to visit around June 7th. After that I can give you a more informed opinion. I'm not planning to use it as a base.

As Mona said, Albi is a great visit. If you have a car, take Rick’s recommended drive through the Bastide towns. Stop at L’Ancienne Auberge in Puycelci and have great lunch de terroir in the courtyard.

I found it quite memorable, and the cathedral significantly different from others, so don't dismiss it as "just another" gothic cathedral. I also enjoy Toulouse-Lautrec and world's-largest museum collection there gives you a great view of his work.

We were there for a day this month. We had left Carcassone in the morning and stopped in Albi before we ended up in Toulouse. We really really liked Albi and we decided that it would be a great place to spend a night or two, if we were to return. The cathedral is very nice and worth the visit. Head to the TI for a very nice city map that has a few walking routes. We liked the small old streets more than we did Toulouse.

I spent a rather wet day in Albi in mid-September last year. Even in the rain, I enjoyed exploring the old streets and the walk along the river, but did take refuge in the Cathedral and in another church to hear a concert; also in the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, of course. I stayed at the Hotel le Cantepau, a decent mid-priced hotel across the bridge from the main attractions. Given the distinctly chilly weather, I wanted to eat near the hotel, but the only suitable place, the Auberge du Vieux Pont, was a disappointment. Maybe because I was there on a Sunday night.

Yes! Albi is quite unique in France and well worth a visit. There is enough there for one day so I would suggest spending a night or two and then moving on.