visit Albi on the way to Carcassonne?

I've not been, but found this podcast on Albi to be extremely interesting and informative. It may help you decide.

http://joinusinfrance.com/episode-20-albi/

-Matt

I have been to Carcassonne, but not to Albi. We spent only a few hours in Carcassonne, and felt that was enough time there. I appreciated the less-restored ruins outside of Carcassonne much more than that city, pretty as it is.

Have been to both and would definitely take the time to go to Albi

Albi is worth the stop. The cathedral is beautiful inside and the Toulouse-Lautrec museum worth seeing. Carcassone is best in the evening anyway.

I agree with everyone else. Albi is very unique for the area as it is made of brick, instead of the native stone. The cathedral has a medieval painted ceiling that looks like it was done yesterday and the scenes of hell painted at the front of the church are terrifying. If you have never repented, you'll want to! The town itself is picturesque and worth a wander around.

Another vote for stopping in Albi. We found all of the history and the cathedral to be fascinating; I enjoyed it more than Carcasonne!

I loved Albi, went for the day two years ago.

I also love Albi for both the Toulouse-Lautrec museum and the unusual (red brick) cathedral with very well preserved painted, Gothic choir area inside. Carcassone does not take terribly long to circumnavigate.

Hi from Avallon,
Carcassonne? How many plastic swords do you want to buy? Don't mean to tarnish an amazingly restored (not accurately) castle. from a distance it is magnificent. Doesn't take long to get your fill of it. The plaque on the castle church is worth reading.

Albi is pretty neat.. Has a large market day. the cathedral was built to intimidate and it sure does. Read up a bit about the Cathars before going. Ms. Kate Moss has a novel called Labyrinth much of it located in the castle. That made the visits to both more interesting.

wayne inFR

Thanks for all of your comments. We'll definitely visit Albi.

My wife and I stayed overnight in Albi on the way to Carcassonne coming from the Dordogne. If you have any interest in Henri Toulouse-Lautrec then Albi is a must. We prefer smaller art museums and it was among the best, but we are fans. As others have mentioned, the cathedral has an interesting architecture, though unless you're a cathedral enthusiast I'd skip the inside with a tight schedule. We had nice meals at le Clos Sainte Cecile and Le Papillon. The cloister was nice but made less with local teens hanging out and listening to music. We preferred Albi to Carcassonne, and also recommend arriving at the latter after the crowds have left. An evening and the following morning are more than sufficient.