In continuing my road warrior rides in my belle France, I could not avoid Albi. This is a must city and not really seen well by visitors, sort of like an off the beaten path spot. I like to combine two separate and unique spots in Albi on this post. There is a nice Romanesque arches from the old Cloister of the Cathedral Ste Cecile and the covered market and al. that are a vibrant reminder of daily life in all towns of France.
Every Saturday, from the first hours, producers and traders set up shop in the city’s various food markets by the Place Fernand Pelloutier, Boulevard de Strasbourg, around the covered market and Place de la Pile to welcome customers from 7h to 13h. The range of food products is very rich: bread, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, spices, honey, cheeses, wines ..etc.
The city of Albi on the markets in French: City of Albi on markets
The layout plan adopted for the covered market or halles was a triangular hall, of the Baltard pavilion type (like Paris), combining the metal uprights with brick walls and louvers intended to be assembled like a giant construction game. The Albi covered market was inaugurated in 1905. In 2007, the covered market hall opened its doors to the public after three years of impressive renovation work. The hall structure was thus raised, allowing the creation of a 255-space car parking on three levels and an elevator.
Official halles or covered market of Albi in French: The Covered market of Albi
The tourist office of Albi on the covered market in English: Tourist office of Albi on covered market
And a wonderful spot seldom visited because it is all the back of the Ste Cécile Cathedral are the remnants of the old Cloister of the Cathedral. Nice architecture I like. I have a post on the Cathedral so will be very brief here.
The current Ste Cécile Cathedral of Albi is preceded by several churches. The first dates from the 4C and was destroyed in 666 or 667 by a fire. A second appears in the texts in 920 under the name of Sainte Cécile, the patron saint of musicians. At that time, an episcopal ensemble includes the cathedral, but also a baptistery and a chapel dedicated to Saint-Pierre. Some arches of the old Romanesque cloister remain from this period, several times displaced after having remained in the Rochegude park for a long time and placed in the 2010s between the Cathedral and the Castelviel district. Other elements of Romanesque architecture are located between the current buildings of the cathedral and the Berbie palace, not visible from public places.
The tourist office of Albi on its historical center monuments in English: Tourist office of Albi on historical city center
And of course, I have written about Albi and the Albigeois or Cathars heck my wife’s side of the family are from the region! We love going there and of course the wines are good too especially Gaillac’s. Hope you enjoy the post on the markets and the old cloister of the Cathedral! in Albi architecture and history blends very nicely.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 