Albi, France

So far, this is my favourite area in France (the next posts will be of the surrounding villages). Albi is in the Tarn region in the southwest. I was immediately struck by the warm red colours of the buildings and the charming accent of the locals (some still speak the ancient Occitane, street signs are in Occitane and French, and their south western accents are beautiful). The Sainte Cécile Cathedral is absolutely stunning, as is the architecture. The Toulouse Lautrec Museum was one of my favourites and is a much loved stopping point for Japanese tourists (for some reason, he’s very popular in Japan). There’s no nightlife to speak of here, but the small winding streets and still nights are enchanting enough.

Photo: The old house of Albi