Lautrec, France

I fell in love with this bastide instantly. The architecture was gorgeous, the people charming and the streets quaint. It’s classified as “one of the most beautiful villages in France” and it lives up to its reputation. Just down the hill from the centre is the most amazing little bed and breakfast. You do need a car to get from here back up to Lautrec centre, but it’s well worth it. The woman who owns and runs the place, a converted house, is precious. She makes all of the meals and adds such magic to the house. The rooms are all decorated in matching colours and themes and there’s a huge dining area and library. Outside is surrounded by yellow fields, an old chapel and an old pigeon’s house. The name of the B&B is “Chambres d’Hotes de Cadalen.” To be honest, I’m not sure if the woman speaks English or not but it’s worth looking up if you want to stay in this lovely area. She serves the most amazing lavender juice that I can’t seem to find anywhere and she might even give you some pink garlic that the area is famous for!
Above Photo: Architecture in Lautrec


Photo: One of the salons at the "Chambres d'hotes de Cadalen"

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