Day Trip to Albi & Cordes-sur-Ciel from Toulouse

This day trip takes you to Albi, a UNESCO-listed brick-red city on the Tarn River, and Cordes-sur-Ciel, a breathtaking hilltop village that seems to float above the clouds on misty mornings.

Both are easily accessible from Toulouse by train with TER Occitanie, and can be combined into a full, beautiful day.

🚆 Transport Tips
Occitanie Rail Pass (Pass Occitanie Rail Tour)

€10/day for unlimited TER regional train travel within Occitanie (minimum two days)

Transfer to a local bus for just €2, paid in cash to the driver.

🏰 Suggested Itinerary
Morning: Toulouse → Albi
Train: Direct TER train from Toulouse Matabiau to Albi-Ville

Duration: ~1 hour
Frequency: Every 30–60 min in the morning
Best departure: Around 8:00–9:00 AM

🔹 What to do in Albi (2.5–3 hours):

Sainte-Cécile Cathedral: Towering brick Gothic cathedral with a wild, colorful Baroque interior. Free entry, small fee for the choir.

Toulouse-Lautrec Museum: Housed in the Berbie Palace, it features the world’s largest collection of his works. Entry is €10.

Wander the Old Town: Full of ochre-brick buildings, riverside views, and charming squares for a coffee or early lunch.

Early Afternoon: Albi → Cordes-sur-Ciel
Bus: Albi to Cordes-sur-Ciel

Duration: ~30 minutes
Then: Walk up (15 min but steep) or take the little train for a few euros.

❗Check the departure times, they are not frequent!

🔹 What to do in Cordes-sur-Ciel (2–2.5 hours):

Explore the cobbled streets and gothic houses

Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Take in the panoramic views, especially from the Porte des Ormeaux

Stop for an ice cream, crepe, or local artisanal snack

Late Afternoon: Cordes-sur-Ciel → Toulouse
Return the same way

✅ Tips
Footwear: Cordes is steep and cobbled, so wear proper shoes.

Timing: The village is quietest early afternoon; misty mornings give it that dreamy “sur Ciel” look.

Food: Lunch in Albi, snack in Cordes. Or reverse if you’re starting with Cordes.

Check schedules: SNCF app or TER Occitanie website for real-time trains and shuttles.

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