DESCRIPTION :

In the morning depart for the city of Albi, a newly declared World Heritage Site by Unesco. Built around the original cathedral and episcopal group of buildings the historical city center covers 63 hectares. Red brick and tiles are the main feature of most of the edifices. Along with Toulouse and Montauban, Albi is one of the main cities built in Languedoc-style red brick. Among the buildings of the town is the Saint Cecilia cathedral, a masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is characterized by a strong contrast between its austere, defensive exterior and its sumptuous interior decoration. Close to the cathedral, the Palais de la Berbie, formerly the Bishops' Palace of Albi and that now houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in France. This imposing fortress was completed at the end of the 13th century.

Arrive in Albi in the morning and follow your guide for a visit of the charming medieval streets of Albi, followed by a guided walking tour in the Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to wander in the town or to visit the unique Toulouse-Lautrec museum.

Then off to the breathtaking village of Cordes sur Ciel, one of the most charming of the region in which still stand more than a hundred Gothic houses. In 1222, Cordes received its charter to become a "bastide" from the Count of Toulouse. It is generally considered to be the first of the bastides of SW france. Built between 1222 and 1229 to protect the scattered population of the area from conflict, it replaced the village of Saint-Marcel, which was burnt down by the troops of Simon de Montfort in 1215, during the Northern Baron's crusade against the Albigensians. After a walking tour with your guide in the village, you have free time for lunch and personal discovery.

Finally, the tour finishes in Gaillac for a wine tasting experience.The town grew up around a Benedictine monastery in the Middle Ages. As elsewhere, vineyards flourished in the care of the monks, who needed wine for religious purposes. In time the Counts of Toulouse gave Gaillac the right to put a rooster on the barrel in recognition of their wine. The traditional red wines of the region are considered able to be kept for 8–10 years. They are made of the grape varieties Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Duras, Fer or Syrah. The white wines are made of Mauzac, Sauvignon Blanc or Muscadelle, Len de l'El and Ondenc, the latter being unique local grape varieties. Here, you will enjoy a wine tasting session that will introduce you to the wines of Gaillac.

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