The former palace of the bishops, the Palais de la Berbie is the prestigious setting of the Toulouse-Lautrec museum. Built in the XNUMXth century, La Berbie is one of the oldest castles in France, even prior to the construction of the famous Papal Palace in Avignon, in the Occitanie region.

La Berbie, an imposing fortress

Le palace of the bishops of Albi or Palais de la Berbie (BISBIA Occitan word which means bishop) is built on a naturally fortified site, as a belvedere over the Tarn. Its military architecture affirms the power of the bishops against the consuls of the city. Over the centuries, the Bishops have transformed it into a pleasure residence. Listed as a historic monument in 1862, it is one of the best preserved episcopal palaces in France.

Palace and Sainte-Cécile cathedral form a striking and unique set of the episcopal city listed as World Heritage since 2010 by UNESCO.

Albi Tourism

Courtyard of the Palace

It is in the main courtyard, flanked by two massive and slender towers that one reaches the entrance to the Toulouse-Lautrec museum

The oldest part of the palace resembles in its architecture the Sainte-Cécile cathedral. The side part of the palace, on the Quai Choiseul side, is topped with slate roofs, typical of the castles on the banks of the Loire. It is no coincidence because these roofs were added by the Amboises, bishops of Albi from the end of the XNUMXth to the beginning of the XNUMXth century but originating from the banks of the Loire.

How to visit the Berbie Palace?

The Berbie Palace in Albi, an essential stopover
Albi Tourism

Visiting the palace is closely linked to exploring the Toulouse-Lautrec museum

Medieval vaulted rooms, medieval pavements, painted ceilings, chapel, gardens, Renaissance gallery, large lounges… keep your eyes peeled during your visit to the museum.
We recommend that you at least 2 hour visit to appreciate theinseparable combination of discovery: palace and museum.

Discovering the Palais de la Berbie is organized around 3 major assets:

A remarkable garden

The former garrison courtyard of the palace has been adorned witha beautiful garden reminiscent of French gardens. This bucolic place offers a beautiful panorama on the river et the end district of the bridge on one side and the imposing cathedral on the other. – Walk in free access on the walkway.

Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2024
Monday Open
Tuesday Open
Wednesday Open
Thursday Open
Friday Open
Saturday Open
Sunday Open
the Palais de la Berbie houses the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, no visit to the palace alone:
From October 1 to May 31:
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14:00 p.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Weekly closing on Monday

From June 1 to September 30:
From 10:00 am to 18:00 pm
Open every day

Access to the Palace gardens:
Free access to the terrace and gardens of the Palais de la Berbie all year round
8 a.m. to 19 p.m. from April 1 to September 30
8 a.m. to 18 p.m. from October 1 to March 31

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