The Berbie Palace

Once a former Bishops' Palace, the Berbie Palace and the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral form a striking and unique collection in the Episcopal City, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. It is the prestigious jewel of the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, with an international reputation. Built during the 13th century, the Berbie Palace is one of the oldest castles in France, older than the famous Popes' Palace in Avignon.
The Palace of the Bishops of Albi or Berbie Palace (an Occitan word meaning bishop) was built on a naturally fortified site, overlooking the Tarn. Its military architecture affirms the power of the bishops against the consuls of the city. Over the centuries, the bishops transformed it into a leisure residence. Classified as a historic monument in 1862, it is one of the best preserved episcopal palaces in France. In the main courtyard, flanked by two towers, one now arrives at the entrance to the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. A visit to the palace is closely linked to the discovery of the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum: vaulted medieval rooms, pavements from the Middle-Ages, painted ceilings, chapel, gardens, renaissance gallery, large salons ... all of these in one building!

We recommend allowing 2 hours to fully appreciate the Berbie Palace and Toulouse-Lautrec Museum.