Palais de la Berbie, Episcopal palace and art museum in Albi, France
The Palais de la Berbie is a palace building with defensive towers and thick brick walls rising above the Tarn River. The estate features formal gardens that overlook the surrounding countryside and valley.
Construction began in 1228 and continued for decades, making this one of the earliest fortified residential complexes in southern France. The structure served as both residence and fortress for the Bishops of Albi.
The museum inside displays the world's largest collection of Toulouse-Lautrec paintings, representing the artistic output of an artist connected to this town. The exhibition reveals how this place celebrates a figure born in the local region and shaped by its landscapes.
Visitors can explore the building and gardens daily, with longer hours available during summer months. It is best to allow adequate time for both areas, especially if you want to view the collections carefully.
Excavations uncovered medieval pavement remains that revealed new insights into how this fortress was originally built and laid out. These findings provide a rare glimpse into the practical construction methods and daily life within the medieval structure.
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