Albi

Heading north again from Carcassonne today.

Lots of windy road through forests.

Remains of old town and castle on the side of the mountain.

Stopped at Albi to see the cathedral and bridge

The cathedral was built as a fortress begun in 1287 and under construction for 200 years, it is claimed to be the largest brick building in the world.

All the walls are brightly painted and below the huge organ, a fresco of the Last Judgement, attributed to unknown Flemish painters, originally covered nearly 200m. The frescoes on the enormous vaulted ceiling comprise the largest and oldest ensemble of Italian Renaissance painting in France.

In 2010 the cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was constructed in the wake of the Albigensian heresy in the area. The government mounted a brutal crusade to suppress the Cathar rebellion, with great loss of life to area residents. In the aftermath of the bloodshed, the cathedral's dominant presence and fortress-like exterior were intended to convey the power and authority of the Christian faith.

The instigator of the cathedral's construction was Bernard de Castanet, Bishop of Albi and Inquisitor of Languedoc.

There was also the Bishops palace next door which led down to a wonderful view over the river Tarn and the medieval bridge which was built in 1040.

Then it was onto Mike and Dott's friend David's place at Trentells. We are now in the provence of Aquitaine.

David lives part of the year here and part in Cambridge. The house is an old farmhouse, probably 17th century which was added to in the 19th. It is quaint and comfortable and the views are beautiful.

David cooked us a four course meal and it was just delicious. A great evening of good conversation.