Our next destination was a small town in Southern France, called Albi. We chose to go there to see the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, which is located in an old Bishop's palace next to the enormous 14th century Cathedral in the centre of town.
Albi is another stunning location, the old buildings are magnificent and it was well worth our time and effort beyond the focus on Lautrec himself.
Our first image is of Naomi, with our gorgeous landlady. She was tiny! They stand together on the balcony of our apartment, surrounded by tremendously sweet smelling roses.
(that is Naomi on the left, for those who weren't quite sure)
Although we came to Albi because it holds the museum, being the birthplace of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, we discovered that the Cathedral was a delightful surprise.
According to locals, this is the largest brick building in the world. It certainly is enormous, dwarfing everything in sight as it soars to a height of 75 m.
The exterior is entirely plain and devoid of ornamentation, but the entrance (left) gives a hint of what is inside...
Thanks to a special kind of limestone and some very talented craftsmen, the interior of the Cathedral is home to some of the most spectacular carvings we have encountered.
Thousands of intricate columns line the central structure, with an attention to detail that is breathtaking. It is hard to believe that these stone carvings are in such pristine condition after 700 years. It was actually hard to believe such forms were carved from stone in the first place!
We spent a long time inside, trying to take it all in. Neither of us had been prepared for something so spectacular.
Eventually, we did emerge into the sunlight again.
The grounds of the Cathedral and neighbouring palace were lovely to walk through. We enjoyed the views from several different heights, as we looked for a nice place to sit and have lunch.
Everywhere we go, we walk. A lot. It is a great way to explore and discover a new city. Albi was no exception.
We crossed the river, in search of food and handbags. In the distance you can see the Cathedral looming over the town.
Naomi, ever hopeful, gazes into yet another window in her (as yet) fruitless search for THE perfect bag.
It was good for both of us that devices are available to help with stress relief, when coming home empty-handed after a long day of shopping.
This was our home in Albi, across the road from the restaurant Le Lautrec. We were fortunate to have found another beautiful apartment in another fantastic location.
That restaurant taunted us with delicious aromas day and night - I'm not quite sure if that was a good or a bad thing!
We enjoyed Albi very much. It was great to introduce Naomi to the work of one of my favourite artists, and Lautrec is now a favourite of hers as well. Like many places in France and Italy, photography is forbidden in the museum - so we are not able to share any pics from there with you.
Our final image from Albi is of the bedroom door in our apartment. See? I told you it was a special place. The entire fitout was innovative and every item of the highest quality.
We may never know what led to the decision in favour of a crescent-moon doorway...
Albi is another stunning location, the old buildings are magnificent and it was well worth our time and effort beyond the focus on Lautrec himself.
Our first image is of Naomi, with our gorgeous landlady. She was tiny! They stand together on the balcony of our apartment, surrounded by tremendously sweet smelling roses.
(that is Naomi on the left, for those who weren't quite sure)Although we came to Albi because it holds the museum, being the birthplace of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, we discovered that the Cathedral was a delightful surprise.
According to locals, this is the largest brick building in the world. It certainly is enormous, dwarfing everything in sight as it soars to a height of 75 m.
The exterior is entirely plain and devoid of ornamentation, but the entrance (left) gives a hint of what is inside...
Thanks to a special kind of limestone and some very talented craftsmen, the interior of the Cathedral is home to some of the most spectacular carvings we have encountered.
Thousands of intricate columns line the central structure, with an attention to detail that is breathtaking. It is hard to believe that these stone carvings are in such pristine condition after 700 years. It was actually hard to believe such forms were carved from stone in the first place!
We spent a long time inside, trying to take it all in. Neither of us had been prepared for something so spectacular.
Eventually, we did emerge into the sunlight again.
The grounds of the Cathedral and neighbouring palace were lovely to walk through. We enjoyed the views from several different heights, as we looked for a nice place to sit and have lunch.
Everywhere we go, we walk. A lot. It is a great way to explore and discover a new city. Albi was no exception.
We crossed the river, in search of food and handbags. In the distance you can see the Cathedral looming over the town.
Naomi, ever hopeful, gazes into yet another window in her (as yet) fruitless search for THE perfect bag.
It was good for both of us that devices are available to help with stress relief, when coming home empty-handed after a long day of shopping.
This was our home in Albi, across the road from the restaurant Le Lautrec. We were fortunate to have found another beautiful apartment in another fantastic location.
That restaurant taunted us with delicious aromas day and night - I'm not quite sure if that was a good or a bad thing!
We enjoyed Albi very much. It was great to introduce Naomi to the work of one of my favourite artists, and Lautrec is now a favourite of hers as well. Like many places in France and Italy, photography is forbidden in the museum - so we are not able to share any pics from there with you.
Our final image from Albi is of the bedroom door in our apartment. See? I told you it was a special place. The entire fitout was innovative and every item of the highest quality.
We may never know what led to the decision in favour of a crescent-moon doorway...
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