Day 2: Albi - Cordes-sur-Ciel - Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val- Najac
The alarm sounds at 6:30 in the morning and after picking up the suitcase and working a little in the room, we went down to leave the bags in the car, before starting a route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées.
But before we can not stop having a coffee at the reception of the Ibis Budget Center, the truth is a great service if you do not want to have breakfast here since the price is 7 euros per person and the truth is that when we go through the dining room We don't see too much variety, so we prefer to have coffee for 1.30 euros each at reception and have breakfast outside.
We made our way to the viewpoints of Albi in Midi-Pyrenees, where we were yesterday, under a medium gray sky, which makes us suspect that, as last night, the rain is stalking and will soon be seen.
We even have to put on our jackets, since the temperature has dropped a lot. Luckily we think that bringing them would not be a hindrance and more living in our car, something that has not made us have to be controlling the weight of the suitcases.
As we have said before we have not had breakfast, so on the way to the viewpoints, just before arriving at the bridge, we stopped at a pastry shop where we ordered a couple of pastries plus coffees for 4.60 euros both. First show that France is not that expensive As it may seem at first glance.
In less than 20 minutes we are ready to follow our path, so we follow the route to the viewpoints, to get those Albi views How much we liked them yesterday.
Albi views from the bridge
Views of Albi with the Cathedral in the background
We enjoy these views for a while, while a light rain begins to fall, which makes us begin to lighten the path, looking for a place to shelter. We know that at 9:30 opens the Cathedral of Santa Cecilia de Albi on Saturdays, so we go there, crossing the old bridge and entering the historical center of Albi.
Cathedral of Santa Cecilia de Albi
We find that the entrance to the Cathedral choir costs 5 euros per person, but as it is currently under restoration, it cannot be visited, so the first visit of this trip to Midi-Pyrenees for free is free.
It is at this time when we enter one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France and also a landmark of the city, with its 78 meter tower.
Interior of the Cathedral of Santa Cecilia de Albi
After this essential visit in Albi we find a somewhat clearer sky, so we decided that it is time to take advantage and make a visit to the Gardens of the Berbie Palace, in the Toulouse-Lautrec museum, where admission is free if you just want to see the gardens.
Entering the Gardens of the Berbie Palace
Located next to the Cathedral, in the historic center of Albi, the Berbie Palace, is considered one of the best preserved episcopal complexes in the country.
With high-rise walls, this impressive fortress enjoys a beautiful main courtyard, which is well worth visiting.
Gardens of the Berbie Palace
Stunning Gardens of the Berbie Palace
We had read in a blog that the visit was not worth it. In our case we have to say that we liked it a lot and we believe that if you have about 30-45 minutes in the city, it is a unique opportunity and you can judge for yourself.
Views of Albi from the Gardens of the Berbie Palace
After this visit we enter the Albi Old Town, through streets full of atmosphere and little shops, perfectly integrated in the historic center.
Albi streets
We have to say that we love the environment that surrounds us and that, in these first hours of this trip, we know that this area of France would have deserved much more time, so we will surely return.
The old town of Albi is made up of 6 neighborhoods, each with its classic half-timbered houses, picturesque alleys and its fascinating architecture marked by its red brick buildings.
Albi streets
Albi
Walking aimlessly, one of the best ways to get to know the Albi Old Town, we arrived at the Covered Market and how could it be otherwise, we entered to see ourselves immersed in an explosion of smells, colors and flavors that it is hard for us to leave behind.
Albi Covered Market
Interior of the Covered Market of Albi
How could it be otherwise, we left here with a bag full of French cuisine products that we have not been able to resist.
From here we continue the walk through the historic center until we reach Rue Puech Berenguier, one of the most beautiful in Albi and where one of the oldest houses in the city is located.
Rue Puech Berenguier
One of the oldest houses in Albi
It is 11:30 in the morning when we decide that it is time to continue our journey to Cordes-sur-Ciel, one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The idea when we made the preparations for the trip to Midi-Pyrenees was to introduce Castelnau de Montmiral and Puycelsy, as we had been recommended, but seeing the pace we have, we have preferred to skip them and thus be able to enjoy with more tranquility the most famous points of This area of France.
We connect the GPS and get in the way of Albi to Cordes-sur-Ciel, where we arrive in about 25 minutes through the French countryside, surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes.
Upon arrival we park in the lower part of town, where we pay € 3.50 for parking all day.
We had read that you can park in the upper part of the town out of season, but logically, in a town like this, doing that we think is a sin, since the most scenic is to visit it ascending it Little by little, enjoying an environment that seems like something out of a story.
We begin the ascent in Cordes-sur-Ciel
Cordes-sur-ciel, it is a medieval town, from the seventh century, located in the high area of a hill, impressively preserved and surrounded by walls that seem to serve as protection against such beauty. It is not in vain that he is considered one of the favorite villages of the French.
Streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel
During our visit we cannot forget that Cordes-sur-CielIt is built on a hill so its streets become slopes with impossible slopes that at first seem impossible to flank. Nothing further from reality. You only need to get lost in your surroundings to forget that our legs begin to load and continue to the top, where right next to the main square, we can enjoy a good coffee in one of the panoramic terraces.
Cordes-sur-Ciel. Route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées
In this route by car through the villages of Midi-PyrénéesIt is quite practical to take an itinerary so as not to waste much time, but carrying an itinerary to visit the villages we believe is not essential, we would even say that it is not good. It is best to get lost in the streets, full of charm that await us with a surprise in every corner.
Cordes-sur-Ciel
When we have lost 20 minutes through the streets of this beautiful town, time makes its own and begins to sparkle, giving an impressive air to the streets of one of the most beautiful villages we have ever seen.
Cordes-sur-Ciel. Route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées
Being low season we can say that we are practically alone in the town, even though it is almost noon, very few shops are open, something that also gives the place an impressive air.
We imagine that in the middle of summer, the thing must change and quite a lot. We have read in several places that in summer the town is flooded with tourist buses that come to visit this area of the country.
Cordes-sur-Ciel. Route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées
After 1:15 noon we approached the restaurant L 'hotel du vieux cordes le bistrot highly recommended on Tripadvisor and in different forums.
We really have to say that the view from outside is like not to enter, not for bad, if not quite the opposite. Some rooms with a stately and expensive air welcome a menu of 35 euros per person that includes 2 dishes plus dessert or one of 25 euros that includes a plate plus dessert.
We opted for the second menu, in which we decided to order a cassoulet and a duck breast, more desserts, water and coke and two coffees for 60 euros.
Cassoulet in Cordes-sur-Ciel
We have to say that it is totally recommended and that we have eaten fabulous for a price that we believe is quite tight, counting the place where we are and that is France, which is usually much more expensive than in Spain.
After that couple of coffees with which we finished a perfect desktop and after 2:30 in the afternoon we returned to the streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel, a town that we have to say, has made us fall in love.
Cordes-sur-Ciel
Route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées
We get lost again, now with some sun rays by streets of Cordes-sur-Ciel, until 3:30, at which time we return to the car, to go to the next point of the day, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, but first we go direction "Monestis", where after about 200 meters, turning left on a narrow dirt road, you have beautiful views of Cordes-sur-Ciel from a distance.
Cordes-sur-Ciel
After this fantastic perspective we return to the main road, now bound for Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, the next point of our route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées.
We arrive in about 25 minutes, when a few minutes past 4 in the afternoon and the first thing we do is park the car in a free area, in the area opposite the river to be able to walk for a while along the riverbank, with beautiful views of the village.
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
After this short walk we cross its famous bridge to enter the town and its streets with a marked medieval atmosphere.
We have to say that we had read in a blog that Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val He was a must of Midi-Pyrenees. We will not be the ones who say that it is not worth it, since it is really beautiful, but we cannot classify it as impressive or essential.
In our case we have ruled out Pulcesy due to lack of time and perhaps, after the experience, we can say that we were wrong. Although that is never known. We'll tell you the day we come back and meet him 😉
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
Streets of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val is a medieval town surrounded by charming streets, a famous Sunday market where many inhabitants of nearby villages come.
After getting lost for a little more than half an hour through the little streets of the town, before we left we passed by the Place de la Halle, which we had read was spectacular and although it is true that it is beautiful and is one of the areas with more atmosphere of the town , as we discussed earlier, it is not for superlative adjectives either.
Place de la Halle
Scenes in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
SinceSaint-Antonin-Noble-Val and being already at 5 in the afternoon, we put way to Najac, which is the last point of today in the route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées and where we will stay this second night of the trip.
We arrive fromSaint-Antonin-Noble-Val to Najacin 20 minutes and the first thing we do is to park the car in our accommodation, El Camino de Najac, which is located on the outskirts of Najac, where the owner tells us that we will be alone in the house, since we are the only customers and where they receive us as if we were coming home. So it's nice to stay.
We leave our bags in the room and shortly before 6 in the afternoon we take the car again since we want to take advantage of these last hours of sun to enjoy Najac, a beautiful town that we are left with our mouths open just by seeing it from afar . Spectacular.
Najac in Midi-Pyrenees
Known as "hung town", Najac we can say that it is a unique street that we can travel from the parking lot to its famous castle and 500 meters beyond, its church.
The town is literally hung on top of a rock and stretches along, surrounded by the Aveyron River.
Streets of Najac
Walking along the main street, you can admire the large number of old houses that are still preserved and a source of the fourteenth century that still, today, remains in an exceptional state of conservation.
Najac
We walk around the town, along its main street, in total solitude until we reach the castle, one of the symbols of this beautiful town, which at this time of day begins to hide in the sunlight.
The afternoon falls in Najac
No doubt another essential visit in a route by car through the villages of Midi-Pyrénées, which will not take you much time, an hour or so and that will surely surprise you and you will not forget.
It's 7 in the afternoon when we finish our private walk in solitude and we see that there is practically nothing left open for dinner in Najac although we are not very hungry, we opted to buy a couple of croque in a bakery that will serve us as dinner in our hotel.
At 8 in the afternoon we are already in our room, moment that we take the opportunity to work for a while, review the photographs we have taken throughout this full day and that remind us again of how magnificent this area of Midi-Pyrenees is. Tomorrow we will have a most complete day, so it's time to rest and recharge
Day 3: Najac - Saint-Cirque-Lapopie - Rocamadour - Conques
