Following the brutal Albigensian Crusade in the 1200s, the king of France ordered Count Raymond VII of Toulouse to repopulate his domain by building easily defensible hilltop towns called bastides.

Seven hundred towns were built. Many survive, and some have retained their authentic medieval character.

Among the most famous, and easy to visit, is Cordes-sur-Ciel, a half-hour's drive or bus ride northwest of Albi.

Come for the day to wander its stone-bound streets, marvel at its fortified gates and stone edifices, poke into its many artists' studios and handicrafts shops, have a meal with a sweeping view of the rich countryside, and marvel at how the town could retain so much character after eight hundred years.

Street next to Le Halle, the medieval market shelter in Cordes.

Hotels

You can even stay the night if Cordes grabs and holds your imagination. More...

Transportation

Cordes is easily reached from Albi by driving northwest along the D600 highway for a half hour; or by taking LiO Bus 707 from Place Jean Jaurès in the center of Albi for 32 minutes (€2) to the La Boutellerie stop in Cordes. A navette (shuttle bus) can take you up the hill and into the center of Cordes if you find the climb difficult.

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Albi Toulouse Montpellier Languedoc Pyrenees