Left to my own devices on my second day in Albi, my adopted hometown in southern France, I took to its rosy streets, down rue Timbal to rue Mariés.  At its base, in Albi’s old town, sits Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d’Albi, the huge (really huge) brick cathedral, which was recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It stands tall over the city, but narrow streets make it tough to see until you’re right in front of it.  Or maybe I was too distracted by so much of Albi’s lovely architecture and natural beauty that I didn’t I notice until Sainte-Cécile and I were face-to-face.

A path behind Sainte-Cécile follows along the Tarn and offers some wonderful views of the city.  I spent two hours on its banks, taking photos, taking a brief nap, taking un verre…And though I cringe to say it, c’est la vie!