Narbonne

The historic town of Narbonne was a provincial capital in Roman times and is littered with ancient monuments, grand old buildings and museums.

Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

Narbonne - Via Domitia

In 118 BC, the roman colony of Narbonne was founded and a road, the Via Domitia (Domitian Way), was commisioned. This was built on the tracks of an ancient route called ‘Herculean’, because according to tradition, it was used by Hercules and also by Hannibal in his expedition against Rome. As well as its Museum of Archaeology, Narbonne has the best collection of Roman paintings in France, most of which were found at the archaeological site of Le Clos de la Lombarde.

Medieval Period

The Archbishop’s Palace, made up of the 7th-century old palace and the 14th-century new palace, has a magnificent interior courtyard, framed by the cathedral and two of the main buildings. The new palace as a whole is centred around a courtyard dominated by a strong keep. The Basilica of Saint Paul, built in 1229, the citadel’s second spiritual focus, is a major element in its historical heritage. Of particular note is the celebrated frog in its font, which has inspired many a legend. The Cathedral of Saint Just and Saint Pasteur, begun in 1272 at the instigation of Pope Clement IV was never finished. Only its 40-metre-long choir, in the purest Gothic tradition, was actually built.

Things to see in Narbonne : The town is bisected by the Canal de la Robine. You can take a canal trip to Port la Nouvelle or le Somail, or hire a motor boat.
- the main square, with its historic facades, reconstructed by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, and the remains of the Roman Via Domitia in front of the town hall. - Inside the Archbishops Palace: the ‘Madeleine’ courtyard; the 13th century Gilles Aycelin Tower; the archeological museum; the museum of art and history, in the former archbishop’s apartments, with its collection of French, Flemish and Italian paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries. - the basilica of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur, built in the flamboyant Gothic style. - the Horreum, a former Roman storehouse - the 15th century church of Saint Sebastien - the basilica Saint-Paul-Serge - the Canal de la Robine with its historic bridge - the ‘Pont des Marchands’ - the 19th century market halls, one of the best markets in France

A suggestion for your holiday in Narbonne

The Minervois area, with its vineyards, overlooks the lower valley of the Aude and the Canal du Midi which passes to the north of Lézignan- Corbières and Narbonne. Towards the south, the Bages, Sigean, L’Ayraolle, Les Salins and Lapalme lakes are scattered along the coastline between Les Cabanes de Fleury and Leucate-Plage.

Fontfroide Abbey

Nestling in limestone hills and protected by fortified pinnacles of rock, Fontfroide Abbey (Aude) was built in 1093. With sumptuous stained glass windows, rose and scented gardens, Fontfroide Abbey is one of the jewels of Languedoc-Roussillon’s religious heritage.

Eating out

Narbonne’s restaurant scene includes a broad range of international eateries including Chinese, Italian and Asian restaurants, as well as many traditional restaurants serving local food, from unpretentious cafes to fine dining establishments serving the best food in sumptuous surroundings. Whatever your taste and price range, you’ll find the perfect place to eat in town. You can search for a restaurant on the Narbonne Tourist Office website

Shopping

The place to go for a local shopping experience is the heart of the city: the old market halls, “Les Halles”, where shoppers chat and haggle and in crowded aisles every morning. The refurbished Halles sell local produce such as oysters and fish, olives and herbs.

INFORMATION - Tourist Office - Tel: + 33 (0)4 68 65 15 60 Website

Hotels in Narbonne

Campings in Narbonne