Narbonne’s Roman past is still visible with the Via Domitia and the Horreum in the heart of the town. But the city’s most spectacular heritage sights, like the Palais des Archevêques, date from the Middle Ages.
The medieval palace was built by the very powerful archbishops of Narbonne! Standing next to the tall Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Gothic cathedral, the palace is so huge that it can be seen from any point of the town and even the surrounding area.
Located 10 km from Narbonne centre, Fontfroide Abbey was founded in 1093 by the Benedictine monks. It is one of Aude’s major attractions. It later became a Cistercian abbey and is still one of the largest in France.
It stands alone and magnificent in the silent garrigue, surrounded by 4,000 hectares of nature left intact, light dancing on its beautiful ochre and pink stone walls. The interior has provided a constant source of inspiration for art and music.
A love story dating back more than 21 centuries to take you on a journey through the vineyards that line the Via Domitia and the Via Aquitania!
Thanks to the savoir-faire of the Romans, this vast region was planted with vines all the way around the great port of the Narbonne area.
Swept by winds that to and fro from north to south, this rugged, sun-drenched land is reflected in its wines, which ooze the Mediterranean.
This vineyard’s exceptional natural landscape beckons to every one of our five senses. It is an invitation to discover its rich historical heritage, an ode to the exploration of its hidden paths.
This feature of world heritage of humanity crosses the town centre. The canal’s most characteristic view is that of a bridge, the Pont des Marchands, whose houses make it a rare sight, that you can enjoy the privilege of seeing by taking a trip on a canal boat.
The canal is a favourite walking place among the people of Narbonne, who call it “les barques” (the barges). It is also a market place and a party venue, and attracts many cyclists.
In the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise, La Nautique is surrounded by the Bages-Sigean lagoon system. This place full of charm will sweep you away into the great history of the Romans and their founding of Narbo Martius in 118 BC. This is the spot they chose to install the main pier of what was to become their second largest port after Rome.
The lagoons now connect with the sea. The massif wilderness, the salt marshes and the lagoons are home to many bird species … and you can enjoy a range of watersports here: sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, etc.
Just next to the Canal stands the 1900-style market hall. But this lively place is not just for shopping. You can sometimes see cookery demonstrations and lessons, and even get to sample something!
Freshness guaranteed!
A little outside the town centre, a wonderful culinary surprise awaits you. Les Grands Buffets, AKA the great classics of traditional French cuisine… opens every day of the year, for an unprecedented all-you-can-eat experience!
From starter to dessert: a carvery fired up by an enthusiastic Chef, an array of seafood fit for a king, a lobster cascade, 6 varieties of foie gras, and the world’s biggest cheese board with an exceptional array of 111 varieties spread along 30 metres, and more than 50 different “house” pastries.
The greatest wines of Languedoc-Roussillon (approximately 70 references) are proposed by the glass and/or bottle (at estate prices). And you can take your bottle away with you!
From
Carcassonne, follow the A61 towards Narbonne and take the E15/E80/A9 exit, about 50 minutes drive.
Pay parking in the city center, but free on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
