Roman and medieval city of Narbonne

 A stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea, divided between lagoons, vineyards and pine forests, Narbonne is a city where the living is good…

Basking in the southern sun alongside the Canal de la Robine, the city unveils its many riches.

Narbonne is...

The sweet life!

walking, wandering...

Minimum visiting time

1 full day

Heritage

Palais des Archevêques, Saint-Just Cathedral, Canal de la Robine, market hall...

Sur les traces de la Via Domitia à Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

Did you know?
Narbo Martius is the oldest colony ever founded by the Romans outside of Italy…

A wealth of Gallo-Roman heritage

Keep your eyes wide open! Patiently pacing the little streets of the city, here and there you will recognise the precious and most ancient vestiges of the city of Narbo Martius, the oldest Roman colony founded outside of Italy. 2 thousand years of history lie under your feet!

Visiter Narbonne en Famille ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

From the main square, walk on the cobblestones of the Via Domitia. Down a cobbled alleyway, enter the ancient Roman Horreum with its vast underground galleries. And following the Canal de la Robine, perhaps you will reach its far end, at La Nautique, the city’s old port on the edge of the lagoon…

Visite du Palais des Archevêques à Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude
En terrasse devant le Palais des Archevêques à Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

The Palais des Archevêques and Saint-Just Cathedral

To enjoy the very best views over the city centre and the surrounding area, you’ll have to make it all the way to the top of the keep at the Palais des Archevêques. From there, you can feast your eyes on the city’s most beautiful sights and the landscape that unfurls into the distance, all the way to the Big Blue. It’s absolutely beautiful and… slightly scary!

An unfinished cathedral!

The palace was both a fortress and a dwelling. This building alone is a glorious demonstration of the city’s rich history. It houses a number of museum areas which provide the proof.

On your way back down the steps, take a little detour via the Ancre passage…This romantic cobblestone alley leads you to a heritage gem, the Saint-Just & Saint-Pasteur cathedral and its cloister, a haven of peace in the heart of the city. This has to be the most prestigious monument of Narbonne thanks to its incredible size and extravagant Gothic style. It is among the tallest cathedrals in France, yet it has never been completed, half of it is missing!

Vue sur le Canal de la Robine à Narbonne ©Mairie de Narbonne
Visite de la Cathédrale Saint-Just à Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude
Narbonne et sa Cathédrale Saint-Just ©Edgar de Puy-ADT de l'Aude
Narbonne, les halles
Narbonne, les halles
Narbonne Cathédrale Saint Just
Narbonne Cathédrale Saint Just
Visite du Palais des Archevêques à Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude
Visite du Palais des Archevêques à Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

Typical and atypical alleys of alternative Narbonne

Don’t hesitate to pace the narrow streets leading off Place de l’Hôtel de Ville in front of the palace.

Au bord du pont des marchands à narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude
Place du forum à Narbonne

The Rue Droite will take you to one of Narbonne’s most charming little squares, Place du Forum, where an organic market is held every Saturday morning.
Then take Rue du Pont des Marchands, which is now the city’s main shopping street. As a matter of fact, you’re now crossing a Roman bridge over the Canal de la Robine. This is Narbonne’s oldest street and leads to Place des Quatre Fontaines. It’s just beautiful!

Hotel la résidence à Narbonne

Look up...

On the way, don’t forget to look up to observe the façades, some of which deserve your attention… There are many private mansions here and the strange sculptures above some of the doorways are sure to capture your interest.

On the banks of the Canal de la Robine

The beating heart of Narbonne life is here, on both sides of the famous Canal de la Robine, in this vast space that the locals call «les Barques» (the barges”).

Among ancient plane trees, waters flowing steadily under the Pont des Marchands, small canal boats moored along the banks, and café terraces that spill out onto the street at the crack of dawn, the scene is set, life resumes and voices ring out.

Balade sur les barques en famille à Narbonne, ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude

This explosion of fragrance, colour and taste is brought to life by the gestures, voices and strong accents of vegetable growers, fishmongers, restaurateurs and visitors…
A must-do!

Discover Narbonne’s market halls!
The place to be! You barely have to enter to get a feel of the atmosphere. It’ll be much harder to leave.

Manger aux Halles de Narbonne ©Céline Deschamps-ADT de l'Aude
Sur les bords du Canal de la Robine à Narbonne ©Ville de Narbonne
Au bord du Canal de la Robine à Narbonne © H.Blanquier-VTT Évasion

The Canal de la Robine flows across garrigue and vineyards and joins the Mediterranean Sea at Port-la-Nouvelle.

On foot or horseback, by bike or even from a barge, you can discover this unspoilt wilderness, one of the best-preserved areas along the Canal, from the heart of the town to Ile Sainte-Lucie. And who knows? You may be lucky enough to spot a few grey herons, pink flamingos, egrets and other shorebirds…

Definitely a favourite among nature lovers.

Narbonne, canal de la robine, bateau le solal, famille

Experience

The Robine Canal, from town to country

1 day

Find out more

Narbonne, canal de la robine, bateau le solal, famille

Experience

The Robine Canal, from town to country

1 day

Find out more

Sea around the city...

Can you smell a hint of fresh sea air? That’s because the sea isn’t far away. Barely a few minutes from the centre of Narbonne, you’ll find the beaches, the mountains and the vineyards of La Clape which overlook the sea!

Méditerranée, plage

beaches & sea the mediterranean sea

Narbonne, fête de la Saint Jean

Where outing?NARBONNE agenda