Once an important Mediterranean port, the town of Narbonne, in the Languedoc-Rousillon region of southern France, now finds itself 15 kilometres inland, thanks to the River Aude silting up over the centuries. As an inland town, Narbonne has reinvented itself as one of the major tourist attractions in “Cathar Country”, second only to the fortified city of Carcassone. Home to an impressive cathedral, palaces, museums and some interesting Roman ruins, there is more than enough to keep a day tripper occupied, and plenty of entertainment should you decide to stay longer. The resort of Narbonne Plage, for example, separated from the town by a small range of hills, is a great place to escape the city heat and spend some time relaxing by the Mediterranean.
Narbonne started life in Roman times, and there are still many signs of this initial settlement in evidence today. These include the underground tunnel used to store grain in Roman times and remains of the Via Domitia, the Roman road linking Italy and Spain that ran through the centre of Narbonne. There is also an archaeological museum in the town, which features many artefacts found at digs in the local area, from Roman times through to the Middle Ages.
The 13th century cathedral, Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur de Narbonne, may be unfinished but this does not stop it being one of the most impressive religious buildings in southern France. Dominating the Narbonne skyline, with its tower and flying buttresses, the interior is typically Gothic, with dark wood and stained glass windows. Also worth a visit is the nearby Archbishop's Palace, home to some impressive artwork and a donjon, or tower that affords a great view over Narbonne – if you can climb the stairs!
The traditional covered marketplace is still in use today, with a daily produce market still popular with local residents as well as tourists. The busiest time is on Sunday morning when many of the usual stalls are taking over by people selling local souvenirs.
Separated from the actual town of Narbonne by a limestone cliff known as La Clape and about 15 kilometres away, Narbonne Plage is nevertheless very popular with locals. Even in the height of summer, many of the beaches don't get busy until around 4pm, when the children have finished school and their parents have finished work. The large stretches of sand can be exposed on windy days, but there are enough sheltered spots to make any day on the beach a pleasant break from sightseeing.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Narbonne? Then below is a selection of gites in Narbonne and villas in Narbonne that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
