France is one of the "ultimate dream countries" for most people around the world. From its fashionable cities to its romantic castles and the most beautiful vineyards and countryside, everyone will fall in love with this country as it will effortlessly pull you closer to it. Most people who dream about France are attracted to its famous landmarks. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame de Paris are just a few. These are captivating, indeed. But have you heard about Narbonne, France?
Narbonne is probably one of the less discovered places in France. Maybe only a few are familiar with it, but that should not matter. This commune, without a doubt, is just as rich as the other tourist spots in France. And you should see it, too! If you are wondering about what is with Narbonne, France, here is a walkthrough for you.
NARBONNE, FRANCE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW?
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Narbonne was the capital of the first Roman colony in Gaul and a prominent port until the Middle Ages. After the Romans left, it became the capital of the Visigoth kingdom in the 6th century. A series of disasters led to its downfall, but the railway and wine industry revived it in the mid-1800s, turning Narbonne into a well-heeled town. Today, it is a city of art and history in the Aude department of southern France's Occitanie region. Visitors come for its rich heritage, exploring historical monuments, cathedrals, and museums. A tour at the Archbishop’s Palace may have an admission fee. For travelers planning a trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with timing a visit to southern France.
MUST-SEE PLACES IN NARBONNE, FRANCE
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There are a lot of exciting places that you should see in Narbonne. But if you would like to go to this town's highlights, below are a few monuments.
Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur
Location: Rue Armand Gauthier, Narbonne
Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur, also known as Narbonne Cathedral, is dedicated to Saints Justus and Pastor. Construction began in the second half of the 13th century but was interrupted in the 14th century, leaving the cathedral unfinished. Despite this, it remains a major attraction.
Its height of 41 meters makes it one of the tallest churches in France. Visitors come for the medieval architecture, from the Gothic cloister to the bell tower. The interior features over 200 14th-century sculptures and a collection of tapestries by Flemish masters. Today, Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur is a national monument of France.
Palace of the Archevêques
Location: 13-16 Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Narbonne
The Palace of the Archevêques or Archbishop’s Palace dates back to the 12th, 14th, 17th, and 18th centuries and evokes the City of the Popes of Avignon. The Palais Vieux (Old Palace) and Palais Neuf (New Palace) are key parts of this palace. The Old Palace is now closed, and its archaeological collections are at the “Narbo Via,” Museum of Archaeology. The Museum of Fine Arts in the New Palace is still open, displaying collections from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
It is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Church Saint-Paul
Location: Rue Dupleix et rue de l’Hôtel Dieu, Narbonne
Church Saint-Paul is the first Gothic church in Narbonne and one of the oldest in the South. It stands on the tomb of the city's first bishop, Saint Paul. Construction began in the 12th century, and its crypt equates to the Old Paleo-Christian cemetery from the 3rd century. The architecture mixes Romanesque and Gothic styles. Notable features include the famous stoup with frog and the remarkable chapter of the Last Judgement. Today, the church accepts visitors for individual or group guided tours.
15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN NARBONNE, FRANCE
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Touring in Narbonne alone will not be enough for you to experience the town to the fullest. Of course, you must try the things that you will only be able to do here! In case you need some ideas about it, here are the 15 best things to do in Narbonne.
1. TOUR AROUND THE ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE
Archbishop's Palace brings the past back through its architecture. Square towers surround the facade, including the 13th-century dungeon and 14th-century St. Martial Tower. A passage called "Anchor" connects the Old Palace to the Cathedral. You can also climb the 42-meter-high dungeon, built from 1295 to 1306; on the 162nd step, you get a panoramic view of the city.
2. SEE THE COLLECTION OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The Museum of Fine Arts is at the Palais Neuf (New Palace) in the Archbishop's Palace. A tour at the Archbishop's Palace may have an admission fee. This museum is home to some items from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, earthenware, and furniture are a few of the centuries-old collections you can see here. The route is interesting, too, as it includes the Consuls and Synods' halls and the apartments of the archbishops from 1632.
3. BUY LOCAL PRODUCTS AT THE LES HALLLES
Going to the local market and buying products from locals is also one way to discover a foreign place. On one side of Canal de la Robine, you can find a market called "Les Halles". This market offers fresh products, such as vegetables, seafood, cheeses, patisserie, and other local French dishes. It is open daily and is always prepared to serve what your taste buds would crave!
4. WALK THROUGH THE VINEYARDS OF CHÂTEAU ROUQUETTE
Take the road to Narbonne-Plage and cross the Clape massif to reach Château Rouquette. The estate's vineyards grow grapes used in French wines. A panorama of the Audoise land and the Mediterranean Sea is less than a kilometer from the vineyards. Château Rouquette offers a direct view of this landscape.
5. TASTE FRENCH WINES AT THE GUYLAINE AND NADINE
After a walk through the vineyards of Château Rouquette, go straight to Guylaine and Nadine for wine tastings. You may start from the softest to the driest through the fruity and spicy wines. These wines come from a variety of grapes, such as syrah, mourvèdre, carignan, grenache, bourboulenc, and roussanne.
6. DINE IN LES TAPAS DE LA CLAPE
Les Tapas de la Clape, near the Canal de la Robine, is one of the best places to eat in Narbonne. Famous for its wine and oysters, it also draws crowds for the charcuterie. The resto-bar sources products from different merchants—fishmongers, a bakery, a cheese factory, and winemakers. While in Narbonne, you can also explore nearby activities like private cruises on the Canal du Midi—a five-hour tour and a three-hour tour are available at varying prices—or try Zef Control’s single-seater sailing tank sessions at varying prices, plus kayak and paddle surf sessions at varying prices per person.
7. GO BIRDWATCHING AT THE NARBONNAISE REGIONAL PARK
Narbonnaise Regional Park is one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, with one of France's richest scopes of birdlife. Over 40% of the Western Palearctic species are found here, including residents, seasonal visitors, and migrants. The park's wide range of habitats makes it a top destination for birdwatching, comparable to the top 10 National and State parks to see for avian diversity.
8. DISCOVER NARBONNE IN A GABARE
Ride a flat-bottomed gabare to discover Narbonne from the water. Board at the Canal de la Robine or Promenade des Barques. Departure schedule:
April and May – 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM
June and September – 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:45 PM
July and August – 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:45 PM, and 6 PM
Each gabare holds up to 48 passengers, making it ideal for families or groups. The boat master may cancel or adjust the schedule if needed.
9. TRYMOUNTAIN BIKING IN NARBONNAISE
If you are looking for outdoor activities while on an out of the country tour, worry no more! You can also go on a mountain biking adventure in Narbonnaise. There are a few routes that you can take, and here is one.
THE CATHAR TRAIL
Take your bicycle wheel here, and it will show you such history through the Aguilar Castles, Quéribus, Puivert, and many more! From the Audois coast to the peaks of the Pyrenees Audoises and Ariègeoises. This route will also take you back to the 8th century!
Route: Port-la-New (Aude) to Foix (Ariège)
Distance: 250 km
10. BOOK A PRIVATE CRUISE ON THE CANAL DU MIDI
Canal du Midi is on the World Heritage list, too! Private cruise boats are passing through this canal, and you can book a tour with them. Boarding yourself in a boat will take you to beautiful villages and in the famous Malpas Tunnel. Additionally, there are drinks and a three-course lunch that you can also enjoy here!
11. INDULGE IN PASTRIES AND CAKES AT PATISSERIE COMBOT
Patisserie Combot is well-known in Narbonne. Their pastries and cookies are that delicious that a lot of people know and recommend them. Importantly, if you drop by, do not miss their Bouchons du Languedoc! It is a biscuit made of honey, almonds, and pine nuts—a must-try in the town!
12. TRY THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES OF ZEF CONTROL
Zef Control in Narbonne offers thrilling outdoor activities including a sailing tank, kayak, and paddle surf. Qualified instructors are on hand, and equipment is provided.
Single-seater sailing tank – Sessions are available at varying prices.
Kayak – Sessions are available at varying prices per person.
Paddle surf – Sessions are available at varying prices per person.
13. LEARN A NEW ACTIVITY AT THE NARBONNE KITE PASSION
Narbonne Kite Passion is on the edge of Bages Sigean Pond, close to Toulouse and Montpellier. It offers training for kite surfing and stand-up paddle activities. The school provides introductory, advanced, and private lessons, as well as equipment rental. Each training session lasts four hours, with time slots from 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM.
14. GRAB A SOUVENIR AT THE BOUTIQUE DE L'OFFICE DE TOURISME
You always have to bring something back home that will remind you about such a wonderful trip. In Narbonne, there are, of course, a lot of souvenir shops that you can drop by. Boutique de L'Office de Tourisme (Tourist Office Shop) has many souvenirs for you to pack! From books, shirts, postcards, and many more! You will have a lot of selection. So, finding something that will remind you about Narbonne when you are back home is easy.
15. WALK ON THE PATHS OF MASSIF DE FONTFROIDE
A natural heritage, Massif de Fontfroide stretches to over 3,000 hectares south-east of Narbonne. The ambiance of Fontfroide massif will give you an unforgettable back-to-nature experience! In here, you can also have a glimpse of the Pyrenees, Bages-Sigean ponds, Leucate, and the Mediterranean coastline.
BEST TIME TO GO TO NARBONNE, FRANCE
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The best time to go to Narbonne, France, is from April to October. These months offer good weather with an average daytime temperature of 14°C to 16°C. July and August are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures ranging from 23°C to 24°C. November's weather is tolerable at 12°C. However, avoid booking flights in January, February, and December if you dislike cold weather, as average temperatures range from 7°C to 9°C.
You may also find great hotel deals from April to October. Book your stay in advance to secure the best option for your budget. For broader travel inspiration, consider a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy.
WHERE TO STAY IN NARBONNE, FRANCE
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ZENITUDE HOTEL-RESIDENCES NARBONNE CENTRE
Location: 18, boulevard Général de Gaulle, 11100 Narbonne, France
One of the best-rated hotels in Narbonne, Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Narbonne Centre is an aparthotel offering modern self-catering studios. Each studio has Wi-Fi, a living area with a flat-screen TV, heating, and a private bathroom, plus a kitchenette with a microwave and electric kettle. Laundry facilities and private parking are available on-site.
The aparthotel serves a continental breakfast and take-away food (a hot meal, drink, and dessert). Supermarkets and restaurants are nearby. Narbonne Beach is a 20-minute drive, while Carcassonne is 60 kilometers away.
Room type selection:
Double and Twin Studios - The price is 90.28 USD for a one-night stay for two guests.
Superior Studio - The price is 108.36 USD for a one-night stay for four guests.
CHAMBRE D’HOTES VILLA AMBROSIA
Location: 12 Quai de Lorraine, 3 Allée Ambrosia, 11100 Narbonne, France
Villa Ambrosia is a guest house five minutes from Narbonne’s city center. It has a garden and spacious central atrium. Rooms have air conditioning, heating, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. The guest house serves Continental breakfast with homemade French pastries and jam; you can also get a drink upon request. Several restaurants are nearby.
Villa Ambrosia is 15 minutes from Narbonne Beach and 20 minutes from Canal du Midi.
Room types:
Small Double Room – The price starts at 175.14 USD per night for two guests.
Superior Quadruple Room – The price starts at 202.84 USD per night for two guests.
Deluxe Double Room – The price starts at 230.54 USD per night for two guests.
B&B DOMAINE DE LA RAMADE
Location: Route de Narbonne-Plage (Sortie 37, direction Narbonne Plage), 11100 Narbonne, France
Domaine de la Ramade is an accommodation three kilometers from Narbonne-Plage. Rooms feature underfloor heating, a TV, telephone, and private bathroom. A continental breakfast is served after strolling the vineyards or garden. The guest house sits in the Clape Massif Mountains, 15 kilometers from Gouffre de l'Oeil Doux and 20 kilometers from Gruissan Saltern.
Room types:
Double Room - The price starts at 147.75 USD per night for two guests.
Superior Double Room - The price starts at 174.24 USD per night for two guests.
Suite- The price starts at 200.74 USD per night for two guests.
TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR TRIP TO NARBONNE, FRANCE
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CREATE A CHECKLIST FOR THE SPOTS
Narbonne has many jaw-dropping spots, from monuments to villages. Create a checklist to identify where to start your tour and where it will end for the day. At Zef Control, single-seater sailing tank sessions are available at varying prices; kayak sessions are available at varying prices per person; paddle surf sessions are available at varying prices per person. This checklist helps you tour smoothly, knowing which places you want to visit.
KNOW THE OPENING AND CLOSING HOURS OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS
Most tourist spots in Narbonne have set opening and closing hours. Checking schedules in advance will help you avoid arriving too early or too late, saving you time during your visit.
TAKE NOTE OF THE PRICES
Of course, a tour will surely need a budget. Know the rates of hotel accommodations, restaurants, tourist spots, activities, and even the transportation fee from one place to another. In that way, you will know how much you need to save and how much you need to spend.
TAKE NOTE OF THE LOCATION OF ALL THE TOURIST SPOTS
You must know where exactly you are going. Be knowledgeable of the locations or addresses of the places you will visit. It will save you from being lost and from wasting time figuring out where to go. In that way, you will also identify the stations for transportation going to your proper destination.
Kayak sessions are available at varying prices per person. Paddle surf sessions are available at varying prices per person.
GET READY FOR THE RICH HERITAGE OF NARBONNE, FRANCE
Narbonne, France, offers a rich heritage away from the usual spots. See monuments from the Narbonne Cathedral to Church Saint-Paul, and learn about the Romans and life in the Middle Ages. Shop and dine at the Les Halles market.
