Five good reasons to explore Narbonne
© Ville de Narbonne/Colombier
Archaeological treasures, kitesurfing, quality red, white and rosé wines, the green waters of the Robine canal, antique frescos and friendly bars. Everything has a lasting quality in Narbonne, especially happiness.
1/ Gourmet delights
Corbières, Minervois, Fitou, Coteaux du Languedoc, La Clape, Quatourze... With five appellations and a huge range of wine-growing areas, Narbonne is the historic centre of wine production in Southern France. If you get the chance, sample a drop of Cigalus. Gérard Bertrand's white is pure enchantment. And to go with it? Molecular cooking or eel stew, starred cuisine or local gastronomy, the choice is yours. The southern "art de vivre" has its temple, the Market Hall of Narbonne, one of the most beautiful covered markets in France. Here, produce from the neighbouring stalls may be enjoyed at the bar, in a one of kind atmosphere. Take a stool at "Bébelle's" and get a down to earth taste of Narbonne.
2/ Gliding from along the canals
The Canal du Midi's little sister, the Robine, flows through Narbonne, spanned by a bridge on a par with the Rialto in Venice or the Ponte-Vecchio in Florence. It is the only house-lined bridge in France. Half way to Italy already !
3/ Experiments in archaeology
Despite its lack of an amphitheatre, it was the biggest city in Roman Gaul. Narbonne boasts the most beautiful frescos outside of Pompeii, evocative remains of temples long gone. They testify to its archaeological significance, as do the strange underground constructions that meander beneath the forum devoted to pagan divinities. The archaeology enthusiast will discern its bygone splendour in every corner of the town.
4/ Take off with the wind
In Narbonne, as elsewhere, north wind is a sign of good weather. Here it is called the "cers", deified by Augustus, the first of the Roman Caesars. A god still worshipped by kitesurf, windsurf and sand yacht fiends alike. The most renowned spot in the vicinity is La Franqui, where the Mondial du Vent is held every April.
5/ The fast train
Narbonne is four and a half hours away from Paris. When you arrive in the station, built over archaeological excavations, a copy of a statue of Silenius, Bacchus' foster father, will be there to greet you. Welcome to wine country !
By car
- Motorway A61 from Toulouse and Carcassonne.
- Motorway A9 from Montpellier to Perpignan.
- 2 exits at Narbonne: Narbonne Est (les Plages) and Narbonne Sud (route de Perpignan).
- The A roads N9 and N113 run parallel to the A9 et A61 motorways.
- Paris-Narbonne: 787 km, Montpellier-Narbonne: 97 km, Toulouse-Narbonne: 160 km, Barcelone-Narbonne: 250 km.
By air
- Béziers Agde-Vias Airport Tel. +33(0)4 67 80 99 09 www.beziers.aeroport.fr
- Airport Montpellier Méditerranée Tel. +33(0)4 67 20 85 85
- Airport de Toulouse-Blagnac Tel. 0 825 380 000 (in France) ww.toulouse.aeroport.fr 160 km from Narbonne. Approx. 37 flights a day to and from Paris. Train link: approx. 12 trains a day to and from Narbonne. Journey time on the high speed TGV: 1h15.
