Sightseeing in Narbonne - what to see. Complete travel guide

The French town of Narbonne may not be the top destination in the country but this is a charming settlement that has a well-preserved historic center and numerous old buildings. The Corbieres mountain region has unique climatic conditions perfect for growing grapes, and so Narbonne is widely recognized as one of the major centers of winemaking in the country. Having arrived in Narbonne, tourists will be pleasantly surprised to find landmarks of the medieval period in great condition, visit interesting local museums dedicated to the history of the city and winemaking in the region, take a look at different ceramic crafts, and even see the “treasures” of the past centuries that archeologists discovered in the city during the excavations. Besides that, the beach in Narbonne is perfectly suitable for recreation.

In 118 BC, the Romans established a colony in Gaul, and Narbonne was one of the settlements in that colony. At that time, the town was a seaport of great political importance. Besides that, the Romans established a strategic military base in the settlement. This settlement became the capital of Narbonne or as it was also called South Gaul. The town’s neighborhood became a battleground for a major fight, in which the Roman army was totally defeated and disarmed. The government had to leave the region, and the Visigoths became the new rulers in Narbonne.

The new reigning power made Narbonne the region’s capital. Starting from 419 and over the next four centuries, the Saracens ruled in this French region. The Middle Ages were a hard period for Narbonne because the territory was divided between the counts of Toulouse, who occupied South Narbonne, and bishops, who ruled the northern part of the settlement. This is when the Black Death epidemic came to the city, claiming the lives of many locals. The town lost its former importance. Everything started changing only in the XIX century when the first railroad was built in the region. It became a much-needed boost for the town’s economy. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Tourists from all cities in France come to Narbonne to relax on its gorgeous beach. This is a fabulous coastal area with a soft sand surface. Vacationers with small children are particularly fond of Narbonne Beach because the sea is always warm and calm here, and the water is shallow near the coast. During the tourist season, rescue teams monitor the beach round the clock. There are special playgrounds for kids that are separated from the rest of the beach. Young guests of the town will be excited to participate in various tournaments and games right on the beach. Kids usually love these entertaining activities, and their parents can relax peacefully meanwhile.

Adult guests of Narbonne Beach can also find a suitable activity besides sunbathing and swimming in the sea. The town’s authorities regularly organize free entertaining events and various celebrations. Everyone is welcome to participate regardless of their gender and age. It should be noted that Narbonne Beach has high environmental standards and clean water, so parents do not need to worry about the safety of their kids. The area is also suitable for scuba diving. The underwater world of the French region is very interesting and diverse. Good news for fans of cycling – there are quality bicycle roads along the beach.

Besides beach recreation, Narbonne can offer tourists to explore its landmarks, many of which are definitely worth visiting. Narbonne Cathedral dedicated to Saints Justus and Pastor is a national monument of France. The construction of the fabulous building started in 1565 and lasted almost a century. Before the eye-catching cathedral, there was a 5th-century church on the site of the modern shrine. Unfortunately, that church was destroyed in a series of religious tensions. Only a beautiful nearby park reminds of that ruined church nowadays. Everyone is welcome to take a stroll in the park because it is free to enter.

The modern cathedral is a prominent example of the Gothic style. Until the beginning of the 19th century, the shrine belonged to the archbishop of Narbonne who turned the cathedral into his residence. When the Narbonne diocese merged with the Carcassonne one, the cathedral lost its important status. Nowadays, the grandiose cathedral is not only a famous shrine but also a sacred treasury that exhibits masterpieces of talented French artists. Don’t forget to take a look at the colorful stained-glass windows made in the 19th century. They have survived until our days in perfect condition. The cathedral regularly hosts the divine service.

Tourists can get to Narbonne from various French cities including Paris. The country’s capital has a large international airport that serves flights from many countries of the world. Daily trains connect the French resort town to other parts of the country. Depending on the city of departure, the ride can range from half an hour to five hours. It is also possible to get to Narbonne from Barcelona by train. The average journey time is almost five hours in this case.