ABOUT NARBONNE

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Narbonne is a 2,500 year old city of art, rich in history. 

At the heart of the historic center are two must-see listed buildings: the Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral and the Palace of the Archbishops.

The unfinished cathedral of Narbonne from the 13th and 14th centuries has an absolutely grandiose chancel, which with its 41 m height is one of the highest Gothic choirs in southern France! In the adjoining chapel there is a very beautiful altarpiece made of colored stone from the 14th century. A rich collection of goldsmith's work, carpets and objects from the liturgy is kept in the treasury. After visiting the church, stroll through the peaceful Gothic-style cloister before heading to the Archbishopric's garden, where you can see the cathedral's supporting pillars and south tower, as well as the facade of the New Palace. 

The Archbishop's Palace, which now houses the Town Hall, the Art Museum and the Museum of Archeology, can be explored on a tour of its different sections: old palace of Romanesque origin, Gilles Aycelin defense tower, new Gothic-style palace, Saint towers -Martial and Madeleine. The defense tower offers a magnificent view of Narbonne, the coast, the Corbières massif and the Pyrenees from its upper terrace!

Afterwards, nothing beats a cup of coffee on one of the terraces of the lively Town Hall Square before your tour continues towards the Robine Canal with its lovely promenade of boats, from where you can take a ride in a motorboat.

Narbonne is also well stocked with museums, including the Museum of Archeology with a remarkable exhibition of Roman paintings, the Art and History Museum with collections of fine and decorative arts, the lapidarium in the former Notre-Dame de Larmourguier church and the house where Charles was born Trenet, which today is entirely dedicated to the famous French singer.

Every year at the end of August there is the Trenet Festival, which celebrates French music with concerts, spectacles, bodegas and street arts.