One Day In Narbonne: The Best Things To Do On A Day Trip

Our Suggestions On Narbonne France Things To Do

We go to southern France very regularly and we had always passed through Narbonne but had never stopped to visit. So when deciding on a place to visit for a short stay, we found Narbonne was a good option.

The city is easily accessible by train and quite small so the major city sights can mostly be covered in a day. Below we will make suggestions on what to cover for one day in Narbonne and if you can stay overnight, then a few other things to do while visiting.

Highlights Of A Narbonne Itinerary

Palais Musee des Archevêques 

Wondering what to do in Narbonne? This is the best place to begin when visiting Narbonne and where you can spend the morning. Located in the Town Square it is the Archbishop Palace that dates to the 12th century. The Palais has become a museum of sorts and is the entryway to several of the city’s most popular sights.

We purchased the Monumental Pass which gave us a discounted price for entrance into all the sights located in the large complex plus the home of Charles Trenet. You can purchase the pass at the ticket counter just inside the gift store.

When we were there, inside the courtyard, there was a wonderful piece of artwork of a woman in a warrior pose. This was part of an art installation within the Palais by two Spanish artists Coderch and Malavia.

It is made of bronze and is very impressive to see. As the light changes in the courtyard, the sculpture takes on a different dimension.

Donjon Gilles-Aycelin

Once you have purchased either the Pass or individual tickets, you can proceed to the Donjon directly from the gift store. The watchtower dates to the late 1200s and was built by the Archbishop of the time – Gilles Aycelin. 

The purpose of the tower was to defend the water gate that was originally erected in the city – a Roman bridge that connected the northern and southern parts of the city. At forty-two metres high the entire city can be seen from this vantage point.

You first enter through the first floor hall which has an incredible dome ceiling.

From here you proceed up the spiral staircase – 162 steps if you go to the very top.

As you climb you will pass additional halls with beautiful vaulted ceilings – the treasury, a bedroom and a defence room. There is a helpful red/green light system to manage people moving up and down the narrow staircase.

Once you reach the terrace you can wander the perimeter and see inside each of the three octagonal turrets. 

The views from here are phenomenal giving you a wonderful look at the entire city including the canal, the Place d’Hotel de Ville below and the magnificent cathedral that is attached to the Palais. 

This is a definite highlight of the city and we would recommend making the trek. Go at your own pace and take breaks along the way. It is worth it.

Cloister

Following the picturesque, cobblestone streets from the main courtyard you can find an entrance to the cloister that is located on one side of the cathedral.

Here is a gorgeous spot with ribbed, arched ceilings.

It is in immaculate condition and surrounds a simple garden area in the centre.

Be sure to look up and check out the gargoyles that surround the courtyard. They are numerous and quite elaborate. Typical of Gothic architecture, aside from serving the practical purpose of keeping rainwater from running down a building, it was also thought that they would ward off evil spirits.

The design of these certainly looked like they would be effective. Quite the scary sight looming above an otherwise serene location.

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Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur Cathedral

We have seen a lot of cathedrals on our travels but we were amazed by this one in particular. Built in 1272, the sheer size of this building is what makes it impressive. And even more surprising was that this large structure wasn’t even the finished product.

It turns out that the planning team didn’t realize that they wouldn’t have enough room to complete the planned nave due to the location of the fortified walls around the Palais. That, combined with a lack of funds, halted the construction. However, what was created is incredible and one of the best things to see in Narbonne.

First are the awesome vaulted ceilings that reach up more than 40 metres. The architecture is truly something to behold and reminds us of the tall arched ceilings of the Notre Dame in Paris. 

The huge stained glass windows are a real highlight and contribute to the magical atmosphere. While exploring the cathedral we also loved hearing the choral music that was piped in. It made for a very authentic and spiritual experience.

The chapels along the sides are worth visiting as these are where there are beautiful sculptures, tapestries and tombs of the archbishops. Each one is elaborately carved and prominently displayed.

On the day we were there, a wedding was happening in the early afternoon. We looked on as the altar area was prepared. Guests would be seated in the stunning choir surrounded by the original wooden carved seats from centuries ago. We just couldn’t get over how special a wedding in this location would be!

After checking out every nook and cranny of this gorgeous cathedral, we also visited the Treasury as the entrance fee was included in our Monumental Pass. There is a spiral staircase to get there but this time only 35 steps.

Located in an amazing domed room (be sure to stand in the middle and check out the acoustics) is a rare collection of the Archbishop’s heirlooms. Here you can see some items dating back to the 9th century.

Intricate and detailed there are various silver and ivory artifacts along with a manuscript from 1350 and an enormous tapestry from 1500s.  The collection is beautifully presented and certainly worth a browse.

Palais Neuf

This museum is also within the Palace and was created in the rooms of the Archbishop’s apartment. The rooms are beautifully decorated with very elaborate ceilings and large windows with a lot of light.

Here you can view paintings from the 14th to 19th centuries with some in very large format.

Be sure to check out the cabinet full of canisters that are labelled with herbs and medicinal products – an apothecary of their times. We had seen something similar in Beaune at the hospice there.

Our favourite room was the dining room. Here there is an extensive collection of china and ceramics on display. The designs were delicate and very pretty. 

This is not a large museum but it is worth having a look even just to be able to admire the rooms of the Palace.

Jardin de l’Archeveche

Located in one corner of the Palais is a walled garden. Here you can take a well-deserved rest after wandering all the sights located within the Palais.

While it doesn’t have much in the way of flowers, the traditional French garden has some lovely very old cedar trees, fruit trees and a pretty cool sundial in the centre courtyard.

Makes for a nice shady spot to enjoy some downtime.

Les Halles

Narbonne has a fantastic covered market. Similar to the ones we have experienced in Lyon or Avignon – here you can shop for food or sit down and enjoy a fantastic regional meal. We recommend that you have your lunch at this great spot.

There is a lot of history here as the market originally opened in 1901 and outside you can see a banner that proudly states it was awarded the Plus Beau Marché de France for 2022 – meaning the prettiest market in France. We can agree as it is quite lovely inside with high ceilings, wrought ironwork, wide aisles and loads of natural light.

Here you can find many foods from the region – fruits and vegetables, cheeses, olives, pastries, meats, fish and seafood. Also traditional dishes such as cassoulet, pigeon and cured hams.

But typically French covered markets also have mini restaurants serving fresh market dishes and Narboone’s market was no exception. We enjoyed a very nice tapas lunch of mussels, calamari and croquettes.

It is a very social environment so be prepared to be squeezed in nice and close with your neighbouring diners – fun and a great way to meet new people!

Les Halles is open daily between 7:00am – 1:00pm.

Markets of Narbonne

If you are visiting on Thursday or Sunday morning you can enjoy a very large outdoor market that runs along the sides of the canal. If you have the flexibility be sure to plan your day trip to Narbonne on one of these days.

Here there is mainly clothing, personal apparel, jewelry, makeup, accessories and household products. You can find a lot of great deals and it is quite busy with both local people and tourists.

Additionally, there is an organic market on Saturday mornings. While not as large as the Sunday market there is still quite a variety of products available including organic produce, juices, breads, wines and personal products. 

Exploring The City

After a satisfying lunch, you can explore the streets of Narbonne and see some interesting things all within easy walking distance of each other.

Canal de la Robine

Narbonne has a beautiful canal that runs through the centre of town. Dating back to Roman times Narbonne was an important trading centre since the Aude river runs through it. Due to the restructuring of the river location after the demise of the Roman Empire, the waterway became a smaller canal.

However, in the 18th century, infrastructure was put in place for the Canal de la Robine to connect to the Canal du Midi making it once more an important canal system. At one end, closer to the Tourist Office you can see one of the lock systems.

Nowadays the canal is a beautiful place to walk along with lovely promenades on each side. There are numerous bridges filled with flower boxes and it is very picturesque. Boat rides are also available.

Merchant’s Bridge

One of the most famous bridges in Narbonne is the Merchant’s Bridge or Pont des Marchands. This is a Roman bridge that has both stores and houses on it. We were advised that just recently, the houses were evacuated due to structural concerns.

However, there are still stores on the bridge. It is quite an unusual structure since you don’t often see buildings built upon a bridge.

When originally built, the bridge had nine arches – unfortunately 8 of them were filled in and houses built over them.

Via Domitia

When wandering the Place d’Hotel de Ville you will see a large excavated rectangle in the centre of the square. Here you will find a section of the Via Domitia. This is a Roman road built in the 2nd century BC. It was the main link between what is now known as Italy and Spain. 

During Roman times Narbonne was the capital city of their French colony due to its strategic positioning along the sea. The Via Domitia provided the Romans with a means for trade and movement of its troops.

A section of the road was discovered in 1997 and uncovered with a framework put in place around it. What is really amazing is that you can walk on it! It is open for visitors to enjoy and you often see children jumping from stone to stone.

Where else can you stand on a road from 2000 years ago? Be sure to check out this amazing piece of history.

Petit Train

Like many French towns, Narbonne has a Petit Tourist Train. This is an easy way to get around the majority of sights within the city. It is a 40 minute loop with commentary.

It has many locations that it passes by and is a perfect option for those with limited mobility or if you would just like to take a break and see the sights. Adult fares are €8,00. Your ticket will also provide a discount on a boat tour on the canal.

Tourist Shuttle Bus

If you are looking for quick transport without commentary, you can hop on one of the free electric shuttle buses. We used this service on our way back from the Narbo Via as it is a little further out of the city. Called La Citadine they run every 10 minutes Monday – Saturday from 7:40am – 7:20pm. Clean, quick and free transportation!

Narbo Via

The final sightseeing stop for the day is the Narbo Via – a very unique Roman museum. As mentioned the Romans had an extensive settlement in Narbonne that included temples, a forum and an amphitheatre.  These buildings were all destroyed and many of the stones were used to build the ramparts that previously surrounded the city.

When the walls were eventually also dismantled,  this resulted in many Roman artifacts and remains from buildings being uncovered in this area.

Originally, the stone blocks from the Roman structures were housed within the Notre Dame de Lamourguier as a stone museum (apparently just piled on top of each other!) But now the stones have moved to an incredible museum that was built just for this collection.

We were fascinated by the amazing modern structure that was built to showcase the stones. A massive wall of shelves has been created with compartments that house the giant stones. There is an enormous hydraulic lift behind the shelves that can move the stones and rotate the ones that are on display.

Each stone is individually catalogued and there are computer screens that provide detailed information about where the stone is from and provide the ability to see a 3D image that can be rotated 360 degrees. This is one of the most technically advanced museums we have ever visited!

There are also several rooms that have larger pieces of artifacts. The entire space is well laid out, has loads of room to maneuver around comfortably and gives you real insight into the enormity of some of the structures these pieces were originally part of.

There is a combination ticket available for purchase. Since we were limited on time and didn’t have a vehicle, we purchased the combination ticket that also gave us access to the Horreum Romain but not the Amphoralis since it is located quite a distance away.

But if you have transportation for the third sight out of the city, this is a cost-effective way to see all three Roman locations in the area.

The museum also has a gift store and cafe onsite. 

What Next?

If you are heading out after a busy day of sightseeing this is likely the time to do so either by train or car. If you are planning to stay for the night, continue reading for some suggestions on additional sights to see the following morning along with where to stay and where to eat.

Horreum Romain

If you opted to purchase the combination ticket at the Narbo Via you can continue your Roman explorations at this interesting underground warehouse that dates to the 1st century. This was similar in fashion to the Roman tunnels we had seen in Arles which had the same purpose. 

The tunnels that are open for visiting (50 metres long) are just a small part of a larger complex and are located five metres underground. It is quite extensive but some areas have collapsed and others have not been excavated.

The tunnels are very interesting to see and the city has set up displays in some of the rooms with indications of what the rooms would have been used for.

There is also detailed information regarding the construction of the warehouse and how the walls were built from limestone.

It is fascinating to wander the long corridors and imagine how life was during Roman times.

Maison Natale de Charles Trenet

If you have purchased the Monumental Pass be sure to check out the home where Charles Trenet was born. 

This famous singer was born in 1913 in the house that is now been made into a museum. Even if you don’t know the name, you likely know some of the singer’s famous French songs. For instance, La Mer or BOUM which are French classics. He wrote over 1000 songs during his 60 year career. 

Here you can see the home where he grew up. It is like stepping back into a time capsule. The entire house is available for viewing including the living room, bedrooms, dining areas and kitchens.

There are some interesting pieces in the home such as period furniture, bizarre artwork and even an old record player.

The house has many quotes from Trenet and gives you a glimpse into this unusual artist who is a beloved treasure of Narbonne.

FAQs

Is Narbonne Worth Visiting?

Not knowing much about this location prior to our visit, we were pleasantly surprised by the city. Narbonne is definitely worth visiting for its markets, beautiful cathedral, fascinating Roman sights and the casual, laid back feel of a small French city.

How Many Days In Narbonne?

You can cover most of the sights in one day however we recommend spending the night. This way you can enjoy a nice meal, a relaxed evening and then see a few more sights the next day.

Is Narbonne Safe?

Since Narbonne is not a large tourist town, it has very little crime and is quite safe. We did see police presence as is typical but we felt comfortable and didn’t observe anything that looked unsavoury. As always, common sense is necessary when visiting a new place. 

Where To Eat In Narbonne?

There are many places to eat within Narbonne and they are reasonably priced.

Of course, being in France you need to enjoy the wonderful pastries. One morning we stopped in at La Mie Caline. This is very close to the market on the canal if you are there on Sunday. They offered wonderful breakfast pastries and there was a couple providing music right across the way. A very nice spot to start the day.

If you are looking for some variety Les Halles has a lot of eateries available. We enjoyed lunch at Les Tapas de la Clape. The food was good and the casual environment was fun.

We also had lunch along the canal at Le Quai. Here the charcuterie platter, seafood, and goat cheese salad was fresh and tasty. We had a nice table outside and the service was friendly.

For a nice treat, be sure to check out Glacier Marguerite in the main square for some excellent ice cream. Since the ice cream is homemade there aren’t a lot of flavours but what they do have is very tasty. We enjoyed a nice cup of sherbert that was offered that day and a coffee ice cream shake. Perfect for an afternoon snack!

Our dinner in Narbonne was also excellent. We had a wonderful meal at La Bonne Excuse. A quirky spot with some interesting decor.

While we ate an artist sat quietly in the corner painting on his canvas. The food was very well prepared and our server was attentive and gracious. We would highly recommend this spot for a nice meal.

Where To Stay In Narbonne?

For our overnight in Narbonne we wanted to be in a convenient location since we came from the train station and didn’t have a vehicle. The Hotel La Residence was in a perfect spot and we could walk a few minutes and be right in the heart of the city.

The staff here was incredible – they really went out of their way to offer assistance, and conveniences such as leaving our luggage, providing maps and insight on the city, offering the front sitting room for waiting before our departing train, and even ice for our drinks. They were wonderful.

The building is beautifully restored and our room was spacious, comfortable and very clean. This is a perfect spot for staying the night on a trip to Narbonne.

We also toured a second property just five minutes from our hotel on the other side of the canal. If you are looking for a very unique property be sure to check out Couvent des Carmes.

This is a renovated convent that originally dates to the 13th century and each room/apartment is decorated differently. It would be considered a self catering option since they also have kitchens. This is ideal if you prefer that convenience as there is no restaurant on the property and very limited other services.

They also have an incredible view from the top of the building over the city. It is a wonderful location that has been run by the proprietor for over 30 years.

The Final Word…One Day In Narbonne

As you can see there are many things to do in Narbonne. We really enjoyed the city and the fact that it isn’t overcrowded or over priced. It was a perfect, understated city that you should add to your list when in the south of France.