Narbonne

The Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur in Narbonne is an unfinished Gothic edifice. Its choir stands over 40 meters high, making it one of the tallest in France. Construction began in 1272 on the site of an older church, intended to showcase the power of the Archdiocese of Narbonne.Only the choir was completed: The planned nave would have required the city wall to be moved, which the city refused, compounded by lack of funds and wars. Worth seeing are the choir with its stained-glass windows, the cloister, and the treasury with liturgical objects.Our tip: Visit in the morning, when the light streams through the tall windows. From the cloister, you get a good view of the choir's buttresses.

The Palais des Archevêques in Narbonne is a monumental structure that underscores the city's former political and religious significance. For centuries, it served as the residence of the archbishops and combines architectural elements from the 12th to the 19th century. You'll clearly recognize its two main sections: the Romanesque Palais Vieux and the Gothic Palais Neuf. Today, the complex houses the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire and the Musée Archéologique, which offer a comprehensive insight into the region's rich history and art. A highlight is the ascent to the Donjon Gilles Aycelin, from whose summit you can enjoy sweeping views over Narbonne and the adjacent Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur. Practical Tip: It's best to visit the Palace first thing in the morning after opening to enjoy the tranquility and explore the museums without large crowds. For an impressive overall view of the Palace and Cathedral, the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is an ideal photo spot.

Les Halles de Narbonne is Narbonne's central market. Opened Jan 1, 1901, this Baltard-style iron & glass pavilion replaced the undersized market on Place aux Herbes. Here, you'll find fruit, vegetables, cheese, cured meats, fish, and seafood. Dine at counters and bistros, from oysters with white wine to plancha dishes. Our Tip: Open mornings until around 1:30 PM; off-season, closed some Mondays. Weekends are liveliest.

The Horreum Romain in Narbonne is a unique testament to the city's Roman past. As the former capital of the province Gallia Narbonensis, modern-day Languedoc, Narbo Martius was a significant trade hub. This underground Horreum served as a warehouse or granary, reflecting the city's economic importance. You enter a fascinating labyrinth of well-preserved corridors and chambers, once used for storing goods. The cool, constant temperature and massive stone walls convey an authentic sense of Roman construction and engineering. Particularly impressive are the sturdy vaults and the well-conceived structure of the complex, which has been preserved for centuries. Our Tip: A visit is particularly pleasant on hot summer days, as the underground spaces offer a welcome coolness. For the best experience and to appreciate the architectural details, plan about 45 minutes and wear comfortable shoes.

The Canal de la Robine, an arm of the Canal du Midi, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following an old Aude course, it was made navigable in the late 17th century, linking to the Canal du Midi in 1787. It flows from the Aude, through Narbonne, to the Mediterranean at Port-la-Nouvelle. Plane trees and promenades line its city banks; the Pont des Marchands, a house-lined bridge, spans the water. Cafés and restaurants line the quays. Our Tip: Mornings are quietest; late afternoons glow with facades in warm light. Photograph the Pont des Marchands best from the opposite bank.

Die Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur in Narbonne ist ein beeindruckendes Beispiel hochgotischer Architektur und zeugt von der einstigen Bedeutung der Stadt als Erzbischofssitz. Obwohl sie unvollendet blieb, ragt der Chor mit seinen 41 Metern Höhe als einer der höchsten Frankreichs empor und vermittelt einen tiefen Einblick in die ambitionierten Baupläne des 13. und 14. Jahrhunderts. Du wirst von der Eleganz der Strebebögen und den filigranen Glasfenstern fasziniert sein, die das Innere in ein farbenprächtiges Licht tauchen.Die Kathedrale beherbergt zudem einen bemerkenswerten Schatz, der liturgische Gewänder und Goldschmiedearbeiten umfasst, sowie einen Kreuzgang, der römische Grabsteine und Skulpturen integriert. Dieser Kreuzgang verbindet die Kathedrale mit dem ehemaligen Erzbischöflichen Palast und bietet eine ruhige Oase. Unser Tipp: Besuche die Kathedrale am Vormittag, um die Menschenmassen zu vermeiden und das sanfte Morgenlicht zu erleben, das die Details der Architektur besonders hervorhebt. Für eine einzigartige Perspektive auf die imposante Höhe des Chores solltest du dich im Inneren bis zum Altar vorwagen und den Blick nach oben richten.