A Look Through Narbonne in the Southern France

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France is a country of stunning sights. From massive cathedrals and towering structures, it is all awe-inspiring. Yet it isn’t the only thing the country has to offer.

In the southern part of France lie different communes including Narbonne. It has the staples of the country – cathedrals and important historical sites – and to set the atmosphere from the rest, it has an intimate setting from the other common tourist spots.

LOCATION

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Once a burgeoning city and major port, Narbonne was reduced into a commune in southern France since its decline in the Roman times.

The metropolis is moved towards the current major cities of France, leaving the commune to be just another one on the stretch of sub-prefectures of the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Yet, the intimacy and the benefit of lying beside the Mediterranean Sea makes a perfect setting for those who wants to take a break.

CLIMATE

The best time to visit Narbonne would be in the month of August. It is summer at the place, yet the heat is not intense as in the month of July.

The days are longer during this month, which will give you ample time to explore the commune. Visiting in the winter months will most likely get you indoors due to coldness in the temperature especially in January.

Springtime is also a beautiful season with the flowers in bloom, yet there are some rainy days that may hinder you from looking through the city.

TRANSPORTATION

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Narbonne does not have its own airport but there are a lot of choices surrounding the commune. The nearest is Beziers, which is 33 kilometers away from the place and the farthest is from Gerona, which is 144 kilometers away.

You will find cheap train services from SNCF, Bahn.de, ÖBB, Renfe, SBB/CFF/FFS. It is better to look specifically for this site to get into details with regards to schedule and payment.

Getting around the city is best on foot. Traffic is heavy, as it is not made for cars. You will see parking areas by the bank of the canal, which is ticket-operated.

ATTRACTION

Town Center

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Narbonne center is bisected by Canal du Robine and is quite small. Only a few things can be seen in the market, but every Sunday is a flurry of activity.

One thing you should try is resting by the plaza and sampling the rich French banquet, all the while observing the locals and the place itself.

Buying from street vendors are also a refreshing break from classy restaurants.

Narbonne Cathedral

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For a small town, Narbonne cradles the third highest cathedral in France. From afar, the cathedral called Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur would be the only structure standing out from the town making it looks like a place trapped in time. Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur present structure dates back to 1272.

It was never finished, since it means demolishing the old Roman defensive wall. You would get more feel of the cathedral once you’re inside its looming walls, high ceiling immense arches.

Horreum

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Discovered in 1838, the Horreum lays only a couple of streets away from the cathedral. It is an underground granary building most probably connected to a market during the old times.

It contains ancient graffiti and only open during the summer months.

Archaeological Museum

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The archaeological museum in Narbonne contains a large collection of Roman artifacts, including a ship’s anchor.

It also contains remains from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, including skulls of the ancient man and arrows and broaches, respectively.

Via Domitia

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Another one you must see is the old Roman road called Via Domitia located at the town center. It was once a long road linking Italy, Hispania, and Gallia Narbonensis known today as the Languedoc and Provence in southern France.

What’s interesting about this place s you will see the shift in the depth of the ground as time passes by. The ground then is deep while it is higher now arriving to a conclusion that the soil could possibly have expanded.

Archbishop Palace

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The Archbishop Palace provides a stunning view of the cathedral and the Mediterranean. To get to the top top, you still have to climb steep steps.

It was once a defensive structure with a tower 42 meters high.

Abbaye de Fontfroide

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Half an hour away from the town center is a beautiful countryside. Beside the countryside is Abbaye de Fontfroide, an old Cisterian monastery built in the 11th century.

The countryside is an excellent source of wine and the structure itself is peppered with restaurants to sample the French cuisine.

Narbonne Plage

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Narbonne Plage is a beach located in the southern part of France. It is a popular destination of tourists when visiting Narbonne especially in the month of August, though it remains less crowded, which is a plus for anyone visiting.

Narbonne Plage was separated in the main town by a limestone massif called Montagne de la Clape.

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Images:
(1.) https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c6/Narbonne_Cathedrale_Saint_Just_et_Saint_Pasteur-2008-26-07.jpg
(2.) http://www.map-france.com/town-map/11/11262/administrative-france-map-regions-Narbonne.jpg
(3.) https://www.renfe-sncf.com/rw-en/PublishingImages/narbonne_portada.jpg
(4.) http://static1.squarespace.com/static/52976dbee4b0009d44cfc357/52cb8412e4b0c0e80245c801/52cb8415e4b046a0c1495d41/1422422365563/Narbonne+plaza.jpg
(5.) http://blogs.artinfo.com/objectlessons/files/2012/05/narbonne-1.jpg
(6.) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKxHrVq18cxgLvHg75qJMhNLlep9tZAnzlN3bKXoQ4MUf_UFui8-IoGeD39ddgHIvQ8c4noQ2Xx4JvhxiBgQKHWlKela2blQCNDOXL1CPh9QOsPDKT0cU1HfLhY4La3HmrsnSw1jCapE/s1600/France+2011+No+2+298+A1+copy.jpg
(7.) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwk-vKA0KK7JJTyfegaW0QHT11E0oGQnw5hsxQV8kFkQZ78faf9Q_ruqCiVriuO0hwfrNjkChsxEroMG-cOfHyw4-Db_UdZrEqTImA1jri1aSff1BxSDO4f1uADOTaxmh54658C3MlTh6/s1600/Narbonne-24.jpg
(8.) http://static.ladepeche.fr/content/media/image/zoom/2012/06/12/1376-horreum-romain.jpg
(9.) https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2918/14534652869_2a68d0e36c_b.jpg
(10.) http://medieval.mrugala.net/Architecture/France,_Aude,_Narbonne/Narbonne%20-%20Voie%20Domitienne.jpg
(11.) http://4.bp.blogspot.com/–03kZSx0KWo/UGdIDqyOsNI/AAAAAAAABBQ/QyXoezgFoP4/s1600/DSCN0240.JPG
(12.) http://system.totem-info.mobi/uploads/clients/large/fontfroide-visuel2-1406563298.jpg
(13.) https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/w-qMou5EcuoD1lSC75eDVWEvumGelgqegLpRPqXDsAK6DPAoS9YT_tQIGZgrL3zI9XrgC0VbRlmZIL_puDF-d4i0CeD81xxqoVZhuvpdGIQz4IBv9U08DuUvYNpsiOzCpA