Passing Through Narbonne, France

Narbonne is near the Mediterranean between Montpellier and Perpignan and I stop in on my way east along the sea from Perpignan (past Marseille, Saint Tropez, Canne, Nice) to Sanremo, Italy, about 470 km (290 miles) away.  I'm passing right by Narbonne on the A9 motorway and I visit.

Narbonne was established by the Romans in 118 BC on the Roman road connecting Italy to Spain and was a bustling port until the 14th century, when the Aude River changed its course and the city lost its access to the sea.  In the 16th century, the Canal de la Robine was completed, linking up with France's Canal du Midi and Canal de Jonction to reestablish the city's location on trading routes.

I park by the train station and wander into the city center.

Narbonne

Canal de la Robine

Crossing over the canal, I head into the old town.

 Narbonne old town

At the edge of the old town, Les Halles de Narbonne is a market filled with tempting foods of all types.

Les Halles de Narbonne

Back across the canal, modern Narbonne offer the delights of a small French city, including a grand cathedral.

 Modern Narbonne

 Cathédrale Saint-Just et Saint-Pasteur

Narbonne is another interesting small French Mediterranean city off the normal tourist path.  I've enjoyed my stop, but must get back on the road and head east toward Italy, several hours away.