Narbonne

Narbonne
Name	Narbonne
Arrondissement	Narbonne
Canton	Narbonne-1, Narbonne-2, Narbonne-3
Insee	11262
Postal code	11100
Mayor	Didier Mouly
Term	2020–2026
Intercommunality	Grand Narbonne
Coordinates	43.1844, 3.0039
Elevation m	12
Elevation max m	285
Area km2	172.96
Population	56,395
Population date	2021

Narbonne. A city in the Occitanie region of southern France, it is a sub-prefecture of the Aude department. Strategically located near the Mediterranean Sea coast and along the Canal de la Robine linking to the Canal du Midi, it has a rich history dating to its founding as the first Roman colony in Gaul. Today, it is a major commercial and tourism center for the Languedoc wine region, known for its preserved historical architecture and vibrant urban life.

History

Founded in 118 BC as Colonia Narbo Martius, it became the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis and a vital port on the Via Domitia. Following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, it was occupied by the Visigoths and later became part of the Umayyad Caliphate after the Muslim conquest. Incorporated into the Frankish Empire after the Battle of Tours, it later became the center of the Viscounty of Narbonne. The city's prominence waned after the Catholic Albigensian Crusade and the subsequent silting of its harbor, though it remained an archbishopric. It was integrated into the Crown of Aragon before finally joining the Kingdom of France under the Treaty of the Pyrenees.

Geography

Situated in the Aude plain approximately 15 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, the city is traversed by the Canal de la Robine, a branch of the Canal du Midi, and lies near the étang de Bages et de Sigean. It is bordered by the Massif de la Clape to the east and the Corbières hills to the south, within the larger Languedoc-Roussillon geographical area. The Aude River once flowed past the city but changed its course in the medieval period, contributing to the silting of the ancient port.

Main sights

The historic heart is dominated by the unfinished Gothic Narbonne Cathedral, formally the Basilica of Saints Justus and Pastor, and the adjacent Archbishop's Palace, which houses the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Narbonne. The Horreum is a remarkable underground Roman warehouse, while the Via Domitia is visible in the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. Other significant structures include the Pont des Marchands, a medieval bridge with houses, and the Cathedral of Saint-Just and Saint-Pasteur. The city is also a gateway to the Abbey of Fontfroide and the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Natural Regional Park.

Economy

Long central to the Languedoc wine trade, the economy remains heavily based on viticulture, with many local cooperatives and merchants. It is a major commercial and service hub for the surrounding area, with industries including food processing and distribution. The presence of the Grand Narbonne agglomeration community fosters economic development, while tourism, centered on historical heritage and proximity to Narbonne Plage, forms an increasingly important sector.

Transport

The city is served by the Narbonne railway station on the Bordeaux-Sète line, offering TER Occitanie regional services and TGV connections to Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse. Road access is provided by the Autoroute A9 (La Languedocienne) and the Route nationale 113. The Canal de la Robine, part of the Canal du Midi UNESCO World Heritage site, allows for boating and connects to the Port-La Nouvelle harbor facilities.

Notable people

Historical figures include the Roman emperor Carus, born in the region, and the medieval troubadour Guiraut de Bornelh. The Crusader Simon de Montfort besieged the city, while the composer Charles-Marie Widor was born here. Modern notables include the French Resistance hero Charles Tillon, the actor Ricky Tribord, and the politician Hélène Mandroux, former mayor of Montpellier.

Category:Communes of Aude Category:Prefectures in France Category:Roman towns and cities in France