Today's agenda originally include Beziers and Minerve but husband looked at both and felt Narbonne had more interesting sights, so there we headed.
Narbonne is a 2 star town per our Michelin Green Guide. The main attractions are the Palais des Archeveques (Archbishop's Palace) and the old town. We got turned around a few times but finally parked in the Parking des Archeveques :) around 1240 and followed the signs to the center of town. We passed a tourist information but it would be closed for 2 hours. It has a great setting, across from gorgeous hôtels particuliers and right on the river.
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| One of many beautiful hôtels particuliers |
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| The TI is on the right |
We continued on and walked into the town square, place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. Two sides are filled with restaurants, one is a department store (including a grocery), and the other is the Palais des Archeveques (12C) onto which the Hôtel de Ville (19C) was built in the Neo Gothic style. There's also a remnant of the Via Domitia roman road, accessible by some steps down into the ground. It was busy with people relaxing, eating, walking about. Probably because the main attraction was closed for a couple of hours.
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| Closed for lunch |
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| Passage de l'Ancre |
Since we had time, we decided to do the Walk in our Guidebook. It took us down pedestrianized streets filled with pretty buildings and lovely doors. It ended back up at the garden behind the Cathedral, around the corner from the main square.
We still had time so grabbed baguette sandwiches and drinks at a little restaurant and sat out watching the people parade by.
Finally, it was time to tour the Palais des Archeveques. Our first stop was procuring tickets in the store and then climbing up to the Donjon, which is 42 meters (135 feet) high, for gorgeous views over the complex and Narbonne.
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| Can almost see the roman road |
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| The Via Domitia roman road |
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| The Palais des Archeveques complex and Cathedral |
We climbed all the way back down, thanked the nice lady in the store, and climbed all the way back up another set up stairs to the History Museum (unexpected cardio day :). We went through pretty quickly. The displays were well done and interesting, including the pretty ceilings.
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| 1540-1550 Holy Family Triptic |
In this room, we were in another tower at almost the same height as the Donjon.
They had a handful of beautiful Moroccan style rooms and art.
Back down the many steps, a short stroll on
Passage de l'Ancre lead us to Cathedral cloister--so pretty!
The Cathedral was also very impressive and had signs in several languages to guide one around.
After a last look at the Cathedral Cloister, we headed back to the main square.
It is not often we get a chance to walk on a Roman road, so of course we did here! It's kinda unreal and beyond cool to walk on something so old!
After our walk on the Via Domitia, it was time for some ice cream! Margerite's fit the bill very nicely!
Then we made our way back to the car via the river walk.
We crossed back over by the Tourist information and I found my future front door, to my future building. (#TheDream).
We then drove over to the Oppidum d'Enserude, an important gallic city. We weren't sure if it was open, but took at chance. Spoiler alert! It was closed! :) But the views, oh my!
http://www.enserune.fr/
Back in our pretty Pezenas and not wanting to sit in the smoke at Cafe des Arts, we wandered down the street for our libations. After just one drink at Le Vintage, we decided to walk about the town.
A series of doors caught my fancy.
We walked around pretty Jean Molin Square. It has the ubiquitous war memorial. There's one in every town.
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| For the LSU fans :) |
After our wander, we ended up at Le Quartier General for drinks before deciding to head to Le Pezenas for a good pizza and excellent salad for dinner.
One last look-see at Collegiale St. Jean before turning in for the night.
Another lovely day in the South of France!
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