NARBONNE with children
Here you’ll find a few ideas for family outings in Narbonne. Cultural visits and energetic tours with English-speaking guides.
01 City centre walking tour
Debunk those misconceptions.
Ancient stone and monuments can also get your children excited, even the youngest among them !
There’s no better way to fully appreciate the sights of Monumental Narbonne than by walking in the heart of the city.
Coup de cœur :
A venir prochainement, l’ouverture de Narbo Via, le musée régional de la Narbonne Antique dès 2020.
Firm favourites
Opening in 2020 ! Discover Ancient Narbonne at the new regional museum, Narbo Via.
Hop from one sight to another, from the keep of the Tour des Archevêques, to the depths of the Roman Horreum beneath the city, not forgetting the cloister of the superb Saint-Just cathedral and its heritage gems !
Plan B
Prefer to take it easy ? Then jump on the little train and enjoy a tour with commentary and without effort, from the city centre to the house where Charles Trenet was born. He is the singer and poet who wrote “Douce France”, a well-known song in this country !
02 Life-size treasure hunt
The treasure hunters are in action all year round for a hair-raising experience ! Matagot’s treasure !
Matagot is a black cat who is also a magician. Unveil his secret as you explore the city’s narrow streets. Armed with a box (4 participants), off you go to enjoy a fun discovery tour with a difference! Box available in English. Collect yours from the Tourist Office !
03 Family electric boat trip
Through the city centre on the Canal de la Robine, or across the marshy countryside, choose a relaxing trip on the water, to travel freely at your own pace. No need for a permit here. You can even let the children skipper the boat while you sit back and enjoy the ride (or hoot the horn).
Plan B
Don’t fancy taking the helm (or letting the children do it) ? Then opt for a commented trip in a traditional flat-bottomed boat. Aboard the Solal you’ll get a new angle on Narbonne.
04 Bike ride along the Canal de la Robine
The Canal de la Robine crosses the city centre. From its banks, cyclists can take the old towpath to quickly find themselves surrounded by the bewitching scenery of this wild landscape. In just a few turns of the pedals, you can even reach the coast, the village of Gruissan, or the lush green island of Sainte-Lucie in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional de la Narbonnaise en Méditerranée. It’s very flat and easy !
Bonus fact : The Canal de la Robine used to be part of the River Aude. It stretches from the Canal du Midi to Port-la-Nouvelle where it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Like the Canal du Midi, it features in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
05 A food-lover’s tour of the city markets
All year round, the city of Narbonne bursts into life twice a week as the market attracts exhibitors, local producers and craftspeople. Head for “Le Plan Saint-Paul” on a Thursday or visit the organic market, every Saturday at Place du Forum. On both days, this Roman and Medieval city invites both young and old to feast their eyes and savour a whole array of tantalizing aromas ! The perfect place to meet the farmers and try the local specialities: seafood (brasucade, a mussel speciality), honey, Lucques olives, cheese, fougasse with pork scratchings, pine-kernel tart, etc.
A firm favourite
The unique Halles de Narbonne, a remarkable indoor market which opens daily from 6 am to 1 pm.
This is THE place to try the region’s produce as well as being the beating heart of the city and a popular meeting place among locals. You must try the experience, if only for the amazing atmosphere, which the whole family will love !
06 Relaxation at Espace Liberté
This leisure centre which includes a water jump resounds with screams, splashes and strikes.
Under the glass pyramid you’ll find a skating rink, bowling alley, swimming pool, paddling pool and giant slides. Outside is a skate park and another swimming pool which is even bigger than the indoor one !
Thought you might get bored ?
07 Watersports on the lagoon la Nautique
Head for the Bages lagoon to introduce the whole family to watersports : windsurfing, canoes, stand-up paddles, dinghy sailing, catamarans and much more …
Take your pick and venture to the islands !
08 Relaxing on the beach
The beach is just next door !
Barely a few kilometres away. Winter or summer, the stretches of fine sand offer an endless playground.
Choose your gear to suit the season : swimwear, wetsuit, kite, frisbee, boomerang, bucket and spade, ball … Have fun !
