What to see in France

Camping in Narbonne: between the Mediterranean Sea, unspoilt nature and Roman heritage

Narbonne, Aude
Narbonne, Aude

A city of art and history facing the Mediterranean, Narbonne charms visitors with its rich ancient past and its large, unspoilt natural areas. Between the sandy beaches of Narbonne-Plage, the wild Clape mountains, the lagoon ponds and the lively historic centre, the destination offers a varied setting for a camping holiday. Whether you are looking for a seaside holiday, water sports or cultural discoveries, Narbonne is an excellent starting point for exploring the Aude and the Occitan coast.

Camping in Narbonne: 6 campsites between the sea, nature and the town centre

With six campsites in Narbonne spread between Narbonne-Plage, the coast and the outskirts of the town, the destination offers a varied range of options to suit all types of holiday. Some establishments favour direct access to the sea and a seaside atmosphere, while others offer a more natural setting, close to the lakes or the historic centre. This diversity makes it easy to choose between a lively holiday on the Mediterranean coast or a quieter stay, ideal for discovering Narbonne's heritage.

A campsite 500 metres from the beach
A campsite 500 metres from the beach© LA CÔTE DES ROSES (Narbonne - 11)

In Narbonne-Plage, several campsites attract holidaymakers in search of sea air and long sandy beaches. The Falaise Narbonne Plage**** campsite enjoys a privileged location near the coast and is a good starting point for enjoying water sports and walks in the Clape massif. The La Côte des Roses**** campsite, located a stone's throw from the beach, attracts visitors with its family atmosphere and easy access to the resort's shops and entertainment.

The campsite's lagoon, on the edge of the Bages-Sigean lake
The campsite's lagoon, on the edge of the Bages-Sigean lake© LA NAUTIQUE (Narbonne - 11)

Both located about 5 km from Narbonne, on the edge of the lagoon, La Nautique**** and La Barbacane**** campsites offer a popular natural setting, between water and lagoon landscapes. Their location allows you to enjoy a quieter environment, characteristic of the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Nature Park, wh ly remaining close to the town and its amenities.

These establishments, complemented by two other campsites in the municipality, make it easy to find suitable accommodation, whether you are travelling by tent, caravan, motorhome or mobile home.

Discover Narbonne during your camping holiday

Coastline and swimming around Narbonne: between Narbonne-Plage and the lagoons

The Mediterranean Sea at Narbonne-Plage
The Mediterranean Sea at Narbonne-Plage© iStock

Just 15 km from Narbonne, the seaside resort of Narbonne-Plage offers direct access to the Mediterranean and vast stretches of fine sand, ideal for swimming and water sports. To get there, take the wide, picturesque road that crosses the vineyards of the Narbonne plain, offering beautiful views, then continue through pine forests and fragrant scrubland: the landscape gradually changes before you reach this family-friendly beach, perfect for children thanks to its soft sand and safe environment.

Nearby, the ponds and lagoons of the Narbonnaise Regional Nature Park in the Mediterranean offer a wilder setting for walks and wildlife watching. The Bages-Sigean pond, for example, attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers, while the paths that run alongside these expanses allow you to discover the ecological richness of the coastline. This diversity of landscapes makes it easy to alternate between relaxing on the beach and nature getaways in the surrounding area, for a complete seaside holiday.

Narbonne, between Roman history and monumental architecture

The archbishops' palace, now Narbonne Town Hall
The archbishops' palace, now Narbonne Town Hall© iStock

Founded over 2,500 years ago by the Romans under the name Narbo Martius, Narbonne charms visitors with its rich and diverse heritage, spanning from Antiquity to the Middle Ages and preserving numerous remains that bear witness to its strategic role since the 2nd century BC: the Via Domitia, the first Roman road connecting Italy to Spain, crosses the historic centre, while the Clos de la Lombarde features reconstructed ancient domus and thermal baths. The Narbo Via museum exhibits an exceptional collection of objects and stone walls, offering a complete immersion in Roman Narbonne.

The Robine Canal
The Robine Canal© iStock

At the heart of the city lies the monumental complex that constitutes the medieval heritage centre: the Cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur with its impressive Gothic nave, the Archbishops' Palace, now converted into an art and history museum and archaeological museum, and its medieval cloister. In addition to these monuments, there are other iconic buildings such as the Gilles Aycelin keep and the Basilica of Saint-Paul-Serge, which recall Narbonne's religious and strategic importance in the Middle Ages.

The market halls of Narbonne, covered market
The market halls of Narbonne, covered market© iStock

The pedestrianised city centre also offers more convivial discoveries: Les Halles, an Art Nouveau covered market dating from 1901, invites you to savour local and Mediterranean specialities; the Horreum, underground galleries that served as food stores; and the Pont des Marchands, still lined with shops, connects the two banks of the canal.

Finally, along the Canal de la Robine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is pleasant to stroll and enjoy the unique balance between culture, nature and relaxation that Narbonne offers.

Things to discover around Narbonne

A few kilometres from the city, discover some of the Narbonne region's most iconic sites. Fontfroide Abbey, a splendid Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, offers a glimpse into medieval history with its restored buildings, peaceful cloister and gardens. Not far away, the Clape massif, classified as a regional nature park, stretches across the hills between Narbonne and Narbonne-Plage.

Hiking in the Massif de la Clape
Hiking in the Massif de la Clape© iStock

The area around Narbonne is perfect for exploring and relaxing. A short distance from the city, you can stroll through the Narbonne vineyards, which are ideal for walks and wine tastings. The Mediterranean coastline is dotted with nearby seaside resorts such as Gruissan, Port-la-Nouvelle and Leucate, where beaches, marinas and summer entertainment complement what Narbonne-Plage has to offer. Between nature, culture and beaches, these excursions allow you to enjoy a variety of pleasures and take full advantage of the riches of the Aude coast.

 

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