Narbonne was established in Gaul in 118 BC, as Colonia Narbo Martius. It was located on the first Roman road in Gaul, built at the time of the foundation of the colony, and connecting Italy to Spain.
Narbonne has canals that lead to the Mediterranean. We walked along canals that led to the center of town where there was an old cathedral, Roman ruins, and the Via Domitia (see below).
This is the beginning of the Via Domitia, the first Roman Road built in Gaul, to link Italy and Spain through Narbibbe. It was constructed in 118 BC around the same time the first Roman Colony in Narbonne. It's OLD!!
We also saw the old cathedral in Narbonne, which was not as preserved as many of the cathedrals in Europe. We could walk in and take as many photos as we liked. However, most of the art was missing or in disrepair. I think all cathedrals are amazing because they were tremendous feat of engineering for their time (10th to 13th centuries). But this one could use some restoration.
After that, we went to some Roman ruins that were in use in 100 BC. I felt claustrophobic the entire time and couldn't wait to get out. They were a series of hallways and small rooms and were very dark.
Since the day was sunny, we decided to go to Narbonne Beach, which was just a short drive from the city. Vineyards lined the roadway for most of the drive and it was very scenic. The map below shows the approximate location. You can see that the border between France and Spain is very close to where we were.
The beach was lovely and deserted, mainly because it was 50 degrees and windy.
One of the vineyards that we drove by produces this wine-that I had at dinner. Dan doesn't like wine. I can't understand that.
On the way back, we took a side trip to Fontfroide Abbey. As we got closer, it started to rain. By the time we got to the Abbey, it was pouring. We waited in the parking lot for ten minutes, then decided we would try again tomorrow. This weather is not cooperating. I'm thinking May is not a good month for France unless you like cold weather. Why didn't we know that?
The rest of the day we spent in the hotel room catching up on stuff. I talked to Jay and returned some emails until 7 when it was time to go to dinner. Finding the restaurant was an adventure itself. The roads here are tiny and many of them are one-way. GPS would not cooperate either. Finally, we found it.
Dinner was at another great little French restaurant Auberge something. We forgot already. After dinner, as we were walking along the canal, I snapped some photos of these trees that are ubiquitous in Narbonne. I love them, but don't know what they are. Maybe I'll ask someone tomorrow.
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