press file

CONTENTS
NARBONNE: an astonishing Mediterranean city
with 2500 years of rich history.
Presentation of Narbonne page 2
How to get to Narbonne page. 2
Narbonne legacy page. 3
Mediterranean Narbonne page. 3
Narbonne dynamic city page. 4
Narbonne festive city page. 5
Narbonne epicurean page. 6
Narbonne authentic city page. 7
Narbonne peaceful city page. 7
Narbonne cultural city page. 8
Narbonne welcoming city page. 10
Narbonne-Plage page. 10
Narbonne “technologic” page. 11
Ideas for a « City Break » in Narbonne page. 12
City overview page. 13
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Presentation of Narbonne:
Narbonne is located in the South of France, in the
department of Aude Cathar country, at 1 hour from Paris by
plan and from the border’s spain and less of 2 hours from
Barcelona by train. It’s in the center of the MontpellierToulouse-Perpignan triangle and is therefore a
"communications hub" with highways and railways between
the Mediterranean region and the Atlantic seafront.
Narbonne also benefits from up to 300 days of sunshine a
year.
ACCESS:
- By plan: less than 1 hour drive from for regional airports. (Beziers 20 mins, Carcassonne and
Perpignan 45 mins and Montpellier 55 mins) and within 2-3 hours of several international airports
(Toulouse, Barcelone). Every weeks, all these airports proposed numerous connections with London.
London-Narbonne: just 2 hours by plan !
- By train: less than 5 hours from Paris and less than 2 hours from Barcelona.
POPULATION:
- Census Population: 51,546 (INSEE 1st January 2011)
Legal populations come into force on 1st January 2014),
central city of a metropolitan area “Le Grand Narbonne” of
121,863 inhabitants.
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Spread over a radius of 15 km, Narbonne has 5 different landscapes:
- Urban = with an historic center of 2500 years of history suitable for city break.
- The food and the wine = with its centenarian covered market and its twenty vineyards with the
3 AOC quality (Corbières, Clape and Quatourze)
- The wild = with its Regional Natural Park of the Narbonnaise, its rated the massif de La Clape
and the landscapes of "Little Camargue ", the Nautique and the Castellou
- The river = with its Canal de la Robine (Listed UNESCO World Heritage)
- The seaside= with its seaside resort of Narbonne-Plage and its long sandy beaches ( 5 kms)
Narbonne legacy: the mark of a sumptuous past
A walk in Narbonne, city of Art and History, is a journey back in time. Each street in the heart of the
town is a testimony of the strong and rich history. Antiquity, Middle Ages, Renaissance, 2124 years
of history that left a magnificent heritage you will discover in detail in the different museums. Make
sure you do not miss the unique collection of Roman paintings Narbonne has been carrying on a
tradition for centuries which radiates far beyond its borders...
Mediterranean Narbonne: the legacy of the Mare Nostrum
Narbonne’s Mediterranean culture and rich past makes for an art of living peculiar to the southern cities,
where the light, the sun and the beauty are more important than elsewhere. This particular blend of
historical heritage and sweetness of life made its inhabitants deeply attached to a certain quality of life.
It makes for a daily culture, where the past and the future go hand in hand and where hospitality is
essential.
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Narbonne, dynamic city: the combination of sports and nature
If you're passionate about sport, if you want to get away and experience something amazing, the town's
many sportspeople make use of the natural environment to offer an amazing variety of activities, one
of which is sure to appeal to you. On one side, stadiums, gymnasiums, swimming pools, ice skating
facilities, bowling, gyms, tennis and golf courses, often host national and international events.
On the other side, the sea, the beach, the lakes, the trails and the cliffs of the rock massif of the Clape,
or the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Espinouse, are great places for those who want active
recreation.
To enhance and promote these assets, the City of Narbonne has created an activity center which
includes coaching professionals who provide different offers around the sea and the mountain
throughout the year. You can practice sailing, windsurfing , kitesurfing, sand yacht, sea kayaking ,
diving, sea fishing , jet skiing , hiking and horseback riding , mountain biking , climbing the via ferrata
and canyoning , or others water sports.
Contact: Base de loisirs (activity center) - Esprit Nature
Camping la Falaise - Avenue des Vacances
Tel. 00 33 (0)4 68 49 10 57
Eric QUEZEL 00 33 (0)6 30 30 61 98
VTT NARBONNE
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Narbonne festive city: a city of entertainment
Narbonne, a sleepy town? Rather a remedy against boredom! Festive activities, cultural events,
seminars and symposiums, parades, concerts, exhibitions, meetings and various shows... taking place
throughout the year. Permanent festivities that reveal the city in many ways and many cultures...
The events of 2014 :
Summer event « Tempos d’été »:
27/06 – 06/07: The national festival of « amateur theater »: 10 days of
theatrical performances of classical and contemporary authors who makes
Narbonne, for 28 years, “The Avignon amateurs”
10/07-13/07: Festival « Horizon Mediterranean »: summer event dedicated to
the Mediterranean cultures: concerts, musical wanderings, exhibitions,
conferences, and many other activities.
15/07-20/07: Festival « Music and History of the Fontfroide abbey »: Every
year, the beautiful Cistercian abbey receives Jordi Savall for lavish concerts.
21/07 au 25/07 Festival « Musiques au Present »: meetings and exchanges
between artists and the public through homes of musicians and master classes.
It also invites young artists to perform under springboard scene.
30/07-02/08: Festival « Jazz in l’Hospitalet »: 4 days of concerts of various
international artists mainly jazz, in the heart of a vineyard including a 3-star hotel
and a gourmet restaurant. The 2014 program: Boy Georges, Yuri
Buenaventura, Maceo Parker, Ben l'Oncle Soul...
27/08 – 30/08: « The festival of the “end of summer”»: every year, during the
final days of August, the city of Narbonne organizing the festival of “the end of
summer” dedicated to the French music. Street art, exceptional concerts,
expositions, festivals, bodegas ...
1er au 26/10/2014: The third Watercolor biennial event.
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New in 2014:
- A heart of town completely renewed, with the renovation of quays along the Canal de
la Robine, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
- The industrial site "L’Aspirateur", turned into a contemporary art museum with
exhibitions of Bernard Rancillac from 15/02 to 11/05, of Jacques Monory from 31/05 to
31/08
and
Toguo
from
13/09
to
30/11
http://www.narbonnetourism.co.uk/organiser/having-fun/387462-laspirateur---lieu-dart-contemporain
- The 11th edition of the Sentiers Gourmands which began Sunday, May 19 on the
Château of l'Hospitalet and Mas Soleilla in the rock mass of La Clape.
Narbonne Epicurean: lifestyle, wine and gastronomy
Real nerve centre of the city, the covered market, 100 years old, envied by our neighboring cities,
welcome every morning all the hungry walkers, aspiring chefs, gourmets of all kinds. The five senses
are awakened and the aisle resounds with a joyous mix of "chat" and bargaining. The covered market
is just a taste of the Mediterranean: olives like the famous Lucques, honey, oysters, and sardines are
the symbols of this antique culture.
This art of living is the result of a long history between the city and the wine. Narbonne has 3 Controlled
Appellations of Origin on its territory: AOC Coteaux du Languedoc / Clape, Coteaux du Languedoc /
Quatourze and AOC Corbières. The AOC Fitou and Minervois are on the gates of the City.
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Narbonne authentic: an exceptional natural heritage
Surrounded by ponds, lagoons, scented pine forests and vineyards, Narbonne is blessed by the gods.
Right in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Narbonnaise in the Mediterranean, it enjoys unspoilt
nature with two listed rock massif: La Clape and Fontfroide, which are favored places for hikers. Its
climate, dry and bright, is favorable to the discovery of the exceptional fauna and flora. Those who will
manage to tear them away from the idleness of the long beaches and leave for adventure onto the
back roads, the environment promises fortunate discoveries: large spaces, authentic land, wineries
welcoming, and restaurants with generous Mediterranean food.
Contact: Regional Natural Park of “Narbonnaise »
Adress: Domaine de Montplaisir 11100 Narbonne
Tel: 04.68.42.23.70 - Fax : 04.68.42.66.55
e-mail : info@parc-naturel-narbonnaise.fr
The offices of the Park House are located at 1, rue Jean Cocteau in Sigean (11130). They are open to the
public Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00.
The switchboard is open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00.
Narbonne peaceful city: against stress, river tourism
Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage, the “Canal de la Robine” is the main artery to Narbonne’s heart.
Linking the “Canal du Midi” to the sea, it witnessed the birth of a river port on its banks. All those who
taste the pleasures of tranquil waters can also hire electric boats or pleasure. Across the city over water
or slide slowly towards the sea is a constant discovery.
Some will prefer the riverfront in the shade of plane trees for walking or cycling. One way, in all cases,
to realize "The praise of slowness" of the late Pierre Sansot, writer and philosopher of Narbonne.
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Narbonne cultural: monuments, heritage and culture
The privileged location of Narbonne in the heart axis Italy Spain / Mediterranean-Aquitaine earned him
to be chosen as the capital of Roman Gaul. The Via Domitia became the road obligatory to reach the
Italy to the Spain. Today, the city draws its strength and its influence by the experience and the skills
of these 21 centuries of history. Today, when the accessibility and the speed of information are the
essential vectors of the communication, it provides to its residents and visitors a high-quality cultural
offer: museums and guided tours, National Theatre, library, cinemas. A way of linking the past and the
future, to conjugate the past into the present.
The main historical monuments:
-
“Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral”: the fourth highest of France, after the
cathedral of Beauvais, Amiens end Metz. It has the highest Gothic choir of southern
France with a height of 41 meters.
“Archbishop’s palace”: the second greatest archbishopric in France after Avignon.
“Horreum”: the only Roman monument visible in Narbonne. Its subterranean
galleries of the 1st century B.C, unique in Europe.
One part of the « Via Domitia »: old antique road between Italy and Spain
Merchants Bridge: one of only two built and inhabited bridge in France.
Saint Paul Basilica: one of the oldest Gothic churches in southern France.
Charles Trenet’s birthplace: this family house is the place where the artist was born.
He was the composer of famous song “Somewhere beyond the sea” performed by
Franck SINATRA
Museum of Art and History, Archaeological museum, Lapidary museum…
Fontfroide Abbey…
Ü In 2016 creation of the regional museum of The Roman Empire
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Follow the guide!
Narbonne, approved City of Art and History, offers throughout the year, many guided tours that bring
you into the heart of its history. The city of Narbonne, with a heritage so rich and varied spanning over
2,500 years, is used to organize a wide range of tours by appointment or at a fixed time, to promote
the heritage of Narbonne to everyone.
Group tours are by appointment. The duration are between 1h, 2h or 3h.
Our tour guide offers different themes:
- "2500 years of history": that retrace the history of Narbonne, from antiquity to the present day.
- "Narbonne Antique": the tourists can immerse themselves in the history until 118 BC, and
discover the foundations of Narbonne, daughter of Rome.
- "Medieval Narbonne": this tour allows to walk in the footsteps of this prestigious time.
- "Narbonne Middle Ages and Renaissance": at the corner of streets, visitors will discover
prestigious medieval buildings.
- "Narbonne Middle Ages and Gothic sacred": a return to the past through "Sacred
Architecture" of the city.
- "Narbonne in the footsteps of Charles Trenet": a surprising tour through the neighborhoods
of “Cité” and “Bourg” who embodies the Mediterranean, its life so dear to the famous singer. The
tour ends in “music" in the Charles Trenet birthplace. French singer and songwriter of the famous
song: “Somewhere beyond the sea” singing by Frank SINATRA!
In addition, the Tourist Office of Narbonne and the tour guides welcome you in English, Spanish,
Italian, German and Turkish.
Contact of the guide tour: Christophe CABRIER Tel. +33(0)4 68 90 30 66 Fax +33(0)4 68 65 59 12
c.cabrier@mairie-narbonne.fr
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Narbonne welcoming: city for meetings, convention city
Narbonne has always welcomed its visitors. Its openness makes it a popular destination for important
events today. For centuries Narbonne has been a crossroads town, which has encouraged meetings
and exchanges and has simplified discussions between people. Narbonne has always been during its
2,214 year history an undisputed stepping stone through the South and that continues today. This
situation lead Narbonne to become a natural spot for important events such as Tour de France, national
and international congress. The town has however acquired a certain know how, a professionalism
that is appreciated by all. With its 8 congress sites, there is always an appropriate place for cementing
relations and improving contacts. Narbonne is a true Ambassador.
If you want more information about the business and congress tourism, seek the professional guide at
the tourist office.
Contact: Anne BOYER in charge of the groups and business tourism. +33(0) 4 68 65 15 60
an.boyer@mairie-narbonne.fr
Narbonne-plage: seaside resort
The beach resort of Narbonne-Plage, 15 kilometers from Narbonne at the foot of the listed Massif de
la Clape, is an ideal place to enjoy a holiday with family or friends. With a 600-berth harbour, 5km of
fine, sandy beaches and sports and leisure facilities, all families will find the resort a very enjoyable
place to holiday. Narbonne-Plage, a very special, welcoming resort at the heart of a genuine outdoor
sports paradise, enjoys 300 days of sunshine every year, and has been flying the European Blue Flag
since 1988, thanks to the excellent quality of its water, beach and port. The wealth of paths around the
resort are a perfect invitation to discover the protected, rich and varied local natural environment, on
foot or on a mountain bike. With sea fishing, tuna and sardine grilled and competitive fishing, enjoy a
taste of local culture during your stay. From March onwards and throughout the summer season, the
resort comes alive with nearly one hundred events.
Contact: Tourist Office of Narbonne Plage- avenue des vacances - 11100 NARBONNE-PLAGE Tél
+33(0)4 68 49 84 86 – ot.narbonneplage@mairie-narbonne.fr (ouverture du 1er avril au 30 septembre).
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Narbonne technology
Today, Narbonne has become a true digital city. It’s got 5 @ (the highest distinction possible: very
good) to the label «Internet City "and has 5 «Wi-Fi Hotspot» from which, the user can be connected
for free and navigate on the web freely.
The Tourist Office of Narbonne is with you wherever you go with Narbonne Tour; application free, that
broadcasts in real-time different information about the city of Narbonne and the station.
WHAT TO DO?
• Discover the places to visit and activities going on near to where you
are.
EVENT
• Keep yourself up to date about all the events going on during your
stay.
WHERE TO EAT?
• You're looking for a gourmet restaurant, a huge platter of seafood,
something to take away… follow the guide!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
• Hotels, campsites, cottages, holiday rentals ... plan your stay or your
weekend escapades.
A simple click to call the establishment of your choice, send an email or a text, or to ask Google Maps to show
you the way!
Share your thoughts with a few clicks more! Your opinion will be added and shared with other users of the
application.
The website of the tourist office is available in 6 languages: French, English, Spanish, Catalan, Italian and
German.
The tourist office also has a Facebook page.
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Suggestion for a « city break » in Narbonne
CITY TRIP NARBONNE in family 3 days / 2 nights
(Except july/ august)
You want a beak in family, to share time together… you have to
come in Narbonne!
Friday :
arrival in the end of the afternoon
Installation in your accommodation « Appart City »*** located in the
downtown of Narbonne (10 min walk from the train station and 5
min of the monuments) in a flat for 4 people with breakfast.
Suggestion of restaurants to dinner in free time Brasserie Co or
Lou Castel or l’Estagnol
Saturday
Pass’ Monuments usable where you want in all the different tourist site.
Option: little train accessible between the 01/04 and the 30/09 (6€ / adult and 4€/ children between 4 to
11years old)
Option: boating with the Solal between the 01/06 and the30/09 (10 €/pers and 6€/ children between 4 to
11years old))
Option: museum of contemporary art« l’Aspirateur », open the 01/02 to the 30/11 (4€/ pers, free for those
under 18)
Free time in the downtown
Lunch and dinner in free time: ideas: Les grands buffets or le Petit comptoir
Accommodation in « Appart City » with breakfast
Sunday
Discovery of the covered market: “Les Halles” with a free time for lunch: suggestion: Tapas de La Clape
(lunch + wine tasting)
Afternoon: escape to the African savanna in Sigean where you will discover more than 3000 species in
more than 300 hectares…
Guest room on double room:
Price Adult: 109€/pers (base 2 pers)
Price children: 99€/pers (base 2 pers)
Appart City with one flat for 4 pers:
Price adult: 139€*/pers on double room
Price children: - 10 ans: 89€*/pers (Sharing the room with 2 adults)
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City overview
Name:
Narbonne
Creation:
118 BC
Size:
France)
17 554 hectares (one of the most broader city of
Altitude:
Average: 10 m
Highest point: mass mountains of Fontfroide 238 m
Massif Mountains of La Clape 220 m
Particular sign:
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The highest rate of sunshine in France
(3000h/an)
City of Art and History
European Blue Flag for its ports and its range
since 1988
Classified Station Tourism
Canal de la Robine, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO
16 monuments listed Historic Monuments
6 museums listed
Two star Michelin Green Guide
Located in the Regional Natural Park of Narbonnaise
Two flowers named one of Towns and Villages in Bloom
Internet City @ @ @ @ @ 2014
Tourist office category I, certified Qualité tourisme, label Qualité Sud de France
Press contact :
Virginie SIRE, promotion manager v.sire@mairie-narbonne.fr
Mariline ETERO, director m.etero@mairie-narbonne.fr
Crédits photos :
Page de couv. : © Laurie BIRAL © Jean BELONDRADE
Corps du DP : © SHERPA © Ville de Narbonne © Raccourci © Phototendances
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