The landscape on the way to Narbonne was quite noticeably different from what I had seen prior to Toulouse, with many vineyards and plenty of cypress trees.

Some of the small villages approaching Narbonne from the northwest were quite picturesque. I entered the city along the Canal de la Robine. The old buildings, which had a lot of character, often painted in pastel colours, were very impressive with their matching shutters. The sandy coloured backstreets contained interesting shops.

Some roads were closed as there was a music event going on in the evening in the historic centre with a large audience watching performers, and on the other side of the canal a stage had been set up. This was accompanied by a large police and military presence.

The area in the centre around La Via Domitia (which is the remains of an uncovered Roman road) was particularly nice and lively.

Distance: 40 miles

Maximum temperature: 23 degrees C

Narbonne in the evening

Narbonne backstreets in the historic centre

Canal de la Robine in Narbonne

Canal de la Robine in Narbonne

Carcassonne