The 13 most beautiful villages around Narbonne to discover!

Are you ready for an unforgettable trip around Narbonne? In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 13 most charming and picturesque villages in the region. Each of these places has its own unique beauty and rich history. Prepare to be amazed by these hidden treasures, narrow streets and picture-postcard landscapes. Come on, let’s get exploring!

1. Bages, the waterside village

Bages is a magnificent village on the shores of the Etang de Bages-Sigean. It is famous for its colourful fishermen’s houses and the cobbled streets that wind through the village. Overlooking the pond, Bages offers spectacular views of the calm waters and surrounding landscape. The village is also renowned for its rich artistic life, with many art galleries and artists’ studios to discover.

Be sure to visit the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre and the Tour Barberousse, the remains of an ancient medieval fortress. After exploring the village, enjoy a walk along the banks of the lake to observe the local flora and fauna.

2. Minerve, the jewel of the Minervois

The village of Minerve is a real gem nestling in the heart of the Minervois. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it is surrounded by the gorges of the Cesse and Brian rivers. This medieval village is rich in history and heritage, with its ramparts, narrow streets and stone houses. Minerve is also famous for its natural bridge, a sight not to be missed during your visit.

The village is steeped in history, not least thanks to its citadel, which was a centre of Catharism in the 13th century. You can also visit the 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Étienne and the Hurepel museum, which traces the history of the village and of Catharism. Don’t forget to sample the Minervois wines in the surrounding cellars, renowned for their quality and diversity.

3. Alet-les-Bains, an oasis of greenery and history

Alet-les-Bains is a splendid village in the Aude valley, surrounded by green hills and crossed by the river Aude. It is famous for its thermal springs, which were already appreciated by the Romans. The village still bears many traces of this period, including the Roman baths and the ruins of the Saint-André cathedral.

The village of Alet-les-Bains is also famous for its Benedictine abbey, founded in the 9th century, of which only majestic ruins remain today. Don’t miss a visit to the Château d’Alet, a medieval fortress overlooking the village, and a stroll through the picturesque streets lined with half-timbered houses.

4. Cucugnan, the charm of the Corbières

Cucugnan is a charming village in the heart of the Corbières, between the castles of Quéribus and Peyrepertuse. It is famous for its restored windmill, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Cathar castles. The village is also famous for its Saint-Julien-et-Sainte-Basilisse church, which houses a polychrome wooden statue of the Virgin and Child.

In the village, you can visit the House of Quixote, a museum dedicated to the works of Cervantes and to windmills. You can also take advantage of your stay in Cucugnan to explore the surrounding hiking trails and taste Corbières wines in the local cellars.

5. Gruissan, the pearl of the Mediterranean

Gruissan is a coastal village located between Narbonne and the Mediterranean, surrounded by ponds and lagoons. It is famous for its fine sandy beaches and stilt cottages, which give it a unique charm. The village also boasts a rich heritage, with the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church and the Barberousse tower, a remnant of an ancient medieval fortress.

The seaside resort of Gruissan offers a host of activities for all the family, including sailing, kitesurfing, fishing and hiking. Be sure to visit the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Nature Park, a protected area home to exceptional flora and fauna.

6. Fanjeaux, in the footsteps of Cathar history

Fanjeaux is a historic village set on a hill overlooking the Lauragais plain. It is famous for its medieval heritage and its links with Cathar history, as it was the home of Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order. The village retains many vestiges of this period, including the house where Saint Dominic was born, the Fanjeaux cross and the medieval ramparts.

Be sure to visit the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, which houses a remarkable polychrome wooden Virgin and Child, and the archaeological museum, which traces the history of the village and the region. Make the most of your stay in Fanjeaux to explore the Lauragais countryside and neighbouring villages, rich in history and tradition.

7. Durban-Corbières, a combination of nature and history

Durban-Corbières is a picturesque village in the heart of the Corbières, surrounded by vineyards and garrigue. It is famous for its medieval castle, which dominates the village and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The village also boasts a Romanesque church, Sainte-Julie-et-Sainte-Eulalie, which dates back to the 11th century and houses a Baroque altarpiece.

Make the most of your stay in Durban-Corbières to explore the surrounding hiking trails, which will take you through the wild Corbières countryside and offer some exceptional views. And don’t forget to sample the region’s wines in the local cellars, renowned for their quality and diversity.

8. Rennes-le-Château, mystery and legend

Rennes-le-Château is an intriguing village set on a hill overlooking the Aude valley. It is famous for its mysteries and legends, notably that of Abbé Saunière, who is said to have discovered a fabulous treasure hidden in the village church. Rennes-le-Château boasts a rich and varied heritage, with its church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, its Magdala tower and its French park.

The village attracts many visitors who come to discover the secrets of its history and legends. You can explore the village’s emblematic sites, such as Abbé Saunière’s estate, the Rennes-le-Château museum and the Château des Ducs de Joyeuse. And don’t forget to enjoy the surrounding countryside and the hiking trails that criss-cross the region.

9. Caunes-Minervois, between heritage and nature

Caunes-Minervois is a charming village at the foot of the Montagne Noire, in the heart of the Minervois. It is famous for its red marble quarries, which have been exploited since Roman times and have been used to build numerous monuments. The village has a rich heritage, with its Benedictine abbey, Romanesque cloister and picturesque streets lined with stone houses.

Make the most of your stay in Caunes-Minervois to explore the hiking trails of the Montagne Noire and discover the wild, unspoilt landscapes of the region. And don’t forget to sample the Minervois wines in the local cellars, renowned for their quality and diversity.

10. Termes, the fortified village

Termes is a medieval village in the Corbières, surrounded by wooded hills and garrigue. It is famous for its fortified castle, which dominates the village and bears witness to its strategic role during the crusade against the Cathars. The village also retains many vestiges of its past, including the ramparts, the Porte de l’Aude and the narrow streets lined with stone houses.

Be sure to visit the Château de Termes, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and houses a museum recounting the history of the site. While you’re in Termes, you can also explore the hiking trails of the Corbières and taste the region’s wines in the local cellars.

11. Lagrasse, medieval elegance

Lagrasse is a superb village in the Orbieu valley, in the heart of the Corbières. It is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is famous for its Abbey of Sainte-Marie, founded in the 8th century. The village boasts an exceptional medieval heritage, with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and bridges spanning the river.

Be sure to visit the Abbey of Lagrasse, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic art, and stroll through the picturesque streets of the village. You can also take advantage of your stay in Lagrasse to discover the wild landscapes of the Corbières and taste the region’s wines in the local cellars.

12. Peyriac-de-Mer, the beauty of the ponds

Peyriac-de-Mer is a charming village on the shores of the Etang de Bages-Sigean, in the heart of the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Nature Park. It is famous for its colourful fishermen’s houses, narrow streets and wooden pontoons jutting out into the pond. The village also boasts a rich heritage, with its 17th-century Saint-Paul church and Roman remains.

Take advantage of your stay in Peyriac-de-Mer to explore the hiking trails that run alongside the ponds and observe the local flora and fauna. And don’t forget to sample the oysters and fresh fish in the village’s restaurants, which will introduce you to the flavours of the Mediterranean.

13. Montolieu, the village of books

Montolieu is a picturesque village at the foot of the Montagne Noire, just a few kilometres from Carcassonne. It is nicknamed ‘the book village’ because of the many bookshops, bookbinding workshops and printing works that line its narrow streets. The village also boasts a rich heritage, with the 14th-century church of Saint-André and the Château de la Fajolle, a medieval fortress.

Be sure to visit the Musée des Arts et Métiers du Livre, which traces the history of printing and bookbinding, and browse the village’s bookshops for rare and precious books. You can also take advantage of your stay in Montolieu to discover the landscapes of the Montagne Noire and the neighbouring villages, rich in history and tradition.

Now you have an overview of the 13 most beautiful villages around Narbonne to discover. Each of these places will immerse you in a unique universe, combining history, heritage, nature and gastronomy. Don’t hesitate to take the time to visit these hidden treasures and soak up the very special atmosphere of each of them. Enjoy your trip and discoveries!