Narbonne

As a sub-prefecture of the Aude department, Narbonne retains a rich religious heritage, notably the Cathedral of Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur and the Archbishops' Palace, which houses its museum. The town's night market draws visitors with its varied stalls, while the covered market remains a popular stop. Along the coast, Narbonne-Plage offers a walk to the end of its jetty and a Ferris wheel, and churros can be enjoyed right on the seafront. In Saint-Pierre-la-Mer, a good-value pizzeria stands out, particularly for its artisanal rosé grape juice; nearby lies a small lake favoured for gentle walks. Gruissan, with its distinctive village and stilted chalets, offers a water park, short boat cruises, bicycle hire and a riding centre, not forgetting its salt marshes, a defining feature of the lagoon landscape. Thrill-seekers can try ice karting (Sunkart) or extreme water sports. The wider area also invites day trips to Carcassonne and its medieval citadel, to the Sigean African wildlife reserve for a driving safari, and to Port-Leucate for sailing.