Aude, a land rich in history, conceals real gems from the Roman era. If you are passionate about ancient history or simply curious to discover the exceptional heritage of our region, this article is for you! Let's dive together into a time journey through the most fascinating Roman sites in Aude.
Narbonne: cradle of the Roman presence in Gaul
Narbonne, the ancient Narbo Martius, was the first Roman colony founded outside Italy in 118 BC. This historic city offers several must-see sites:
- Narbo Via : This ultra-modern museum is a real gateway to the region's Roman past. With its 3200m² of exhibition space, it presents an impressive collection of artifacts, including a unique set of 760 fragments of funerary monuments.
- Address : 2, avenue André Mècle, 11100 Narbonne
- Hours : 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Oct-Apr) / 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (May-Sep), closed Monday
- Price : Free for under 18s and certain categories
- Le Clos de la Lombarde : This ancient district transports you into the daily life of the rich Narbonnais from the 1st to the 3rd century. Discover the remains of sumptuous patrician houses, luxurious thermal baths and artisan workshops.
- The Horreum : These underground galleries, unique in Europe, once served as warehouses for goods from the Roman port.
Sallèles-d'Aude: at the heart of ancient crafts
A few kilometers from Narbonne, the Museum of Gallo-Roman Potters – Amphoralis immerses you in the fascinating world of ancient crafts:
- Address : Allée des Potiers, 11590 Sallèles-d’Aude
- Hours : 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m./6 p.m. depending on the season, closed Mondays
- Special feature : The museum is built on a real archaeological site!
Here, you will discover the manufacturing secrets of the amphorae and pottery that have contributed to the region's wine reputation.
Gruissan: the mysteries of an ancient port
The Roman Site of Saint Martin Island in Gruissan gradually reveals the secrets of an important Roman port complex. The ongoing excavations offer a fascinating insight into the maritime and commercial activity of the period.
Sigean: a journey through the ages
The Musée des Corbières in Sigean offers a complete panorama of local history, from Prehistory to the 19th century:
- Address : Place de la Libération, 11130 Sigean
- Hours : Varies depending on the season, consult the official website
- Price : €3.20 for adults, free for under 16s
Don't miss the Gallo-Roman collections which bear witness to the richness of this period in Corbières.
Carcassonne: Roman remains in the heart of the medieval city
Although famous for its medieval architecture, the City of Carcassonne also hides treasures from the Roman era. Some towers of the fortress date from this period, offering a unique testimony to the transition between Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
Your stay at the heart of Roman history
To fully experience this immersion in Roman Antiquity, we suggest you stay in Narbonne, a real gateway to all these historic sites. Two charming establishments welcome you in the heart of the city:
- La Ville Ambrosia : Our guest rooms offer you modern comfort in a historic setting, a few steps from the main Roman sites of Narbonne.
- La Maison Gustave : Our bed & breakfast combines the authenticity of an old residence with contemporary comfort, ideal for resting after a day of exploration.
By staying at one of these two properties, you will be ideally located to visit all the Roman sites mentioned. Narbonne is not only rich in ancient remains, but it is also an excellent starting point for exploring the other sites of Aude. In one week, you can easily discover all of these archaeological treasures while enjoying the charm of the city.
Conclusion
Aude is a real open-air museum for Roman history enthusiasts. From the imposing remains of Narbonne to the reconstructed workshops of Sallèles-d'Aude, via the collections of the Musée des Corbières, each site brings you a little closer to this fascinating civilization which has deeply marked our territory.
So, are you ready for a trip back in time? Book your stay at La Ville Ambrosia or La Maison Gustave, and set off to discover Roman Aude. An unforgettable experience awaits you!