France: Narbonne, Grussian & Béziers
The Founding of Narbonne in 118 BC
Narbonne was the first Roman colony established outside of Italy, marking a significant moment in the expansion of the Roman Empire. Its founding was part of a broader Roman strategy to consolidate power in the region and secure critical trade routes between Italy and Spain.
The Via Domitia was the first major Roman road built in Gaul and was vital for facilitating the movement of troops, goods, and information.
The Narbonne Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the region. Construction on the cathedral began in the 13th century, and it was expanded and refined over the following centuries.
Grussian
So, I thought I was driving to Narbonne when I found this beautiful spot. It turns out I was in Grussian, a small village that sits on the Mediterranean Sea not far from Narbonne.
The village was built around the year 1000. The inhabitants settled at the foot of a large rock on which sits a small defensive fortress. The village is round-shaped, built in “circulade”. The alleys wind around the Barbarossa Tower of the fort, like a snail. The shape of a snail is a trap for invaders who rush through the streets and cannot turn back.
From Gruissan, the soldiers of the archbishops could watch the sea and warn Narbonne in case of danger and, occasionally, repel invaders.
I hiked to the top of the hill to the remains of the fort. The views were pretty spectacular!
Béziers
I fell in love with this beautiful village in Southern France. I didn’t have a lot of time to explore so, it’s on my list to visit again. It sits on a hill with beautiful views of the area.
The Canal du Midi was completed in 1681 and was planned by Pierre-Paul Riquet. It is one of the oldest canals still in use in Europe. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The canal is 241 kilometers in length and joins with the Canal de Garonne, creating a continuous link between the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
View of Béziers and the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral
What? I’m in Spain?
There are several toll highways in France, and although they get you to a destination much quicker than non-toll roads. I found out the hard way that if you don’t pay close attention and miss your exit where the toll highway ends, you will have to turn around and backtrack to the toll booth (and pay another toll to get back on the road)!
I was leaving Béziers and heading back home to Argeles sur-mer. I came to the toll booth, paid my toll and headed on down the road. I realized pretty quickly (via GSP) that I had missed my exit so knew I would have to turn around and backtrack.
About 5 minutes later, I realized that the road surfaces had changed, and the signs all looked different. A few second later, I realized the signs were in Spanish, not French. Good grief! About 10 minutes later, I found an exit and headed back to France. And, I did have to pay the toll AGAIN to get back on the highway.
Just have to chalk it up to it being part of the adventure!
Map of the area I’m traveling in.
The blue dot (Argeles-sur-mer) is where my apartment is.
