Sète, France

Scenic Narbonne & Fontfroide Abbey

Historic City Center Walk and the Former Seat of Monastic Power in Europe Discover the charm of the Occitanie region with a visit to Narbonne and lunch at Fontfroide Abbey. The city of Narbonne traces its roots back to 118 BC, when it stood at an important commercial crossroads for the Roman Empire. Travel by motor coach to this once-prosperous port, whose link to the Mediterranean Sea silted up several centuries ago, then meet your guide for a walk through its historic center. Stop to view the imposing Gothic-style facade of the cathedral; though its construction began in 1272, the church was never completed. Enjoy free time to explore more on your own before continuing to 11th-century Fontfroide Abbey, a former Cistercian Order monastery and once one of the most powerful abbeys in Europe. See the cloister, the church and its stained glass windows. After a three-course Mediterranean-style lunch at the on-site restaurant, return to your ship. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.