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The Pont des Marchands in Narbonne

An ancient bridge over the Aude


The Pont des Marchands, located in the historic centre of Narbonne, is one of the remains of the Roman presence.

Built to cross the Canal de la Robine, it was once a key crossing point on the Via Domitia for merchants and travellers on their way to Italy and Spain.

It is one of the city's oldest buildings, dating back to the 1st century BC.


A bridge inhabited in Narbonne since the Middle Ages


Although the bridge has existed since Antiquity, it was rebuilt in the Middle Ages to support the weight of new buildings. Traces of the original structure still remain on today's bridge.

Held up by seven arches, the Pont des Marchands gradually became a shopping alley as the shops that lined the Canal de la Robine gathered first around this crossing point, then on the building itself.

It was from the 14th century onwards that the first buildings began to appear on the bridge, making it the town's first commercial centre, several centuries before the construction of the Halles de Narbonne.

Today, the Pont des Marchands is still one of only two inhabited bridges in France, alongside Landerneau in Brittany. Lined with shops on both sides, it's an ideal place to stroll and do your shopping.


A historic monument saved from destruction


Listed as a historic monument, the Pont des Marchands recently threatened to collapse under the weight of the buildings.

So it was decided to reinforce it with 65 tonnes of metal beams, without altering the ancient and medieval structures.
After nearly a year of renovation, the bridge was finally reopened to traffic in December 2023.

Today, the Pont des Marchands is once again the tourist and commercial attraction it has always been.


Book your hotel near the Pont des Marchands in Narbonne Centre


And what could be better after a day of sightseeing than relaxing in one of our hotel rooms, less than 500m from the bridge?

Located on rue Rossini, Hôtel de France offers you:
  • Immediate proximity to all of Narbonne's places of interest
  • A warm and friendly atmosphere
  • Picnic baskets to enhance your tourist visits
Book now to take advantage of the tourist season.
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