Narbonne Gate

The Porte Narbonnaise

The Carcassonne audio-guided tour brings you before the main entrance to the Medieval City: the Porte Narbonnaise, facing Narbonne, from which it takes its name. This imposing fortification commanded access to the town and concentrated the bulk of its defensive system.

A 13th-century gate

The gate was built at the end of the 13th century, under the reign of Philip the Bold. A more modest gate already existed before, but it was then that it took on its present form, made of two enormous spur-shaped towers. Before reaching it, one crossed the Saint-Louis barbican, an outwork meant to protect the entrance; attackers thus found themselves exposed, under fire from soldiers stationed in the towers.

What there is to see

Look at the two spur towers, the square-shaped watch-turret on the right and the many arrow slits pierced in the walls, from which the defenders fired on the enemy. The whole illustrates the sophistication of medieval military architecture and is one of the most recognisable images of the City.

Practical information

The Porte Narbonnaise is the main entrance to the Medieval City, freely accessible on foot. It leads to the lanes and shops of the upper town. For the visit of the count's castle and the wall-walk of the ramparts, a specific paid access is provided: check the opening times, which vary with the season.

Why is this gate called Narbonnaise ?

Because it opens on the side of Narbonne; it has been the main entrance to the City since the end of the 13th century.

What is a barbican ?

It is an advanced defensive work, placed in front of a gate to protect it; here, the Saint-Louis barbican defended access to the Porte Narbonnaise.