Sarah De Winne Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Narbonne lies a remarkable relic of the city’s Roman past—the Roman Horreum. Built in the 1st century BC, these fascinating underground galleries once served as vast storerooms beneath a Roman market or warehouse.
Today, visitors can explore the remarkably well-preserved corridors and imagine the bustling activity of merchants storing goods over 2,000 years ago.
Experience Roman Engineering Beneath Your Feet
The Roman Horreum in Narbonne is an impressive network of stone tunnels and chambers built 5 metres below ground.
These u-shaped structures were designed to regulate temperature and protect a range of stored goods. As you walk around the atmospheric passageways today, it is easy to visualise them full of grain, olive oil, wine and other types of food.
Two remarkably well-preserved subterranean galleries are open to the public:
- The West Gallery is 50 metres long.
- The North Gallery is 37.7 metres long.
Both Roman galleries can be explored on foot and experienced first-hand. Incredibly, these underground tunnels are an impressive 7.25 metres wide with vaulted ceilings that reach a height of 2.3 metres!
It is amazing that after more than two millennia, the thick walls and carefully designed passageways are still standing! These subterranean structures really showcase the ingenuity of Roman engineering. As a result, the Roman Horreum in Narbonne was listed as a French Historic Monument in 1961.
What to Expect When Visiting the Roman Horreum
A Unique Perspective on Narbonne
Unlike the city’s other Roman ruins, the Horreum provides an immersive underground experience. A visit to the Roman Horreum in Narbonne is a unique way to discover the city’s Roman heritage that is hidden beneath the pavement. Certainly, walking through these underground corridors offers a rare insight into the daily life of ancient Narbonne.
Atmospheric Underground Walkways
Children and adults alike will enjoy descending into the subterranean passageways and wandering through the network of dimly lit tunnels. They are definitely a little bit spooky! The Roman Horreum is also a great place to cool off during the heat of the summer in southern France!
Informative Exhibits
The Roman Horreum features a small above ground exhibition where you can learn about the site’s purpose. As you explore the underground passageways, there are also further interesting displays of artefacts and historical reconstructions.
A Short Visit
Although a visit to the Roman Horreum is fairly short (allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour), it is easy to combine a visit here with other nearby attractions in Narbonne.
Afterwards, why not head above ground and climb to the top of the Donjon Gilles Aycelin for some amazing panoramic views of the city?
The Roman Horreum is also a short walk from Narbonne Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Canal de la Robine.
If you are visiting in the summer, the Mediterranean seaside resort of Narbonne Plage is also only a 30-minute drive away!
Practical Information for Visitors
Location of the Roman Horreum
The Roman Horreum is located at 7 Rue Rouget de Lisle in the heart of Narbonne, close to the city’s main attractions.
Narbonne itself is easily accessible from other nearby cities in southern France including: Béziers, Carcassonne, Montpellier, Perpignan and Toulouse.
| Journey | Main Route | Approximate Journey Time | Distance |
| Béziers-Narbonne | D6009/D609 | 40 minutes | 28 km |
| Carcassonne-Narbonne | A61 | 50 minutes | 60 km |
| Montpellier-Narbonne | A9 | 1 hr 20 minutes | 97 km |
| Perpignan-Narbonne | A9 | 55 minutes | 66 km |
| Toulouse-Narbonne | A61 | 1 hr 50 minutes | 154 km |
Opening Hours of the Roman Horreum Narbonne
The opening hours of the Roman Horreum vary seasonally. However, the site is open every day except Mondays.
| Months | Opening Times |
| October-April (Off Season) | 10:00-12:00 then 14:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30) |
| May-September (Peak Season) | 10:00-12:30 then 14:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30) |
Entry Fee
The entrance fee to the Roman Horreum in Narbonne is very affordable, with discounts available for students and groups.
There is also a range of passes available that include entry to the Roman Horreum along with entry to the Narbo Via and/or Amphoralis museums.
More to Discover in Narbonne
The Roman Horreum is just one piece of Narbonne’s rich historical tapestry. For a complete guide to the city’s top attractions, check out our guide about Things to Do in Narbonne.
