Narbonne

In Roman times, bustling, industrial Narbonne was the second-largest town in Gaul (after Lyon) and an important port, though today little remains of its Roman past, except an impressive underground warehouse (horreum in Latin) once used to store the wines and goods shipped through its harbor. Until the sea receded during the Middle Ages, Narbonne prospered. Today, the city center would be considered sleepy in comparison, but it has an elegant feel more in tune with Montpellier's classy shops than with the streets of gypsy-influenced Perpignan.