The idea to build a Gothic cathedral in Narbonne had been a political decision made in 1268 by Pope Clement IV, the former archbishop of Narbonne, who had decided that it would be a monument made in the magnificent style of the Kingdom of France.

The construction of the new cathedral was supposed to have begin in 1264, but did not actually start until 1272.

The first stone of the current cathedral is laid by Archbishop Maruin on April 13, 1272, in the foundation of the current Chapel of the Sacred Heart.

Dedicated to Saints Justus and Pastor, the building is noted today for being unfinished.

The reasons are many, but the most important is that the completed cathedral would have required demolishing the city wall.