France
This is the closest airport, about 11 km southeast of Béziers city center. It mainly serves low-cost airlines like Ryanair, with seasonal flights to various cities in the UK (e.g., London Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh), Ireland (Dublin), Belgium (Charleroi), Germany (Düsseldorf Weeze), and Sweden (Stockholm Västerås). BZR is a small airport with basic facilities, including a few cafes, car rental desks, and limited shopping options. Shuttle bus services connect the airport directly to Béziers city center (Allées Paul Riquet / bus station). Taxis are available, costing around €25-€30 to the city center. Major car rental companies like Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, and Sixt have desks here.
About 70 km northeast of Béziers, MPL features a wider range of European and some international connections. Airlines like Air France, EasyJet, Volotea, Transavia, and Ryanair serve MPL, with routes to major European cities (e.g., Paris, Amsterdam, London, Rome, Berlin) and some North African destinations. MPL is larger and offers more amenities, including a wider selection of restaurants, shops, car rental agencies, and public transport connections. Take the airport shuttle bus (line 620) to Place de l'Europe tram stop, then Tram Line 1 to Montpellier's main train station (Gare Saint-Roch). From Saint-Roch, take a regional (TER) or high-speed (TGV) train to Béziers. Taxis are expensive, typically €100-€150. Car rental is widely available.
Carcassonne Airport (CCF) and Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF) are around 70-75 km away, also serving low-cost carriers. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), a major international hub about 160 km northwest, presents extensive global connections.
Flight availability at BZR becomes more frequent in summer (June-August), often affecting prices upward. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically present better value for airfare. Booking well in advance is advisable for peak travel times to secure preferred rates.
Platforms like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner can assist in finding deals. Keep an eye on price alerts for your desired dates to capitalize on fare drops. Consider flying into larger hubs and taking a train to Béziers for potentially cheaper options.
France drives on the right. Speed limits are 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways (110 km/h in wet weather), 80 km/h (50 mph) on main roads, 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, and 30 km/h (19 mph) in some city zones. Mandatory seatbelts; no mobile phone use while driving. Toll roads (Autoroutes) accept card, cash, or electronic tags.
Legally, a reflective vest and warning triangle must be in the car. A breathalyser is also needed, though not actively enforced.
Parking in Béziers city center can be challenging. Several underground parking garages are available, including Jean Jaurès, La Victoire, and Les Halles. Consider car rental options from sites like DiscoverCars.com.
The nearest major ferry port is Sète, about 30 km east of Béziers. Sète features ferry connections to North Africa (e.g., Morocco, Algeria). Béziers is inland and not a direct seaport. Standard Schengen entry procedures apply at international ports like Sète.
The Canal du Midi runs directly through Béziers. Many tourists travel via multi-day canal boat holidays. These travelers often rent a canal boat from a base near Béziers, for example, at Port de Plaisance, close to the locks. A France Bicycle Touring Guide or Canal du Midi Boating Guide can be useful companions.
Roads in France are generally well-maintained and in good condition. Speed cameras are common throughout the country. Driving on the right side of the road is mandatory.
France is part of the Schengen Area. No routine border checks occur when traveling by land from neighboring Schengen countries, like Spain, Italy, or Germany.
Exit fees or taxes for air travel usually form part of your airline ticket price. You do not pay them separately at departure. For international flights, arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, allow 1.5-2 hours. Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport (BZR) has limited facilities post-security, including a small duty-free shop and a café. Confirm you have necessary items before security.
Arrive at the train station at least 15-30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure. This allows time to locate your platform and board comfortably. Béziers Train Station provides basic services, including ticket offices, waiting areas, and a few small shops or kiosks.
Confirm airline baggage allowances and restrictions beforehand to avoid surprises.
Keep your passport and ticket easily accessible for checks at the airport or station.
Pre-book your airport or station transfers to avoid last-minute stress and ensure a smooth journey.
Review all reservations and travel documents one last time before heading to the airport or station. A smooth departure completes your Béziers journey.
