France
Béziers welcomes visitors with its relaxed pace and sunny disposition, giving a true taste of Southern France.
Béziers possesses a past spanning over two millennia, making it one of France's oldest cities. It was established by the Romans in 36 BC, developing into a significant settlement due to its location on the Via Domitia, a Roman road. Evidence of its Roman heritage, including a former amphitheater, rests beneath the modern city.
The city's medieval period was marked by the tragic events of the Albigensian Crusade in 1209. Béziers became the site of a brutal massacre, a defining moment in the crusade against the Cathars. This event led to the destruction of much of the city and its subsequent rebuilding. The Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire, a fortress-like structure overlooking the city, mirrors this turbulent history, having been largely reconstructed after the crusade. In the 17th century, Béziers regained prominence with the construction of the Canal du Midi. Pierre-Paul Riquet, the canal's visionary engineer, was born in Béziers, and his masterpiece, the Fonserannes Locks, is a triumph of hydraulic engineering at the city's doorstep. This monumental project fueled trade and transformed the region's economy. The 19th century brought prosperity, mainly from the thriving wine industry. Grand Haussmannian buildings, wide boulevards like the Allées Paul Riquet, and the elegant Plateau des Poètes garden, all visible today, reflect this era of growth and influence. Béziers' history presents layers of stories, from Roman foundations and medieval conflicts to engineering feats and a flourishing wine culture, creating a city with a distinct personality.
The city has a strong Occitan identity, seen in its cuisine, traditions, and the local dialect (though French is the language spoken by everyone). The annual Feria de Béziers in August is a major cultural event. Walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town to discover medieval buildings and hidden squares. The Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire dominates the skyline, a testimony to resilience and architectural evolution. The Allées Paul Riquet showcase 19th-century elegance.
The Orb River features recreational opportunities, and the nearby Mediterranean beaches offer sun and sea. The Canal du Midi features miles of flat towpaths for cycling and walking. The Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park, a short drive away, gives access to mountains, forests, and gorges. The region is France's largest wine producer. Béziers gives direct access to numerous vineyards. Local cuisine stresses fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood, with dishes like Tielle sétoise and Brandade de morue common. Les Halles, the covered market, is a central point for local food.
Béziers moves at a relaxed pace.
Enjoy leisurely meals and long strolls.
Soak in the warm Southern French sun.
Experience history, natural beauty, and local life.
An authentic and rewarding travel experience awaits.
Béziers might not be as well-known as some of France's other destinations, but it presents an authentic, rewarding travel experience for those who seek history, natural beauty, and a taste of local life.
Discover the character of Béziers by wandering through its ancient, cobbled lanes and finding hidden courtyards.
The Orb River banks feature peaceful spots for unwinding and enjoying the city's scenic views.
Béziers awaits your discovery, a city where every corner is a story.
