Discovering Béziers, France

​Béziers is a charming city located in the Occitanie region of southern France. Known for its rich history, picturesque scenery, and delicious local cuisine, Béziers is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Beziers travel guide

One of the most notable features of Béziers is its ancient architecture. The city's history can be traced back to the Roman era, and the remains of this ancient civilization can still be seen today in the form of the city's impressive Roman bridge, which spans the River Orb. Visitors can also explore the ancient city walls, which date back to the 13th century, as well as the beautiful Gothic-style Cathedral of Saint Nazaire, which was built in the 13th century.

Another popular attraction in Béziers is the Fonserannes Locks, a series of locks that were built in the 19th century to help boats navigate the narrow River Orb. The locks are a marvel of engineering and are a must-see for any visitors to the city. Visitors can also take a boat tour along the River Orb to get a different perspective of the city and its surroundings.

When it comes to culture and art, Béziers has plenty to offer. The city is home to several museums, including the Musée des Beaux Arts, which features a collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists. The city also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Festival of Béziers, which is held in August and features a variety of performances and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Béziers is also known for its delicious local cuisine. Visitors can sample traditional dishes such as ratatouille, a vegetable stew made with tomatoes, eggplants, zucchinis, and bell peppers, or "Brandade de morue", a dish made from salt cod, potatoes, and olive oil. Wine lovers will also be in heaven as Béziers is located in the heart of the Languedoc wine region, known for producing some of the best wines in France.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Béziers is a great destination. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also take a trip to the nearby Mediterranean Sea, which is only a short drive away, and enjoy the beaches and water sports.

Overall, Béziers is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From its rich history and culture to its delicious local cuisine and beautiful scenery, visitors will be sure to have a memorable time in this charming French city.

The history of Béziers is closely tied to the Albigensian Crusade, a religious conflict that took place in the early 13th century. The Crusade was launched by the Catholic Church in order to stamp out the Cathar heresy, a religious movement that was seen as a threat to the Catholic Church's authority.
Béziers was one of the major centers of the Cathar movement and was therefore a target for the Crusade. In 1209, a crusading army led by Simon de Montfort laid siege to the city, eventually capturing it and slaughtering its inhabitants. The siege of Béziers was particularly brutal, with the crusaders killing not only the Cathar heretics but also Catholics, Jews, and anyone else who was unable to prove their allegiance to the Catholic Church.
The fall of Béziers marked the beginning of the Albigensian Crusade, which would go on to claim the lives of thousands of people and destroy much of the Languedoc region. The Crusade also had a profound impact on the region's culture and society, as it effectively wiped out the Cathar movement and established the Catholic Church's dominance in the area.
Today, the events of the Albigensian Crusade are remembered in Béziers through monuments such as the city's ancient walls, which were built in the aftermath of the Crusade, and the Cathedral of Saint Nazaire, which was rebuilt after the Crusade. Visitors can also learn about the history of the Crusade at the Musée de Béziers, which has exhibits on the history of the city and the region.
It is important to note that the Albigensian Crusade was a tragic event in the history of Béziers and the Languedoc region, causing the death and displacement of thousands of people. The events of the Crusade should be remembered and acknowledged, but also understood in the context of the larger political and religious conflicts of the time.

What are the best things to do in Béziers ?

​Béziers is a city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, and there are many things to do for visitors. Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Béziers:

1. Explore the ancient architecture: Béziers has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, and there are many ancient buildings and structures to explore. Some must-sees include the Roman bridge, which spans the River Orb, the ancient city walls, and the Cathedral of Saint Nazaire.
2. Visit the Fonserannes Locks: These locks were built in the 19th century to help boats navigate the narrow River Orb. They are a marvel of engineering and a great place to take a walk and enjoy the river views.
3. Take a boat tour: A boat tour along the River Orb is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and learn more about its history.
4. Visit the Musée des Beaux Arts: This museum features a collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists and is a great place to learn more about the city's artistic heritage.
5. Enjoy the local cuisine: Béziers is known for its delicious local cuisine, featuring traditional dishes such as ratatouille and Brandade de morue. Wine lovers will also enjoy the city's proximity to the Languedoc wine region, known for producing some of the best wines in France.
6. Take a trip to the Mediterranean Sea: Béziers is located near the Mediterranean Sea and is a great place to enjoy the beaches and water sports.
7. Go for a hike or bike ride: Béziers is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
8. Attend a festival or event: Béziers hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Festival of Béziers in August, which features a variety of performances and activities for visitors to enjoy.
   

All in all, Béziers is a city with many things to offer for visitors, whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or just looking for a good time.

Where to eat in Béziers ?

​Béziers is known for its delicious local cuisine and there are many great places to eat in the city.
​Here are a few suggestions for places to dine in Béziers:

1. Maison Petit Pierre : At the Maison de Petit Pierre, the renowned chef Pierre Augé welcomes you with his wife Fanny in a warm, friendly and simple atmosphere. Let yourself be tempted, come and discover a Bistronomic cuisine.
2. Pica-Pica : The menu of Pica-Pica, imagined by Fabien Lefebvre (Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2004) and orchestrated by Julien Bousquet, offers a colorful, gourmet and light cuisine for sharing. In the extension of the XIX hotel, Pica-Pica, with its 50's brasserie look, is open 7 days a week with hours adapted to today's habits and lifestyles. After only a few months of opening, Pica-Pica restaurant has been awarded a BIB Gourmand in the Michelin Guide 2020.
3. L'Alter Native : In the heart of Béziers Gilles Goujon opens the doors of his starred restaurant: L'alter-native.
   With Quentin Pallestor-Veryrier at the head of the brigade, Gilles Goujon has made this establishment an address that counts in the French gastronomic landscape. The chef and his team will offer, on the menu, fish from his own farm and vegetables grown in permaculture and in an educational garden.
   Backyard meat will regularly complete the menu. The starred chef and his family will be present, in turn, once a week at the restaurant to make this new address an essential step in the gastronomy of Béarn without forgetting its family spirit.

How to go to Béziers ?

​To go to Béziers, you can travel by plane, train, or car.
If you're flying, you can look for flights to Montpellier or Toulouse airports, which are both around an hour's drive from Béziers.
If you're taking the train, the main station in Béziers is called Béziers Ville. You can take a direct train from Paris, Marseille, or Montpellier.
If you're driving, you can take the A9 motorway and exit at Béziers-Ouest or Béziers-Est.

​​​VISION Destinations | January 2023