Travel guide Beziers
Béziers, France's oldest city, stands between sea and mountains, high above its wine-growing plain. The city prospered by exploiting the riches of the vineyards, and was even proclaimed "Wine Capital of the World" in the 19th century until just after the Second World War. Its tumultuous past, marked by revolts, destruction and massacres, never diminished its resilience and forged an identity for the proud city of Biterroise and its inhabitants.
The vestiges of this era are preserved on every street corner and in the squares of the old quarters, so don't hesitate to look up to appreciate the architectural wealth of the splendid Haussmann mansions in the city center. Romanesque churches, classical mansions, the Musée des Beaux-arts et du Bitterrois, English gardens and the majestic Grand Théâtre invite you to stroll and discover this old town, where the Occitan language still permeates the narrow streets.
You'll be amazed by the liveliness of the city center and the frenzy of the alleyways in summer, reminiscent of Barcelona's famous Ramblas.
The 1897 bullring comes to life in the summer months and during the féria, the city's must-see event, which welcomes and brings together 1,000,000 people every year to the rhythm of popular and traditional music.
Enjoy a gentle stroll along the Canal du Midi to the rhythm of the boats and discover the nine locks at Fonseranes, all the way up to the majestic Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire.
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Discover Beziers
Béziers, a proud city perched on its acropolis, overlooks the plain, the Orb and its prestigious Canal du Midi, its vineyards and its olive trees. The beautiful Biterroise, from the depths of its past, has always marked history. This city will surprise you, catch you, please you, you will only want to discover it a little more during your stay. Here its heritage, there its gastronomy, tomorrow its panoramas and then its men and women who make the soul of Béziers. Stroll through its medieval streets, savor the local specialties, and take the time to live on its squares and along the Paul Riquet alleys. Meet its winegrowers, walk through its vineyards and taste the appellations that make its reputation. And vibrate, at every moment, to the crazy rhythm of its festivals, its féria and its summer evenings during which you will understand why Béziers is intensely alive!
The 12 keywords Beziers
1. # Antique
Built by the Greeks in 625 B.C., Béziers was crossed as early as 118 B.C. by the Via Domitia, a road linking Genoa to Valencia. Baeterrae was then an important Roman colony, as evidenced by its forum, its temple (under the Saint-Nazaire cathedral), and its amphitheater with its impressive capacity of 15,000 people.
2. # Aphrodise
Fleeing persecution in Egypt, and in order to preach the good word, St. Alphodius crossed the Mediterranean with his camel. In Béziers, the Romans took a dim view of his arrival and had him beheaded. The legend says that Aphrodise left with his head under his arm, going back to the cave where he was staying, the actual Saint-Aphrodise basilica.
3. # Comic book
The Comics Festival has been held for 26 years in Sérignan. Each year, the president of the festival is a famous comic book artist. For the 2021 edition, Cromwell came with his heroine Anita Bomba, and his fantastic universe with a sweet anarchic flavor. Around thirty authors, signing sessions and workshops animate the weekend.
4. # Béziers
béziers, thesecond largest protected area in France after Paris, has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History) label. It reveals its centuries of history, its traditions rooted in the heart of every Béziers citizen and its authentic land, through its medieval streets, its atmosphere, its picturesque addresses and its soul, vibrant in every way.
5. # Canal du Midi
On the decision of Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi was built to facilitate trade and avoid the passage of the Straits of Gibraltar. A masterpiece of civil engineering, it was Pierre-Paul Riquet from Béziers who was in charge of the extraordinary work linking Toulouse to Sète. Inaugurated in May 1681, the Canal Royal du Languedoc is bequeathed to posterity.
6. # Camel
Present on the brass nails that guide you through the streets of the city, the camel is Lou Camel, totemic animal of Béziers. The pride of the people of Béziers, the camel, a good luck charm that can be used for any occasion, is the camel of Saint-Aphrodise: since Egypt, it has crossed the waves of the Great Blue with its master who came to evangelize the city.
7. # Energy
Rich in heritage and history, Béziers Méditerranée is the fierce heir of a panoply of traditions drawing their foundations from the lands of Occitania. From its singing language to its colourful festivals, from its culinary flavours to its fiery matches, Béziers, dynamic and lively, spreads its energy spontaneously.
8. # Feria
Every year in August, nearly a million people attend the Féria de Béziers. The bullring and the bullfights are at the heart of the festival, which ends up setting the city of Béziers on fire. The bodegas and casitas fill up, the entertainment and shows liven up the streets which vibrate to the rhythm of flamenco until dawn!
9. # Orpellières
Natural jewel safeguarded near the vineyards and Sérignan, the Orpellières offer unique landscapes where the people of Biter enjoy relaxing. Between land and sea, dunes and lagoons, take the paths to discover this exceptional setting. From the Maison du Site, you will be able to choose multiple activities to live and feel the Orpellières.
10. # Fishermen at sea
Inseparable from Valras-Plage, the sea fishermen are celebrated every year during the Saint Peter's Day festival. It is the fishing which, in its time, made the wealth of Valras, installed at the mouth of the Orb. Today, coastal and river fishermen are reviving the activity and invite you to buy fresh fish for delicious recipes.
11. # Rugby
"Aqui, Aqui, es Besiers!" chanted the Béziers residents supporting ASBH at the Raoul Barrière stadium, the club's legendary coach. A fervour that is omnipresent for the team from "Grand Béziers" where an exceptional generation of players has forged the reputation of the rugby club. Playing in the Pro D2, ASBH is the3rd most successful club in France.
12. # Wine
On the hills and in the plains, the vine, in the territory of Béziers Méditerranée, is everywhere, drawing from its soils multiple riches for wines with exceptional qualities. In this area, which has been awarded the "Vignobles et Découvertes" label since 2015, 5 appellations highlight the uniqueness of these wines with a Mediterranean accent.
You are from here, if...
You go to the Raoul Barrière stadium, to support the ASBH, the rugby team of Béziers, 11 times champion of France.
You speak Béziers and spread the Occitan identity of Béziers through your words of the "langue d'aqui".
You like the Coque de Saint-Aphrodise, a gourmet brioche with notes of citrus and orange blossom, reminiscent of the bread distributed to the poor by the saint.
You go to the Saint Peter's Day festival in Valras-Plage at the end of June, to pay tribute to fishermen and sailors.
You cook cuttlefish stew with olives à la valrassienne.
On August 15, you go to the Féria de Béziers, the biggest summer event in the Occitanie region.
You stroll along the Canal du Midi, a water artery that has been irrigating the heart of Béziers for 340 years.
All year round, you can walk along the dunes and the salt meadows of the Orpellières.
You have your pet blessed during the Saint-Roch's day, in Sérignan, every year in August.
In your trunk there is always your beach bag!