BÉZIERS

Enclosed between sea and mountain, the city, from the top of its promontory, dominates the wine-growing plain that stretches out at its feet. Rich in twenty-seven centuries of history, marked by revolts, destruction and massacres, Béziers, proud and tolerant, has always risen up, building its wealth on the exploitation of the vine. To those who are curious, Béziers reveals its heritage, preciously safeguarded, at the bend in the street or in the shade of a small square, as you stroll through the old quarters. The first sight of the traveller leaving the station is the Plateau des Poètes, a listed historical site. This English-style garden is a 5 ha haven of peace, leading to the heart of the city via the Allées Paul Riquet. These old ditches of the city which were filled in at the end of the 18th century are reminiscent of the Ramblas of Barcelona, especially when they overflow with activity on Friday morning, the day of the flower market. At the end of the street stands the recently renovated and enlarged Theatre of Béziers, an almost unique example of a bonbonnière theatre in 19th century France. Behind it lives the old Béziers, with streets marked in Occitan. Very commercial, they are adorned with a beautiful succession of mansions of the 17th century. Also have a look at the arenas. Built in brick in 1897, they are especially lively on the weekend of August 15 at the time of the féria, but they are also the setting for many cultural events. Romanesque churches, private mansions from the classical period, the museum of Fine Arts and the Biterrois... a visit to the town will take you back to 65 centuries of history. In the surroundings, the Canal du Midi with its nine locks is a pleasant and almost indispensable walk for any traveller in the Biterrois region.