The Lucques olive
This Languedoc olive is the flagship product to bring back. Easily recognizable with its crescent moon shape, the green lucques olive is the emblematic variety of the region. It has benefited from an AOP lucques du Languedoc since 2017. This green diamond is an indigenous olive, particularly in the triangle formed by Béziers, Narbonne and Clermont-l'Hérault. Its crunchy flesh and subtle aromas of buttered avocado make it the queen of table olives. In tapenade on toast rubbed with garlic, or in olive paste to stuff poultry and fish, the Lucques olive is a delight to the taste buds. If you prefer to bring back oil, choose an oil made from picholine, the bitterness and light spiciness of this olive will enhance the flavours of your dishes.
The wines
It is impossible to go home without a bottled souvenir of the Béziers vineyards. You have enjoyed the oenorandos and participated with delight in the Thursdays of Béziers, you have met the winemakers and tasted their wines, let your friends and family benefit by bringing back one of the five appellations offered by this geographical area labelled "Vignobles et découvertes". IGP côtes-de-thongue, IGP coteaux-de-béziers, IGP coteaux-d'ensérune, IGP pays-d'oc and AOC coteaux-du-languedoc-terrasses-de-béziers offer a mosaic of contrasting flavours. These different characteristics illustrate the richness of the terroir and its subtle complexity. Visit the estates, the cooperative cellars or the wine shops: these professionals will help you find what you are looking for.
Sweet specialties
It is often said that sugar knows how to flatter the taste buds... This is verified with the sweet delicacies skilfully elaborated by craftsmen who are passionate about passing on taste and traditions. The pavé aux figues from the Garcia house in Sérignan is an institution. Initially created as a travel cake, this family speciality has returned to its original nature: to serve as a gourmet souvenir. A homemade fig jam wrapped in a Genoa bread is a delicacy that is hard not to love. This golden cobbler can be eaten in individual portions or in a more generous format for six gourmands. When local legends serve as inspiration, your epicurean palates can't help but appreciate it. The cockles of Saint-Aphrodise are intimately linked to the legend of the saint. A little reminder: coming from Egypt with his camel to evangelize the city, Saint Aphrodise was beheaded by the Romans. With his head in his hands, he took refuge in the cave that served as his shelter. His camel was taken in by a family of potters from Biterro. When the animal died, their house was sold and the money used by the consuls of Béziers to buy bread and distribute it to the poor during the "Caritats" organised at Pentecost. Today, a soft brioche, with notes of citrus fruit or orange blossom, replaces the blessed bread. You can find this speciality from Béziers at the Rolland Père et Fils house.
Beautiful objects
In addition to the gourmet products, think of bringing back beautiful objects from this sunny destination. You will find a plethora of postcards that will remind you of the most beautiful places you have visited, but to enrich your knowledge of the area, we recommend the books and guides available in the shops of the tourist offices of Béziers Méditerranée. There are books for everyone: novels, beautiful books on the history of the Canal du Midi, collections of photographs, and for the youngest, colouring books and books allowing the little ones to learn while having fun. Complete your souvenir trunk with items that identify you: whether you are in Valras-Plage, Béziers, the Orpellières or the 9 locks of Fonseranes, you will find in the tourist office shops, items in the colours of your favourite destination. At the Maison du Site des Orpellières, you will find objects inspired by the local fauna and flora, such as pretty design water bottles, mugs or flocked beach bags. The local craftsmen are also highlighted in these shops, and you will have the choice between soaps, jewels or still artisanal candles. The richness of the destination can also be found in these souvenirs!
