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Top 10 Things to Do in Beziers

Beziers is among one of the oldest towns in Europe located in the Occitanie region of Southern France. It strategically lies on hilly grounds overlooking the Orb River as it is intersected with the Canal of the Midi. In 1209 there was a bloody massacre in the town as crusaders killed the town’s citizens in the name of carrying out Catharist heresy of good and evil.

Despite the brutal massacre, the town was repopulated and became part of the royal domain in 1247. Today the town is a principal centre of the Languedoc viticulture and winemaking business. Beziers is a small town that has so much to offer like its long sandy beaches. Here are the top 10 things to do while at Beziers.

1. Canal Du Midi

Canal du Midi – Wikimedia Commons

Originally named Canal royal en Languedoc it was renamed to its current name in 1789 by the French revolutionaries. The 240km canal connects the Garonne to the Étang de Thau on the Mediterranean. The Canal was designed by Pierre-Paul Riquet and construction began in 1681. The canal was officially used on 20^th May 1681 and was considered a major engineering achievement in French history. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage in December 1996.

Cruising along this ancient masterpiece will allow you to have a great view of the famous vineyards in the heart of the Languedoc wine region. You will pass through charming medieval villages and buildings. You will also get a chance to transcend the famous Nine Locks of Fonserannes discussed below.

2. The Fonserannes Locks

Beziers Fonseranes – Wikipedia

The Fonserannes Locks are a flight of staircase locks on Canal du Midi. This invention is credited to Pierre-Paul Riquet. They are famously referred to as the Nine Locks of Fonserannes because original designs had nine locks. Today it consists of eight oval-shaped lock chambers and nine gates that allow boats to be raised the height of 21.5 meters over a distance of 300 meters.

It is very fascinating to watch the boats transcend this engineering masterpiece water staircase. You can also embark on a boat ride and truly experience the height difference created by the locks and enjoy the great view of the surrounding from this height.

3. Les Allees Paul-Riquet

Statue de Riquet B̩zier on Les Allees Paul-Riquet РWikipedia

Allees Paul-Riquet  is a 600-meter long street shaded by stunning trees built in 1827 over the remains of the ramparts and moats that surrounded the city until the 17^th century. At the heart of the street is the statue of Paul-Riquet. The statue was erected in 1838 and it’s the work of David D’Angers. The path is dedicated to Paul-Riquet.

Paul-Riquet who lived between 1909 and 1680 was the innovative engineer behind the design and construction of the Canal du Midi. He was and is still considered the favorite son of Beziers.

Experience French life by strolling along these tree-shaded pathways and take in the view as you sip a cup of coffee in one of the many cafes and restaurants along the street.

4. Cathedral Saint Nazaire de Beziers

Cath̩drale Saint-Nazaire B̩ziers РWikipedia

It is a Roman Catholic Church of Gothic style dating back to the 13^th century. The church was built on the ruins of an old Romanesque Cathedral church of the same name. The original church was burned down the church causing it to collapse on those who had taken refuge in it during the Crusade against the Cathars.

The Cathedral is situated on top of a steep hill overlooking the Orb River below. The cathedrals decorative exterior dominates the city of Beziers as it can be viewed from afar and it is considered a symbol of the city. The Interior is lined with gorgeous ancient glass stained windows and an imposing old pipe organ.

The strategic positioning of the church will give you a panoramic view of the countryside. It is also has a beautiful Bishop’s palace garden that you can relax in as you take in the wonderful scenery. The garden is discussed below.

5. The Garden of Bishops

Le Jardin des Évêques Beziers – Flickr

Locals refer to it as Le Jardin des Évêques. The old gardens of the bishops of Saint-Malo are a terraced garden that gently slopes down towards the Orb River. The garden is such a surreal place with its colorful flowerbeds, water games in the basins, small stone wall that design the garden, an old greenhouse and the remains of what used to be a water mill and its fountain.

It is a French-styled garden that will provide you with an outstanding view of the surrounding country from the great Mediterranean to the high Minervois hills and the crowning jewel of Beziers the Canal du Midi. This little piece of heaven is so charming that the church was forced to give it to the people.

6. Orb River

Orb River B̩darieux РWikimedia Commons

The Orb River is a 135.6km long river that flows through the towns of Bédarieux and Beziers and into the Mediterranean at Valras-plage. The Orb River that flows through Beziers provides the city with a stunning view of its gentle and quiet flowing waters and it beautiful fauna that lines its river banks.

For a more interesting and fun way to view the city starting with the Pont Vieux, the church of Saint-Jacques and the Bishops’ Garden is by descending to the riverbanks and a canoe, kayak or paddle-board and sailing gracefully along the river.

La Pisciculture du pont de Caylus

Fish Pond – Wikipedia

The Pond Caylus Fish Farm, in English, is a family-owned fish pond farming business. The fish farm has a few fishing ponds that you fish in. It is great fun and nerves as you wait for the fish to take the bait.

The entry to the farm is free and they provide you with the fishing equipment that you. The highlight of this place is when you are trying to hook a fish. It is a great and fun activity for the whole family. The only payment that you make is your catch which they clean and wrap for you. Enjoy your dinner that you caught all by yourself.

8. Pont Vieux

Pont Vieux de B̩ziers РWikimedia Commons

The Romanesque bridge that connects Provence to Toulouse has been used since 1134. It is a true piece of masterworks as it has been able to withstand the intense rises of the Orb without collapsing. Its columns are firmly fixed in the riverbed and still manage to support the heavy bridge which is one-way today. The structure was declared a historical monument in 1963.

Come and explore this convex-shaped bridge with asymmetrical arches that provides a great view of the city. Try imaging how much the bridge has witnessed over the years considering there is no other time-worn path in the city like this.

9. Feria de Beziers

Feria B̩ziers Foule devant les ar̬nes РWikipedia

Normally Bezier is a relatively quiet town but during this time the city comes alive and music fills the airwaves. Visitors from all over swarm the small city adorned in red and white costumes ready for the bullfighting festival to begin The festival lasts a whole 5 days during mid-August every year and there is no dull moment during this time.

The festival has gained more popularity since the ban of bullfighting in Catalonia. The festival which began in 1968 is the heir to the initial bullfights that took place in Beziers’ arenas since 1897. After the bullfight, there is dancing, music and eating.

10. Les Halles de Beziers

Halles Centrales B̩ziers РWikimedia Commons

Les Halles is a covered market covering 2800 meters square, which is considered to be one of the largest areas in France that you can get fresh produce. The market is full of traders trading in different products from farm produce to wine merchants. Majority of the traders are locals. It is a must to go place for tourists as French gastronomy is widely represented.

The market’s building is also another reason to visit the market. The building was built in 1891 on the ruins of an 11^th century Church. Admire the Art Nouveau design of this metallic structure that is adorned with sculptures and an imposing roof.