Overview
Béziers is a regional centre of winemaking in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region, surrounded by vineyards offering tours and tastings for €5-15. The city preserves medieval Cathar heritage dating to the Albigensian Crusade massacre of 1209, with an old town of largely early medieval streets extending from the Cathedral to the town centre.
Architecture · Beach · Day Trips · Festivals · History
Before you go
Beach
Beach bus to Valras Plage runs every 20 minutes, taking 30 minutes. Sérignan Plage is quieter and popular with families, with several nudist hotels.
Culture
Béziers was a centre of the Cathars; much of the population was massacred in 1209 during the Albigensian Crusade. Occitan/French bilingual signage is common.
Events
The Féria bullfighting festival in early August draws thousands of visitors for five days of celebrations. Book accommodation well in advance for this period.
Transport
Béziers-Cap d'Agde Airport (CCR) is served by Ryanair. TGV trains from Paris Gare de Lyon take 4-5 hours. The A75 autoroute provides direct road access from Paris.
Wine
Béziers is surrounded by vineyards in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. Wine tours and tastings (€5-15) are readily available at cave coopératives.