Beziers is a charm-soaked city perched on a hilltop and anchored by a historic centre. Built for strolling, the city is filled with sun-drenched squares and pedestrianised promenades. Admire beautiful Gothic and Romanesque architecture and dine on delicious food and wine from the Languedoc region.
Things to do in Béziers
Getting lost in the cobbled streets of the historic centre is one of the best ways to enjoy Beziers. The streets are lined with elegant buildings like the Church of St Madeleine built in the Romanesque style and Galerie Mercure, a 19th-century mansion that’s been reimagined as a contemporary art gallery. The 13th-century Cathedral Saint-Nazaire is a treasured historic landmark and features Gothic quirks like the leering gargoyles and intricate wrought-iron gates.
Follow the two-kilometre long trail from the historic centre to Écluses de Fonseranes, an impressive series of locks, canals and gates. The visitor centre screens an excellent 3D film that offers more information on the legacy of the famous staircase locks.
Boat cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy Canal du Midi, the 240-kilometre-long waterway that stretches across Southern France. Pont-Canal stretches across the Orb River and features seven elegant arches. Crossing the historic aqueduct, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Beziers is dotted with atmospheric cafes, bistros and restaurants where you can try authentic Languedoc cuisine. You’ll find some of the best establishments strung along Les Allées Paul Riquet, a lively thoroughfare where tables and chairs spill onto the street.
Getting around Béziers
Beziers is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, especially in the historic centre. Local buses connect Beziers with nearby towns and villages. The town is a one-hour drive from Montpellier and two hours from Toulouse. Trains run between Beziers and Toulouse in around two hours and Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport is a one-hour drive away.