Béziers

Béziers lies midway between Montpellier, and Perpignan on the A9 motorway. The Mediterranean coast is just a short away. It is located on a hill that slopes down to the River Orb. A fine view of the River, and surrounding countryside can be had from the terrace of the Cathedral.

Throughout the Languedoc, Béziers is known for two things in particular: wine, and bullfighting. Undoubtedly the best time to visit this town, which overlooks the plain of the Hérault département, is during the four-day long feria when the town erupts into carnival atmosphere.

Béziers is perfectly situated for excursions into the Haut Languedoc, a rugged mountainous region of picturesque stone villages, and mountain streams. A stroll through the old town, bordered on three sides by the River Orb, and a canal, is very pleasant.

CHEAP CITY BREAKS ALL YEAR ROUND
If you’re looking for somewhere a little different to take a cheap city break, Béziers is less well known, and quieter than its near neighbours, and if you’re looking for a taste of the real Languedoc, you could do worse than spend a night or two here. It is oozing with history, and for a small provincial city has a surprising number of attractions, including parks and gardens, museums, art galleries, theatres, bars, and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

Unlike some destinations for a city break in Europe, Béziers doesn’t have huge crowds, inflated prices, and a mob of foreign tourists descending on it. This small city, with its stunning cathedral, and fabulous Canal du Midi, has a more peaceful charm, so that you can walk the historic streets without being crushed.

Béziers is also surrounded by some of the prettiest countryside in southern France, and is just a few miles from the Mediterranean coast, making it a perfect base for holidays in the south of France.

Getting to Béziers is easy. There are cheap flights direct to Béziers airport. http://www.beziers.aeroport.fr/

Exploring the town of Béziers is like walking through a real life history book. Important and extensive remains came to light during the excavations for the town’s northern bypass, which show that the history, and the population of Béziers are even more ancient than originally believed. Today, we know that it has been home to a settled population for the past 6,500 years.

BEZIERS HISTORY

The first historic remains date back to the foundation of the town by the Greeks in 6 BC. After this came the Roman occupation, when the town was linked to Narbonne by the Via Domitia. Beziers was a thriving city when the Romans arrived, and housed the Seventh Legion of the Roman army.

The production of grapes and olives developed here and the surrounding oak forests were cleared. When Rome fell, Gaul Narobonnais, was invaded by warriors from the East, especially the Visigoths, who pillaged the region, and established their capital in Narbonne.

13th century The Crusades against the Cathars

July 22, 1209 • Massacre at Beziers

One date in particular holds an important place in the history of Béziers: the 22nd July 1209. On this day, the Crusade against the Cathars led to the pillage and burning of Béziers and the massacre of its residents in the church of The Madeleine. Béziers was home to heretics, known as “Cathars”.

The pope's representative seemed untroubled by the massacre when he wrote to the Pope, Innocent III, that "neither age, nor sex, nor status had been spared." In fact, a popular account said that Arnald-Amaury, the pope's legate, was asked at the height of the butchery, how the killers should distinguish Catholic from heretic. He was said to have replied. "Kill them all; God will recognize his own." Although this cannot be verified, it indicates how contemporaries felt about the event.

The King’s army – led by Simon de Montfort together with the Pope’s Legate, Arnaud Amaury had set off against Languedoc, a very rich and completely independent region to put down the Cathars.

So how was a crusade taking place there? So far from the Middle East where we associate the Crusades
Southern France had many movements which opposed Catholicism. Especially strong were the Cathars, also known as Albigenses (because they were strongest around Albi). The Cathars were accused of corrupting Christian teachings with many false doctrines. Cathar elders lived holy lives, and in an age when the church was rich, top-heavy, and corrupt, the Cathars attracted many followers.

The pope decided to undertake a crusade against the heretics, and many wicked men, excited by the prospect of loot, joined the army. The crusaders arrived at Beziers, on July 21, 1209. The city was well-provisioned, and Catholic, and heretic alike joined to defend it against the crusaders. On July 22, 1209, the crusaders unexpectedly attacked, but the walls were not properly manned. Defenders fled. Within three hours, the crusaders had taken the city. When the poor soldiers began to loot, the knights stepped in. The plunder was for them. Some of the looters, angry at being cheated out of their share of the spoils, set buildings on fire. Soon much of the town was ablaze, and within a few hours the crusaders had to pull out, the heat was so intense. Many valuables perished in the blaze.

The fall of Beziers was the start of the downfall of the Cathar movement.

12th/14th centuries Troubadours and the Commune

Following this terrible period, Béziers obtained its Communal Charter: administered by the Consuls, who set up their Communal house on the site of the former Roman forum where the Hôtel de ville (Town Hall) stands today.

The city developed a love of liberty, and tolerance, with an opposition to central power, from which emerged an unruly attitude, and a taste for rebellion. Groups of troubadours toured the region, and this brought about a more gentle way of life, and a cultural boom. Throughout the 14th century, huge problems ensued, with locust swarms and famines and then the Great Plague, which, from 1345, killed almost one third of the French population…

17th/18th centuries

An important period for Béziers began in 1604, when Pierre Paul Riquet was born in the town. He was the son of an Italian family, the Righetti, who lived first of all in Provence, before moving to Languedoc. Pierre-Paul Riquet was going to transform the landscape of the Languedoc with the building of the Canal du Midi.

After becoming Farmer General for the salt tax in Languedoc (tax inspector), he obtained the authorisation of Louis XIV to build the Canal du Midi, which he had conceived and designed. He was the only one who had been able to find the solution for the permanent supply of water to this canal, which links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. He therefore ensured, developed and secured trade between the two seas. This led to a period of great prosperity for Béziers.
Today, thousands of tourists visit the Canal in order to see the amazing locks, bridges, and other engineering works. Béziers makes the perfect base for a Canal du Midi holiday.

19th century Wine-making fortunes and southern prosperity

The most prosperous period in the history of Béziers came during the 19th century, when the boom in winemaking, and transport meant that the local vineyards were able to supply wine to all of France, and also to other parts of the world. This activity provided work for thousands of people, resulting in a massive increase in the population. Wine production gave rise to massive fortunes which led to the construction of “wine chateaux” throughout the winemaking area of Béziers. Trade increased with the development of the southern railway company. The city took on its present-day shape. With the demolition of the ramparts (1827), the laying out of an esplanade – les Allées Paul Riquet - the construction of grand boulevards across the city, the Plateau des Poètes and the theatre also took place, as well as the arena, where Camille Saint-Saëns and Gabriel Fauré came to present their works. Béziers became the principal city in the region.
This period of opulence came to an end at the start of the 20th century, when the vineyards of Béziers entered a period of overproduction, resulting in reducing sales. In 1907, this crisis led to the winemakers’ revolt, which Clémenceau punished severely. This episode in history has remained deeply ingrained in the memories of the residents of Béziers.

20th century:

The 1st World War depleted the town’s population, and Béziers had barely recovered when the. 2^nd World War started. Defeat in 1940, and the German occupation, was a serious wound to the pride of the residents of Béziers, and this roused them.

Jean Moulin who was born in Beziers, was the flame for the spirit of revolt, grew up in a house on the Champ de Mars.

Jean Moulin, “Biterrois” (resident of Béziers) by birth became the hero of the French Resistance. Jean Moulin was born in Béziers on 20^th June 1899. In 1939 he became the Prefect for the region of Eure-et-Loire. He was arrested by the Germans on 17^th June 1940, and upon his release in November, he joined General de Gaulle in London, who designated him as his representative to the French Resistance.

He unified the different Resistance movements and coordinated them during the hardest periods of the Occupation, before being betrayed, and arrested on 21^st June at Caluire, and tortured by Klaus Barbie. He died in the train which was carrying him away to deportation. He died a national hero, and today his ashes lie at rest in the Pantheon in Paris.

Béziers today

A town with suburbs consisting of over 102,000 inhabitants, Béziers lies at the heart of a very popular tourist region. Budget airlines’ with their cheap flights, fly direct to Beziers Airport. The airport offers an estimated traffic potential of nearly 300,000 passengers per year. Thanks to its new infrastructures, the airport is now capable of handling much larger aircraft, notably those used for leisure travel.

Béziers’ colourful, and fascinating history is evident everywhere, and a big attraction for tourists. But Béziers is also looking to the future, and is now developing rapidly with its university, and transport infrastructure (A75 motorway, TGV to Spain, airport expansion. Beziers is diversifying its economy and building for the future, and is asserting itself as an economic hub in full development. A southern town with a definite strong character,

Béziers - holidays in the south of France

Guided visits

The Tourist Office guides will readily welcome you to discover Béziers. The ancient city is re-emerging through the recently excavated Roman amphitheatre. They will take you strolling through the cool, and winding streets of the medieval city, to discover the facades of private mansions, which contain hidden courtyards, and sumptuous spiral stairways. There are also large avenues to savour, with their opulent architecture so characteristic of the nineteenth century.
Or maybe you would prefer a walk in a public garden, or hear the fascinating story of Paul Riquet and his canal.

Visits guaranteed all year round.
Enquiries: 04 67 76 84 11

Office de Tourisme
29 avenue St Saëns
Tel: 0467 768 400; Fax: 0467 765 080
Email: accueil.tourisme@ville-beziers.fr

Web:
www.beziers-tourisme.fr
http://www.ville-beziers.fr/index.cfm

What to see.

The area north, and west of the centre (straight and left as you're facing the theatre) have the most interesting streets for shopping, and is the centre of the "old town". On early morning walks in Béziers, you'll be greeted with the aromas of bakeries, and the large, covered market at the Place Pierrre Sémard, which is open 5h30 to 13h30.
The area of Béziers south, from the centre down to the railway station is a much more run down, and poor area of town.

St Nazaire Cathedral :
The typical postcard image of Béziers, Saint Nazaire Cathedral was also witness to the Cathar tragedy. The cathedral was first mentioned in the 8th century.

In 1130, the master builder Gervais, built a Romanesque church of which little is left today. In fact, it was burned down on 22 July 1209 as part of the Crusade against the Albigensians. It was said that the cathedral “split in half like a pomegranate”.

The Cathédrale of St-Nazaire was rebuilt between the 13th and 15th centuries, and is a superb example of southern Gothic architecture with magnificent frescoes, a fascinating organ case, and other interesting items. The towers are crenellated and gives the appearance of a castle more than a church. You can climb the tower that gives views across the vineyards that surround Béziers, The cloisters and the bishop’s garden that overlooks the River Orb are worth visiting. The medieval quarter around the cathedral, is an interesting area to walk, and is subject to an extensive renovation programme.

In many ways repository of the town’s history, it is also an invitation to come for a peaceful stroll, or just to rest awhile: the cloisters and the Bishop’s garden are cool havens of peace on the hottest day. These are magical places, hidden from public view, which is typical of Béziers,

Saint Madeleine’s Church :
Though closely surrounded by buildings, Saint Madeleine’s Church has retained aspects of its Romanesque origin in spite of some rebuilding. Today in a peaceful Italian-style square, it was a consular parish church until the French Revolution. It was also the site of a number of violent episodes in the town’s history: not only was Raymond de Trencavel assassinated in the church in 1167, but one of the worst massacres of the Cathar Crusades took place here. When the townspeople sought refuge in the church on the arrival of the Crusaders, the Papal Legate ordered them all to be burnt, saying “Kill them all! God will recognise His own”.

The Amphitheatre :
Built under the Roman Flavian emperors (1st century AD) on the uninhabited Saint James’ hill, it held 13,700 spectators. In regular use, until the end of the 3rd century, when it became a source of dressed stone before being taken over by potters and other craftsmen from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Recently renovated and partially restored, it is only accessible to the general public on guided tours.

The old arena :
Built by the Romans in the first century AD, the ancient arena was the site of major archaeological research. The amphitheatre measured 108.3 metres by 88.6 metres and would have held 13,700 spectators. Guided visits by appointment. Call (33) 467 768 400.

The new Arena :
Béziers is a town of numerous passions, and the Arena is home to one of today’s most popular events, the ferias! At the end of the 19th century, the town built a veritable plaza in brick and stone. Started in 1897 and completed in 1905, it is now the site of Béziers’ famous corridas.

At the beginning of the 20th century however, it was intended for operas, and other events. Camille Saint-Saëns was persuaded to mount his opera, Déjanire, there by his friend Castelbon. It was a triumph, and marked the start of the Arena’s role as “opera house”. Other operas followed, and over 25 years Béziers became a sort of French Bayreuth. The town’s bull-fighting traditions only date from the end of the First World War, the first major corrida being held on 29 May 1921.
Béziers is to be seen and heard.
A great clamour fills the town during the August feria. Famous bull fighters have succeeded one another over the years.
The atmosphere is palpable all over town. This is Béziers, where the days, and the nights merge into one another with music and dance.
An event over four days in the heart of the summer ending on the 15^th August.

Bullring
Avenue Emile Claparède
34 500 BEZIERS
Tel: 04 67 76 13 45
www.arenesdebeziers.fr

Plateau des Poètes

This park, dating from the second half of the 19th century, takes its name from a monk who lived in Béziers in the 13th century, Maffre Ermengaud, whose poem “Breviary of love” counted no fewer than 34,000 verses. It was in the middle of the 19th century, under Mayor Auguste Fabrégat, that the decision was taken to create the Plateau des Poètes.

Designed to complete the southern end of the Allées Paul-Riquet, and to join the railway station to the town, and the theatre at the other end of Allées.
It was Eugène, one of the Bühler brothers, who was contracted for the project. He was already behind the creation of the Parc de la Tête d’Or in Lyons and Square Planchon in Montpellier.
In 1867, Béziers inaugurated, with great pomp, its new Plateau des Poètes, this “English-style” garden, where Bühler let his imagination run riot, a space in which straight lines were banished, with clever plant arrangements and beds laid out in such a way as to reveal, or hide, the more open spaces… and even a “green theatre”. The trees, shrubs, flowers and plants from all over the world cover the plateau’s 50,000m2. Sculptures by the local artist, Injalbert, were introduced here during the following decades, notably the “fontaine du Titan”.

Apart from its normal leisure use, the park is frequently put to use by wedding parties as a venue for their photographs.

It is an inviting place for those who want to take the time to appreciate nature’s gentle pace. The plateau was classed as a historic site in 1995.

The Canal du Midi
The Canal du Midi, links the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and makes its way past Béziers, which is only just, as the engineering genius who built the canal was born here.

A few hundred yards from the town, he had to build a series of seven locks to enable the canal to climb the Fonséranes hill. Today this is one of the major sites in Languedoc - Roussillon. Not far away, an ingenious bridge was built to take the Canal over the Orb River. It is now classed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site,

Prior to Paul Riquet, the three-centuries-old canal was always a dream. The Romans first dreamt of linking the two seas, but it was Paul Riquet from Béziers who managed to realise their ambition. Today, the Canal’s days of carrying goods are over, and it has become a unique tourist attraction.

It was in 1660, that Pierre-Paul Riquet presented a plan before Colbert, the king’s minister, and argued in its favour: to link the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas by an artificial waterway, thus avoiding the expensive and dangerous journey

through the straits of Gibraltar and assuring the safe transportation of goods. After six years of persistent struggle in the face of general scepticism, Riquet managed to convince Louis XIV, who ordered the construction of the Royal Languedoc Canal, which became the Canal du Midi after the Revolution. At the age of sixty, Riquet undertook the biggest project of his life, with fifteen years of work, 12,000 workers (600 women), 328 works of art (bridges, dams, locks, aqueducts, tunnels…) and 45,000 plane and cypress trees planted along the banks. In total, 240 kilometres of canal were dug with pick and shovel between Toulouse and Sète.

The Locks of Fonseranes

Located a short distance outside Beziers is one of the major projects of the Canal du Midi. Eight basins and nine gates allow a boat to traverse a difference in level of 21m50 over a length of more than 300m. This water “stairway” was a considerable technical achievement at the time, and the locks of Fonseranes remain a permanent attraction. Each year, about 10,000 boats pass through

them. In the nineteenth century, the lowest basin at Fonseranes was blocked off, and a channel was dug to allow the canal to arrive at a bridge, which carried the canal over the River Orb and into the new port at Beziers.

The Malpas Tunnel,

Riquet did not want the channel to cross the Aude, as there were numerous difficulties in construction. The chosen resolution consisted in accomplishing a very long section of canal (54 km without lock), by constructing a tunnel under the
mountain of Ensérune, and the building of a staircase of locks at the entrance to Béziers.

The 170-metre long tunnel of Malpas was pierced, during the winter 1679-1680, in sandy sandstone, with a high
risk of collapse.

It was the last big construction site led by Riquet; for he died some months later, on the October 1st, 1680.
RN9, direction Narbonne, exit Nissan lez Ensérune

Moulin de Bagnols (The Cordier mill) Located at the foot of the city, on the River Orb, the Bagnols Mill, was the starting point of a big technical feat. It is here in 1827, that a young Biterrois, Jean - Mary Ropemaker, pumped up water from the Orb, to the town centre.

Avenue Valentin DucOnly
34 500 BEZIERS
can only be seen from the outside :

October-April 10 a.m-5.30 p.m
May to September 10 a.m-7 p.m

Les Halles (The Covered Market)

Built in 1890 in the Baltard style, and magnificently restored in 1986, the food displays are mouthwatering.

6 a.m-1 p.m except Monday

The Theatre

Was built in 1844. With an ancient façade, the interior decoration by David d’Angers, contains an English-inspired foyer, a wooden, Italian-style auditorium, this “bonbonnière” (exquisite) theatre is the only work in France dating from that period to have kept its original style.

Visits by reservation : 04 67 28 40 75

Avenue Paul Riquet

Laid out in 1827 following the line of the ramparts, the Allées Paul Riquet is the city’s main artery. It marks the limit between the old and new neighbourhoods of the city. A statue of Pierre-Paul Riquet by David d’Angers (1838) stands half-way down the avenue.

Plateau of the Poets

Created in 1870 by the Bülher brothers, this magnificent English landscape garden offers works by the sculptor Injalbert, and over seventy rare botanical species.

From October to March : 7 a.m-6 p.m

April to May 7 a.m-8 p.m

June 21st to August 7 a.m-9 p.m

22nd August-September 7 a.m-8 p.m

BEZIERS: le 1er site web indépendant de la ville de Beziers

Getting around

Getting to Beziers by road

• The A9 Motorway from Lyon to Barcelona passes directly by.
Take the “Béziers Est” or “Béziers Ouest” exit

• The A75 Motorway from Paris to Béziers via Clermont-Ferrand is one of the most picturesque motorways in Europe and will also join with the A9 in the spring of 2010.

• RN 113 Arles / Narbonne

Bus Occitan
Rue d'Austerlitz (behind the Sous-Préfecture)
34500 Béziers - Tel: 04 67 28 36 41
http://www.busoccitan.com/favicon.ico
Bus Occitan offers 13 bus lines serving all parts of Béziers from 6.30am to 8.15pm.
No more need to waste time and money, Bus Occitan offers a complete range of bus tickets suited to the needs of each person.
Bus Station; Place Charles de Gaulle 34500 Béziers Tel: .04 67 28 36 41

Bus Station

SNCF Railway Station

SNCF Railway station information: 08 36 67 68 69
SNCF Railway station reservations: 08 36 35 35 35
TGV - Béziers / Paris
5 per day

TALGO - Barcelona / Béziers / Geneva
2 per day

TER - local trains, departing from Béziers
162 per day
The Languedoc Roussillon Regional Council and SNCF offer specially-priced tickets called "VIA" in the Languedoc Roussillon region.

For more information:
www.voyages-sncf.com
www.ter-sncf.com

Taxis
Radio Taxis 04 67 35 00 85

Bicycle rental

JB’s, Ecluses de Fonseranes Tel; 06 11 75 62 28

La Maison du Canal, 8 Rue Des Péniches Tel; 04 67 62 18 18

Car rental

ADA 23 Bd de Verdun 04 67 62 65 39
AVIS 18 Bd de Verdun 04 67 28 65 44
BUDGET 35 Bd de Verdun 04 67 35 84 54
CITER Rond Point Bessan 04 67 35 60 78
EUROPCAR 70 Allées Paul Riquet 04 67 62 09 89
HERTZ 83 Avenue Wilson 04 67 62 82 00
LOCABEST 25 Avenue Mal Joffre 04 67 76 41 00
RENT A CAR 78 Avenue Gambetta 04 67 28 14 41
WALLGREEN 107 Avenue Wilson 04 67 76 57 46

Airport

From the UK, you can book a Béziers flight from London Stansted and Bristol
Your flight to Béziers will take you to the small but pleasant Béziers-Agde Airport, located south east of the town, close to the motorway.
Béziers-Agde-Vias Airport:
Tel: +33 (0)4 67 90 99 10
Website: http://www.beziers.aeroport.fr/
E-mail: airlinair@airlinair.com

MUSEUMS

Musée du Biterrois (The Biterrois Museum)

The natural and human history of Béziers and its region is illustrated by the diverse collections of palaeontology, archaeology, history, and ethnology.

Caserne St Jacques
Rampe du 96ème
34 500 BEZIERS
Tel : 04 67 36 81 60 – fax 04 67 36 81 69

musee@ville-beziers.fr

Musée des Beaux-arts (The Museum of Fine Arts)

In the heart of the historic quarter near to the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, the museum was created in 1859 and placed in two magnificent private mansions.

Musée d’Histoire Naturelle (The Natural History Museum)

The museum holds a remarkable collection.

Caserne St Jacques
rampe du 96éme
34 500 BEZIERS
Tèl. 04 67 36 81 60 / Fax 04 67 36 81 69

musee@ville-beziers.fr

Opening times of all the museums

1st April - 30th June
9 a.m - 12 a.m and 2 a.m - 6 p.m

1st July - 31st August
10 a.m - 6 p.m

1st September - 31st October
9 a.m - 12 a.m and 2 a.m - 6 p.m

1st November - 31st March
9 a.m - 12 a.m and 2 a.m - 5 p.m

Hôtel Fayet

An impressive collection of nineteenth century paintings and sculptures, notably featuring the workshop collection of Béziers’ sculptor J.A. Injalbert, is housed in this private mansion.

Rue du Capus
34 500 BEZIERS
Tél. 04 67 28 38 78
musee@ville-beziers.fr

Hôtel Fabrégat

A lovely collection of ancient, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish paintings, and including the collection of modern art that belonged to Jean Moulin (Chirico, Soutine, Dufy…)

6 place de la Révolution
34 500 BEZIERS
Tél. 04 67 28 38 78
musee@ville-beziers.f

Espace Taurin (Bullfighting Exhibition Hall)

A permanent exhibition of bullfighting culture, based on the collections of
the Béziers Bullfighting Union.

Open from 1st July to 31st August
every day except Tuesday and Wednesday
from 10 a.m ; 1 p.m and 2 a.m - 6 p.m

Château de Saint Bauzille

Saint Bauzille was the first wine château to open its doors to visitors. It is a
living testament to the splendour of nineteenth century Béziers. There is an important collection of pianoforte from the Revolution to the Romantic Age.

Route de Bessan
34 500 BEZIERS
Tél. 04 67 62 26 05 / 06 89 51 01 85

Open every day from April to October from 2 p.m-6 p.m

Château de Raissac

The attractions of the château include : a collection of nineteenth century ceramics in the original stables, and sales of Christine Viennet earthenware. A visit to the wine cave, includes a tasting.

Route de Murviel
Tél. 04 67 49 17 60 (musée)
Tèl. 04 67 28 15 61 (cave) / fax 04 67 28 19 75
www.raissac.com

Wine Cave : 9 a.m-1 p.m and 2 p.m-6 p.m
Museum : 2 p.m-7 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday

WINE

The vineyards surrounding Beziers - the world’s largest by area - has formed the
landscape and the history of the city since Roman times.

Béziers has not forgotten its title as capital of wine from the previous century. During the last twenty years, in order to regain its standing, it has changed methods, concentrating on quality rather than quantity of production. Béziers now offers a complete range of wines: from AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée), a classification, designating a high quality of wine), to Coteaux du Languedoc (wine from vines grown on hillsides), or Vins de Pays d’Oc (local wine), the region around Béziers produces wines appreciated and recognised worldwide. Béziers Méditerranée OEnopole is the storefront for the vineyards surrounding Béziers, selling and promoting wines on behalf of vine-growers of the region. Its tasting hall is open to the general public for wine-tasting sessions,

COOPERATIVE : LES CAVES DE BEZIERS
3 Route de Pézenas
34500 BEZIERS
Tél. 33 (0)4 67 31 27 23
Fax 33 (0) 4 67 31 06 98

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Caritats, Medieval Festival
2 and 3 MAY 2008
The Caritats festival is an extravaganza, taking the whole town back to the days of knights and troubadours. There is a market with wine and local produce, a medieval pageant, parades, historical spectacles, traditional games, jousting, educational presentations, a medieval banquet, craft shows, etc.
For two days Béziers will offer you a mixture of music, colour, smells, festive processions, shows of every kind and good food and drink!

Locks Festival on the Canal du Midi

14 and 15 June 2008

This 2-day event takes place at the famous locks of Fonséranes, on the Canal du Midi near Béziers. If you enjoy canal boat holidays in France, and you're looking for an interesting stopover along the way, or if you just want a day out with a difference, the locks festival could be for you.
On the programme: canal trips, guided tours, painting contest, exhibition, local produce market…
FREE ENTRANCE

“Festa d’oc”
9^th to 13^th July 2008
Occitania, the Land of the Troubadours, in festive mood, shows its vitality, its modernity, it’s openness to other cultures. A meeting place for Mediterranean voices and influences, crossed with Latin rhythms. Occitan Béziers plays host to the world.

BULL FIGHTING (Feria)

It comes as a surprise for those living outside the area to learn that Beziers is a mecca for bullfighting. After all it's Spain where bullfighting takes place? The first bull fights took place in Beziers on the 1st June 1859, and was held in a temporary arena made of wood on the "Champ de Mars". Today they are held in a purpose built arena, and the "Champ du Mars" is now a thriving market place every Friday.
During the week leading up to the 15th August, Beziers’ Spanish influence is apparent, when the bullfighting (feria) takes place. The town is given over to hundreds of wine, and paella stands, and a carnival atmosphere takes over. The centre of the town closes down, and temporary bars and restaurants are set up by the numerous associations, and clubs of Beziers. The wine flows freely, and bands (penas) play their music, and dancing in the streets continues throughout the five nights of festivities.
A million visitors, a riotous fiesta in the bodegas (bars), and casitas (cafés), memorable events abound, all make for a memorable holiday in Beziers. Just follow the crowd during this night time spectacle. Not to mention the spectacle of the Arènes (the Bull)Ring, for those who love bullfighting

Arena cup
The legends of the tennis world, meet annually in Béziers. With exhibition matches, and an evening concert in the Arènes,

Christmas Fair
The fun of this fun fair lasts for 20 days on the Allées Paul Riquet’

From 5-24 December, from 10.00 – 19.00 each day, the Béziers Christmas Market will be in full swing in the lively pedestrian area around the theatre, and les Allées Paul Riquet, lined with the stalls of craftsmen and shopkeepers
In the Béziers Christmas Market you will find original and traditional Christmas gift ideas, traditional Christmas decorations, and lots more, including delicious local specialties. With activities for children too, there’s more than enough to get the family into the Christmas spirit.

RUGBY

The Bitteroise have a passion for rugby. One of Beziers’ most striking buildings is the modern Stade de la Mediteranee. The Stade was completed in 1989 and is home to the Beziers rugby team, who have won the French rugby championship eleven times in their history. The ASB, Association Sportive Biterroise, (today ASB-H for Hérault) can boast of a well-stocked prize list. The club, created in 1911 from the fusion of two local teams, is one of the oldest in France and also one of the most capped: with 11 French championship titles obtained through blood, sweat and many bitter battles between 1961 and 1984. Over the seasons and since the creation of the national squad, ASB has also provided 55 players to wear the national colours in matches played in both hemispheres.

After a period of indifferent rugby Beziers is now becoming a strong contender in French rugby. Beziers was the southern most venue used for the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Beziers was also used as a venue for the 1991 World Cup.
ASBH - Site Officiel du Club de Rugby de Béziers - Association Sportive Béziers Hérault

French championship:

Champions: 1961, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984
Runners-up: 1960, 1962, 1964, 1976

Challenge Yves du Manoir

Champions: 1964, 1972, 1977
Runners-up: 1961, 1973, 1978, 1980, 1981

Coupe de France

Champions: 1986
Runners-up: 1950

ASBH
Stade de la méditerranée
Rond-point Pierre-Lacans
34 500 BEZIERS

Tel : 04 67 11 81 76
www.asbh.net

SHOPPING

Béziers is an excellent town for shopping. It has shops and stores of all sizes, from the Galeries Lafayette department store to small trendy boutiques. One large toy store specializes in wooden toys and creative toys. There are also three large shopping districts on the outskirts.

A new shopping precinct has opened in 2010 near to the railway station The POLYGONE
POLYGONE Béziers, centre commercial à ciel ouvert au coeur de béziers, mode béziers, boutiques, shopping et commerces béziers

Markets

Flower Market (Allées Paul Riquet)
Friday from 6am to 7pm

Marché du Champ de Mars (Place du 14 juillet)
Friday from 7am to 1pm (all produce)

Marché Place David d'Angers
Friday from 7am to 1pm (food)

Marché de la Devèze
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, from 7am to 1pm (all produce)

Marché au Bois (Place du 11 Novembre)
Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, from 7am to 1pm

Marché Emile Zola (place Emile Zola)
Tuesday from 7am to 1pm (food)

Marché de l'Iranget (Place de l'Iranget)
Wednesday from 7am to 1pm

Marché du Pourtour, Les Halles
Tuesday, Sunday from 7am to 1pm

Marché de la Place de La Madeleine
Sunday from 7am to 1pm (local produce)

Marché de la Place de la Madeleine
Saturday from 7am to 1pm (car-boot sale)

Secondhand Market (Allées Paul Riquet)
Every 1st Sunday of the month

Hotels

The Beziers region has a huge choice of quality hotels, B&Bs and guest houses. Although luxury holidays are possible here, there is also plenty of accommodation for a cheap city break.
For Hotel information visit: http://www.beziers-tourisme.fr/

Swimming pool

Stade Nautique Municipal Léo Lagrange
Avenue Emile Claparède
Tel : 04 67 30 36 31

2 indoor 25m pools (from 1st September to 31st May)
1 50m outdoor pool (open from June)
Swimming lessons, Aquagym, Aquabulles (Baby swimmers)

Beziers

Béziers est la seconde ville du département de l'Hérault. Ses habitants sont appelés les Biterrois et Biterroises.
La ville est située dans la plaine héraultaise, dominant l'Orb et le canal du Midi dans un site pittoresque. Béziers est située à 20 km de la mer Méditerranée et à 50km des montagnes moyennement élevées du Haut Languedoc telles que le massif abrupt du Caroux (1090 mètres d'altitude) l'Espinouse (1124m) et les monts de Lacaune dans le Tarn (1267m).

Béziers se développe sur un plateau surplombant à l'est l'Orb. Les grandes allées Paul-Riquet forment une vaste esplanade à l'emplacement des anciens fossés puis du jeu de Mail. Au nord, elles débouchent sur le théâtre (xixe siècle); au sud, sur le parc dit Plateau des Poètes (aménagé en 1867).
Attractions majeures sont liées à l'Orb : d'abord les neuf écluses de Fonserannes sur le canal du Midi et le pont-canal, plus tardif. Le domaine de Raïssac, près de l'Orb au Nord-Ouest de la ville, a une belle collection de faïences et céramiques et se trouve à la tête d'un domaine viticole de 108 ha.

Les quartiers bourgeois du xixe siècle se sont développés à l'est des allées, où sont les principaux magasins et, au-delà, hôpitaux, arènes et piscine, lycées, cave coopérative, casernes (actuel site universitaire Du Guesclin) et pompiers.

Béziers est située au carrefour des routes RD612 (de Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, en provenance d'Albi et de Castres, vers Agde), RD613 (de Narbonne à Pézenas) mais aussi le cD11 (vers Capestang et Carcassonne) et le cD909 (vers Bédarieux) Également des autoroutes A9 (vallée du Rhône-Espagne) et l'A75 (l'autoroute du Massif Central).

Béziers est une très vieille ville : 2700 ans d'histoire. Les Romains chassent les Celtibères dès le ier siècle av. J.-C. pour s'y installer et y créer une colonie. Les invasions barbares touchent de plein fouet Béziers, d'abord aux mains des Wisigoths au vie siècle, elle est bientôt conquise par les musulmans au début du viiie siècle siècle, puis par les Francs qui, menés par Charles Martel la ruinent en 737. Siège d'un évêché puis bientôt, grâce à Charlemagne, d'un comté, Béziers continue à se fortifier, notamment au début du xiie siècle.
En 1209, le vicomte de Béziers, Raimond-Roger Trencavel, ne peut résister aux assauts des croisés du Nord, menés par Simon IV de Montfort et venus châtier les hérétiques « Albigeois » : une partie des habitants de Béziers est passés par les armes au cours d'un des plus grands massacres du Moyen Âge. Le légat du pape Innocent III, l'abbé Arnault, aurait proclamé : « Tuez-les tous, Dieu reconnaîtra les siens ». La cathédrale de Béziers est reconstruite, Béziers intégrée au domaine royal en 1247.
Elle sert de base arrière pendant toutes les guerres de l'époque moderne. Au cours du xviiie siècle, Béziers prospère, notamment grâce à la culture de la vigne qui lui permet d'être un important centre de négoce d'alcool. Au moment de la Révolution, la ville ne prend pas part au mouvement des fédéralistes.
À la fin du xixe siècle et au début du xxe siècle, Béziers connaît son âge d'or, compromis par la crise de mévente du vin qui survient au début du xxe siècle. La région, touchée plus tard que les autres par le phylloxéra, n'a pas eu trop à en souffrir car l'on sait déjà comment y remédier. Au cours du xixe, la population passe de 15 000 à 50 000 habitants.
En 1907, dans le Languedoc et en pays catalan, de nombreux vignerons se révoltèrent contre le gouvernement français. Béziers est l'épicentre de la révolte. Ce vaste mouvement de manifestations est le fruit d'une grave crise viticole survenue au début du xxe siècle.
Ce mouvement est aussi appelé « révolte des gueux » du Midi. Il a été notamment marqué par la fraternisation du 17e régiment d'infanterie de ligne avec les manifestants, avant d'être envoyés à Gafsa, en Tunisie.

Le 5 juillet 1944, la ville est bombardée par la 15th USAAF et des appareils de la mission Shuttle, avant d’être libérée par la 1re DFL (division française libre).
Après la Seconde Guerre mondiale sonne l'heure du déclin pour Béziers. D'abord la chute des prix du vin, puis la crise des industries classiques. Transformée par la construction de grands ensembles d'HLM (La Devèze) après l'arrivée des rapatriés d'Algérie, Béziers est alors tristement célèbre pour son taux de chômage

Le quartier de La Devèze construit à la fin des années 60 et abritant environ 10 000 habitants, la barre Capendeguy, que l'on voit au premier plan, a été dynamitée le 27 janvier 2008.

La ville connaît actuellement une nouvelle phase de développement associé à un nouvel essor démographique qui profite à l'ensemble de l'agglomération de Béziers, grâce notamment à l'arrivée de l'A75 (Clermont-Ferrand - Béziers). La réhabilitation du centre historique et les grands projets d'aménagements urbanistiques sont les signes d'un nouveau départ.

Installée au cœur d’une région éminemment touristique, elle trouve sa propre place dans ce domaine. Béziers se tourne vers l’avenir à sa manière : en développant très fortement la diversification du tissu économique et les infrastructures d’accès, A 75, TGV vers l’Espagne, et l’agrandissement de l’aéroport….
l'ouverture de la ligne régulière Ryanair Béziers/Bristol, depuis le 31 mars dernier, porte très vite ses fruits. Le chiffre est on ne peut plus clair : + 131% de touristes britanniques sur le territoire biterrois en avril 2008, par rapport à la même période de 2007.

Monuments et lieux touristiques

La cathédrale Saint-Nazaire : située sur les hauteurs de la ville, elle occupe un site des plus pittoresques, visible de loin lorsqu'on arrive à Béziers par la route de Narbonne.
Jardin des Evêques.

Niché, presque caché en contrebas du cloître et de la cathédrale, ce jardin était le « havre » des évêques. Dont les appartements, aujourd’hui dévolus au Palais de Justice, donnaient par un joli escalier de pierre doté d’une belle rampe en fer forgé, sur ce parterre « à la française », une « broderie végétale » comme on dit. Ce jardin en terrasse descend, vers une esplanade plantée de grands arbres, dont la balustrade permet d’embrasser une vue superbe sur la plaine de l’Orb, les Pyrénées et la Méditerranée.

Allées Paul-Riquet.

Longue de 600 mètres, cette promenade à l'ombre des platanes est ponctuée de nombreuses terrasses de cafés très agréables aux beaux jours. Tous les vendredis, sur les Allées Paul Riquet, se tient le traditionnel marché aux fleurs. C'est une très longue avenue, bordée de platanes centenaires, qui part du Théâtre et va rejoindre le Plateau des Poètes. Au milieu de ces allées fleuries, trône la statue de Pierre-Paul Riquet (1609-1680).

Le plateau des poètes, xixe (1867) : ce vaste parc à l'anglaise aménagé par les frères Bullher paysagistes, contenant de nombreuses statues de poètes et la monumentale "statue-cascade" du Titan par Injalbert, relie la gare aux allées Paul Riquet où se trouve la grande statue en bronze du génial créateur du canal du Midi (Pierre-Paul Riquet).

Octobre - Mars : 07.00 - 18.00
Avril - May 07.00 - 20.00
June - Aout 07.00 - 21.00
22nd Aout -Septembre 07.00 - 20.00

Le théâtre municipal (XIX°) Fondé en 1842, inauguré en 1844, ce bâtiment qui trône à l’une des extrémités des allées Paul-Riquet, a été dessiné par l’architecte Isabelle, orné de sculptures par David d’Angers et ses portes de bronze sont l’œuvre de Hardouin. A l’intérieur, le théâtre de Béziers peut accueillir 600 spectateurs, dans un décor en bois peint, de « bonbonnière à l’italienne ».

Les arènes :

Béziers compte deux arènes : l'une datant de l'époque romaine,dont les structures et soubassements sont réhabilitées après de longs travaux, située dans le quartier Saint-Jacques (voir Arènes romaines de Béziers), et l'autre construite en 1897 sur le modèle des arènes espagnoles. Des artistes de passage dans la ville y produisent des concerts et des corridas sont organisées pendant les festivités de la Féria d'août.

Les arènes de Béziers
Avenue Emile Claparède
34 500 BEZIERS
Tel: 04 67 76 13 45
www.arenesdebeziers.fr

CORRIDAS
La toute première "course de taureaux" était donnée à Béziers le 1er juin 1859 dans une arène en planches édifiée en centre-ville. Aujourd'hui, Béziers est devenue l'une des villes-phares de la tauromachie en France. Les plus grands matadors y affrontent chaque été les toros des plus prestigieux élevages. En matière tauromachique, Béziers est à présent une place de référence.

Le musée des Beaux-Arts, situé dans les hôtels particuliers Fabrégat et Fayet et fondé en 1859, il reçoit en 1934 la donation de la veuve de Jean-Antoine Injalbert, sculpteur connu pour son œuvre monumentale ,ainsi que des dessins et la collection d'art de Jean Moulin en 1975. Il expose également des toiles de Géricault, de Vincent van Gogh, Chaïm Soutine…

Le Pont Vieux sur l'Orb est une construction d'architecture romane xiie siècle. Il permet le franchissement de l'Orb. Il est resté pendant très longtemps le seul point de passage de l'Orb sur le chemin de la Provence à Toulouse. Dans des lettres patentes aux Consuls de Béziers, Charles VII et Louis XI parlaient d'un pont "de grande ancienneté, somptueux et de grand édifice".

Pierre-Paul Riquet, né en 1604 à Béziers donc, fut l’équivalent d’un inspecteur des impôts actuel, dans la région du Languedoc. En 1662, il propose au roi son projet de création d’un canal rejoignant l’Atlantique à la Méditerranée, via la Garonne. Le canal du Midi xviie :Construit au xviie siècle, de 1666 à 1681, sous le règne de Louis XIV et sous la supervision de Pierre-Paul Riquet, le canal du Midi est le plus ancien canal d'Europe encore en fonctionnement.

Les écluses de Fonserannes.

L'ensemble des écluses comporte huit bassins de forme ovoïde (spécifique au canal du Midi), neuf portes, qui permettent de franchir une dénivellation de 21,50 m, sur une longueur de plus de 300 m.
La majesté du lieu, la prouesse technique que cela représentait en matière de génie civil, saisissent aujourd’hui encore les visiteurs du site.

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