Introduction
Beziers, in Languedoc in southernmost France, sits on a small bluff overlooking the River Orb, and is located about 10k from the Mediterranean Sea. Notably, the town is known for its Feria de Beziers, a four-day festival that takes place each August, which is centred on the bullfighting activities.
Types of Holiday-goers
With the large number of stunning beaches in Beziers, the town attracts a large number of families and travellers looking for a beach holiday. Water sports are also abundant in the area.
As the town doesn't have an active nightlife scene, it is more popular with older holiday makers.
As a historic town, Beziers often attracts holiday makers after a cultural break. The town is home to such attractions as the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, dating back to the 1100s and the Old Bridge, otherwise known as the Pont Vieux, which has spanned the River Orb since that time as well. The Cimetière Vieux, or the Old Cemetery in Beziers, dates from the 19th century and has fantastic examples of sculptural art.
The Best Time to Visit Béziers
The best time to visit Beziers is during its Feria de Beziers, which takes place in August, especially if you are a wine connoisseur or a bullfighting fan. The four-day festival gives participants the opportunity to savour the region's wines as well as watch a good deal of bullfighting activity.
If you're after a beach holiday, the summer months between June and September are the best times to visit.
However, given its temperate climate, a holiday in Beziers can be enjoyed at any time of the year. If you're looking for a holiday spent sightseeing and don't want to face the summer crowds, the spring or autumn will be the ideal time for you.
Activities in and around Beziers
Most of the activities in Beziers are centred around the beaches, with water sports being the most popular in the area.
There are plenty to try, including water skiing, surfing and wind surfing and the centres in the area will allow for people of all experiences to have a go, so you don't have to be a pro to enjoy one of the sports.
Beaches
The Languedoc area offers at least twelve highly rated. However, Beziers is close to a number of shorelines running along lakes as well, particularly in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
Lakes which provide top places to take in the sun and swim include Lake Montbel, which is located near the wine-making town of Limoux, Lake Vesoles, Lake Bugarach (which features forested walking paths to the Gorges of Galamus), and Lake Raviège, which draws campers, kayakers and boaters. Windsurfers in the area like to visit Lake Jouarres as do travellers who like to sail.
Sea beaches in and near Beziers that are off the beaten track so are considered some of the best in southern France.
Travellers who visit Beziers often like spending beach holidays onEspiguette Beach, with sand dunes, or lying out on either the Serignan or Portiragnesshores.
The Vendres Beach, which lies south of the well-known Valras-Plage, is another popular beach.
For a full body tan, the Cap D'Agde is a popular nudist beach near Beziers and is also a part of Europe's largest nudist colony.
La Franqui-Plage is notable in that the sea is situated on one side of its shore and an inland lake is located on the other. Travellers also enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Leucate which features two beaches - a larger beach and a smaller, narrower beach that is surrounded by rocks.
If you want to enjoy a quieter beach, then the beaches near and in Languedoc, south of the city of Perpignan, are good getaways., as they are separated by rocky inlets. These pebbly shores, which make up part of the Cote de Vermeille coast, also offer magnificent views of the Pyrénéestoo.
Sights and Attractions
Besides being home to a large number of beaches, Beziers also has a variety of sites and attractions as well. It's worth visiting the ancient town just to view the aforementioned Saint-Nazaire Cathedral or Pont Vieux.
Other sights worth noting include the Le Domaine de Saint-Jean-d'Aureilhan, a tower of neo-Gothic architectural design, constructed in the 1800s; the Parc des Poètes, a park that is dedicated to poets; and the town's two arenas, one which dates back to Roman times and the other constructed in the first part of the twentieth century, built in the design of a bullring in Spain. The bullring-style arena is noteworthy as it is the biggest structure of its kind in France and is the central location for Bezier's Feriain August.
Travelers to Beziers also regularly visit such landmarks as the Musée des Beaux-Arts (established in 1859) the Canal du Midi (which dates back to the 1600s) as well as the Saint-Jacques Church, the Fonserannes locks, and the Chapelle des Jardin Notre Dame (built in the 1700s).
Nightlife
The nightlife scene is not overly developed in Beziers, although you can find places where you can go to dance and enjoy great entertainment.
Party at Havana Noche or L'Usine a Gaz.
Bars that are worth visiting include Bar du Nord and La Marguerite.
Typically, when it comes to night time entertainment, visitors will opt to watch a show or listen to a concert at one of the area's theatres, such as the Théâtre Au Bout Là-bas in nearby Avignon, or the Théâtre Municipal, which hosts a variety of performances, including ballets, operas, concerts and dramatic shows.
Restaurants
One of the most popular restaurants in Beziers is La Raffinerie. The restaurant is located next to the Canal du Midi.
Other popular restaurants include Le Couscous Royal, which serves North African and Middle Eastern cuisine; the Octopus(a modern French restaurant that features a contemporary décor); Les Antiquaires, which serves traditional French cuisine; Tomate Bleue (a wine bar type restaurant that serves tapas and French cuisine); and Bangkok Thai (a restaurant that specialises in serving Asian and Thai entrees).
Accommodations
Beziers offers a number of affordable yet luxurious accommodations that are conveniently located. One of the best known places to stay is the Hotel des Poètes, located in the centre of town and in close proximity to the railway station. The hotel, which overlooks the Parc des Poètes, offers modern-styled rooms featuring Wi-Fi and TV. Guests are provided with complimentary bikes for exploring Beziers and the surrounding area. The hotel features non-smoking rooms and terraces and also accommodates holiday-goers traveling with pets.
The Hôtel Confort is family-run and is located in the heart of Beziers, close to cobbled streets and the train station. Guests are also only a short drive away from the area's beaches. The small hotel offers Wi-Fi and in-room breakfasts as well.
Another centrally located hotel, the Hotel Paul Riquet, named for the designer and engineer of the Canal du Midi, is small but comfortable, and offers affordable accommodations that are close to retailers, historical sites, and the area's various beaches.
Hotel Terminus sits opposite the train station, making its locale perfect for shoppers and beach lovers alike. Recently renovated, the small, functional hotel provides guests with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and upper scale furnishings. You can access the area's beaches by taking the free shuttles that stop in front of the property.
Larger than the other hotels, Les Berges du Canal is a family hotel that features two and three-room duplex-type apartments. All the apartments at the hotel are fully equipped and include a full kitchenette with a microwave, hot plate and refrigerator. Other amenities include an indoor heated pool, sports facility, a club for younger children (aged 4 to 11 years old), and activities for teens 12 to 15 years old. Close to Beziers, the hotel is located in Hérault along the Orb River.