Béziers is a town in Languedoc in the southwest of France, in the Herault department. It is only 10 kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea, above the river Orb. At
Béziers a fine example of an aqueduct called the Pont-canal de L’Orb crosses the river Orb.
Béziers was colonised by the Romans in 36 BC. The city wall was built using stones from the Roman Ampthitheatre in the 3rd Century. Beziers was an important stopping point on the ancient chariot road, The Domitial Way. From Rome it crossed Languedoc on its’ way to Cadiz in Spain. This developed into an important route for trade.
Béziers was denounced as a Cathar stronghold. Condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical, Catholic forces destroyed the alleged heretics in the Albigensian Crusade.
There are many important historical sites in Beziers, including, Saint-Nazaire Cathedral. This example of 14th century Gothic architecture is located in the high part of town and is popular with visitors. The Plateau des Poètes (1867), a large English style park constructed by the Bullher brothers, displays many statues of poets and there is a delightful fountain of the Titan by Injalbert.
Béziers has two arenas, both situated in the Saint-Jacques area of the city. One is Roman and has well preserved features and foundations, and the other was built in 1905 imitating the style of Bullrings from Spain. It was designed by Fernand Castelbon de Beauxhostes. The Bullring is one of the biggest arenas in France and concerts are held here throughout the year. In August, it hosts a bullfighting festival, lasting 5 days, which attracts many visitors.
The Musee des Beaux-Arts was founded in 1859, and in its collections are paintings by Holbein, Gericault, Van Gogh, Soutine andGoetz.
The Musée Saint-Jacques, is housed in a former barracks. It has interesting displays showing life in the
Béziers region.
Today
Béziers is a principal centre of the Languedoc winemaking industries.
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the largest wine producing regions in the world, and its’ wine is popular throughout the world. The wine production from this region is greater than the combined production from Bordeaux, Australia, South Africa and Chile.
