Visit Beziers, France: A Holiday in History
Last Updated: February 11, 2026
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Beziers, France, Time to Relax and Unwind
Arriving in Beziers, France you'll soon discover that there's very little to do. Despite its size and lack of things to do, Beziers is worth visiting. It's stunning, relaxing and fun as I will show in this Beziers guide.
Located in the heart of France's wine region, Béziers is all about unwinding with a glass of red, or white, in the sun and watching the world go by. Yes, beer is an option, and there's plenty on offer.
In this guide to Béziers, I will explore the famous cathedral, and take to the canal on a journey up the formidable Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes. Furthermore, I'll talk you through some of the best restaurants, bars, and not-so-wild nights out.
All this, and more, from my three-day trip in April 2024.
What's Beziers, France Like?
Firstly, Béziers old town, where you will want to spend your time is small. Very small.
You can walk from the Église de la Madeleine in the north to the train station in the south in around fifteen minutes.
Yet, hidden within is a shabby chic cultural masterclass of beauty, history and pride. Every morning, a large team take to the streets with jet washers, mini bin lorries, and gardening equipment.
The city is spotless and the gardens pruned to perfection.
The colours, shapes, sizes, and smells of the painstakingly beautiful flowers within the parks show that the people of Béziers take pride in their city. Honestly, the gardens are un-rivalled, and the results are, in my eyes, more deserving of glory than Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper.
From the 'typically French' narrow streets, stylish balconies protrude from the architecturally magnificent buildings and artworks drape the otherwise historic walls. Narrow walkways scatter like a maze across the city.
Suddenly, they open into large squares where the sun beats down, and restaurants and bars spread their tables as far and wide as possible.
It's beautiful and undeniably well-maintained but in an uncared-for-looking way.
How to Get To Beziers
While some destinations are easy to get to, Beziers, France takes the absolute biscuit.
If you arrive via Béziers Airport (Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport), you're in luck and for more than one reason.Â
Firstly, the airport is extremely small. We're talking four or five flights a day. Therefore, you can land and be through security in no time at all.
Secondly, for €2 each way (no pre-booking required), a big red bus picks you up in the car park, right outside the front door and drops you into Beziers train station. The journey takes around fifteen minutes. From the station, it's a brief ten-minute walk through the colourful, well-kept park into the centre of the old town.
The spot where you get dropped off is where you jump back on for the return journey. You will see a timetable with all the flights on it, and what time the bus will pick you up.
Simple!
For those of you arriving via the Béziers train station, it's that beautiful ten-minute walk up, through the magnificent park to the old town.
Finally, for those arriving by bus, you'll arrive at Beziers De Gaulle Bus Station, which, conveniently, is located just off the Place de la Victoire roundabout in the old town. From there, you can walk anywhere in the old town within ten minutes.
Timing your Trip
How Long Should You Spend Visiting Beziers, France?
Whilst beautiful, in a shabby chic way, Béziers, France isn't somewhere you need to spend much time.
There isn't a lot to do or see.
In truth, Béziers is about walking around a medieval city on a river, trying local wines and beers in the sun. I highly recommend visiting the city and think Beziers is worth visiting, but two days is more than enough to experience the city.
If, however, you want to visit some of the 'nearby' towns and cities such as Carcassonne, add a day.
The Best Time Of The Year For Discovering The Best Things to do in Beziers, France
If you want to guarantee the weather, summer is, by far, the best time of year to visit Béziers.
During May to mid-October, the sun shines and the chances of hitting a heavy shower diminish significantly. However, you must expect the city to be busier, as this is, unsurprisingly, when most tourists visit the city.
Also, factor in the Feria de Béziers in August, which brings in huge crowds and manic street parties. Likewise, the school summer holidays in Béziers run between the sixth of July and the first of September.
Where to Stay Whilst Visiting Beziers
As mentioned above, Beziers, France is tiny.
Hence, as long as you don't stay too far from the central part of the old town, you will be within a reasonable walking distance.
However, to avoid doubt, I suggest staying within the small circular area bordered by the train station to the south, River Orb on the west, the main tree-lined All Paul Riquet to the east, and the Sacré Coeur Bus stop to the north.
Whilst I can give you a full rundown of the only place I've stayed in Béziers, I will shout out the wicked Hotel La Prison, next to the Cathedral.
I managed to poke my head in, and, wow, the only word to describe it was, unique. It's a very cool place.
If I were to return to Béziers with a little more cash than I do now, I'd stay there.
Nevertheless, here is where I stayed. Would I recommend it? Yes, but only if you were in the city for a night or two.
L'Oasis Verte
- What: Cheap and cheerful, small apartment with a sofabed.Â
- Where: Within minutes of the cathedral and the small square, Place du Forum. (map)
- Why: Frankly, it's extremely cheap, in a peaceful area and well located.
- Why Not: The bed is uncomfortable, and the apartment needs a little love. Plus, it's miniature.Â
When reading this, you must appreciate that this accommodation is perfectly located and so cheap, nothing I write would put me off booking it again.
Nevertheless, it is a poky, dark, and a fairly cold, one-room-does-all, kind of apartment.
The living room coverts into a bedroom, and the kitchen, whilst having everything you need is not ideal and the bathroom.. well, that's only fit for those under six feet tall. So, I was ok.
Heaters are provided and work well.
Overall, it's great value for money but needs a bit of TLC.
In April 2024, I paid £149.92 for three nights for two people. Bargain!
Further Accommodation
As always, if my suggestion above doesn't get your spider senses going, I've thrown a couple of links below to well-oiled machines that should have you covered.
If you are into your campervans and or camping, there are a couple of small campsites on the outskirts of Beziers, France. They are Berges du Canal (website) (location) and Domaine de la Pasquiere (website) (location).
Best Things to do in Beziers, France
Well, this isn't going to be a long list.
Due to the size of Beziers, France you won't need public transport or to rent a car, unless, you plan to visit a few other towns, such as Carcassonne.
Béziers, is simply about relaxing and taking in the surroundings, usually with an alcoholic beverage.
On another note, mornings. No one is in a rush to open on time or to get anywhere, therefore, you won't have to get up early for anything. This is where you come to sit and relax.
Yet, when not watching the world go by, you should explore the exquisite architecture that dresses the petit streets while deciding where to eat that evening.
That said, Béziers has a couple of things to keep you going, but if you're here for two days, don't do them all in the first couple of hours. Spread them out.
Finally, if you aren't able to walk short distances, there is a great way of exploring the city. Within the Place du Forum, you can jump aboard the Petit Train, which whisks you around Béziers, passing all the main attractions. It even stops for fifteen minutes at the impressive Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes. Plus, it only costs €8.
Disclaimer - There are more things to add to this list, such as Les Halles de Béziers, however, it is currently under renovation (until Nov 2024) so I couldn't visit. Secondly, you can take the E-line bus to the beach town of Valras-Plage, which I did. I just don't like it or think it's worth recommending. It made my local turd-infested beach look standard. Sorry, Weston-super-Mare.
Discovering Beziers, France: The Highlights
Visit the Cathedrale Saint-Nazaire
- Why: Who doesn't enjoy exploring a cathedral and its courtyards?
- Where: From the river, look up and you shall see. On the western fringes of the old town near Pont Vieux. (map)
- How long: Thirty to forty minutes should do it.
- How much: Like all good cathedrals should be, it's free.
This doesn't take much explaining. After all, it's a cathedral.
Is it vast? Yes
Is it Beautiful? Yes
Does it have huge stained-glass windows? It sure does, and they're seriously impressive. It also has grand artwork, sublime sculptures and everything else you'd associate with a beautiful cathedral.
And before you ask, is it worth visiting? You bet, but make sure you walk around the small courtyard. Here, you get a completely different view of the Cathedral and a close-up inspection of its impressive architecture.
Also, I urge you to check out the views over the rickety old orangey rooftops and the river Orb from the Évêques Garden on the southern walls of the Cathedral.
However, the best way to view the exterior has to be as darkness falls on the city from the other side of the Orb River.
Relax in the gorgous Plateau des poetes
- Why: It looks stunning, smells great, is peaceful, and there's plenty to see and explore.
- Where: Just north of the train station. (map)
- How long: On a good day why not spend a couple of hours relaxing in the peace and glory?
- How much: Absolutely free my friends.
Again, you know what a park or public garden is.
I merely happen to think this one raises the bar.
Throughout the park, are numerous sculptures of Occitan poets, impressive, powerful fountains, ponds and rivers, not to mention an amphitheatre.
As well as that, there are tasteful dedications to those who have lost their lives fighting for freedom.
Whilst you might think that sounds similar to other parks and gardens, which is the case, these gardens are carefully sculpted with colourful plants of all shapes and sizes.
Each flower bed is perfectly pruned. Honestly, there isn't a weed out of place.
You have to see it to believe it. Oh, and don't forget to say hello to the parrots and peacocks.
Enjoy.
Enjoy the simplicity of Eglise de la Madeleine
- Why: Two reasons. First, it's something to do. Secondly, it is a building of simplistic beauty.
- Where: A few steps northeast of the Les Halles de Béziers. (map)
- How long: Ten to fifteen minutes.
- How much: There is a theme here, and it's one I like. The visit is free unless you feel like donating.
In truth, if you were to only visit one religious building in Beziers, France, it should be the cathedral. However, I expect you will find time for both.
In contrast to most churches, there is no flamboyant decor or display of wealth, other than the size of the building.
For this reason, Église de la Madeleine stands out as the people's church and one that you will remember for all the right reasons. In other words, its simplistic design is, in itself, beautiful.
In effect, it suggests the money the church has, has been given to those in need, and not kept within.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the Beziers blog.
Take a canal boat tour up Les 9 Ecluses de Fonseranes
- Why: Easy, because time aboard a boat, on a canal is peaceful and fun. Plus, the locks are amazing to see.
- Where: Half an hour walk south of the city on the Canal du Midi. (map)
- How long: All in all, it's a half day.
- How much: This depends if you take the boat tour, and which one you do. This one-hour tour up the locks costs €13pp (£11.22).
For me, one of the highlights of Beziers, France, is taking a cruise on the Canal du Midi.
Which one you take is up to you.
Three companies offer differing cruises on the Canal du Midi in and around Béziers, Cap Au Sud, who I went with - secondly, Bateaux du Soleil and finally, Les Bateaux du Midi.
All the cruises look fantastic, but I can only discuss the one I did, and that was the one-hour cruise which included going up the formidable 9 locks of Fonseranes.
Overall, for the money, I thought this was a relaxing way to enjoy staggering views of Béziers and be amongst the peace of the canal and the surrounding trees.
We met the boat just east of the locks and set sail over the River Orb via the impressive Pont-Canal de l'Orb. From there, we spand around and headed back to the locks climbing to the top before disembarking the boat just past the buildings next to the locks.
Once off the boat, grab a beer in the beautiful little bar by the locks before enjoying a gentle stroll back to town along the canal.
Follow the Art Trail
- Why: It's a fun and informative look back at the history of Beziers, France, merely in the form of an art treasure hunt.
- Where: Dotted across the old town.
- How long: Give yourself a couple of hours to find and enjoy the artwork. There's a lot of them.
- How much: Again, it's free.
If you, like me, aren't the biggest fan of art galleries, then this might be your thing.
It's art, but instead of being displayed in a clinical purpose-built room, it's pictured across the city on the side of buildings.
Furthermore, it depicts the history of Béziers. For example, what it used to look like, what you could have seen and what the people would have been wearing, looking like or could have been doing...
While that's great, the best part of this exhibition is that some of the art isn't always obvious. You have to hunt it down. We were looking right at one piece and still couldn't see it.
To help you on your quest, you will find the maps in the tourist office.
Happy hunting.
Where to Eat in Beziers, France
French cuisine is amongst the most loved in the world, but not by all. I guess it's like Marmite, you either love it or hate it.
If I'm honest, I'm not a huge French food fan, but, I am a massive fan of continental touches, such as olives and bread with every meal, and cheap beers, and I'm not ashamed to say that half pints are cool. You feel like you're spending and drinking less, partly because you are, but, hey...
I also love that everything is extremely fresh, bright, colourful and clean. Furthermore, it's healthy as hell until you add that sweet-sweet olive oil.
And all that is here waiting for you.
However, you will also find a lot of other foods in Béziers, namely Italian, and I'm so game for that.
Hence, overall the food is fantastic.
My only gripe with food in Béziers is that it can be hard to find. Whilst there are hundreds of restaurants, a lot of them shut or don't serve food when you might expect.
It's weird.
Likewise, if you're vegan, you will struggle to find somewhere that has options for you. It's not a done thing here.
Nevertheless, I have some cracking options for you, so where applicable, I'll let you know.
Anyway, I'm hungry, so let's get stuck into our first course.
POKAWA
- What: Hawaiian restaurant serving up insanely fresh poke bowls.
- Where: In the Place du Forum, near the Tourist Office and Petit Train ticket office. (map)
- How much: A medium-sized bowl of pure goodness from the signatures range costs around €14 (£11.85). (menu)
Having tried numerous poke bowls, especially whilst living in Bali, I was not expecting to find anything that would complete here in a sleepy old city in the South of France.
Nevertheless, I was wrong.
Not only could it compete, but it beat almost all of them.
Frankly, the fresh, healthy, colourful and delicious assortment of foods danced around my mouth forkful after forkful, leaving me with nothing but smiles and an appetite for more.
Flavours from such raw and simple ingredients shouldn't be possible and have to be tried to be believed.
Whilst I had chicken and a few other bits, there are plenty of veggie and vegan options, especially if you do what we did, and construct your own bowl of heaven from the numerous options on the menu.
I cannot leave this review without giving a shoutout to the great team at Powaka and their desire to create perfection in a bowl. It's great to see such levels of dedication.
This will be one of the first places I feast if I return to Beziers, France.
Le Johane
- What: Mediterainnian cafe with work canteen vibes.
- Where: Hidden next to Les Halles de Béziers. (map)
- How much: Two courses cost €18 (£15.24), and three courses cost a fantastic €22. (menu)
OK, this one isn't going to win any major awards.
Frankly, it feels like walking into a well-loved, family-run school or work canteen.
There isn't anything spectacular about the place itself. Although, I did enjoy the crazy artwork that dressed the interior.
Similarly, the lady who ran the show reminded me of someone's nan who always wants to make everyone's day better. I never saw her without a smile on her face. She was lovely.
When the food arrived, I can't lie, I wasn't bowled over by the look, but having tasted it, wow. I was not expecting that.
The cooling mash with the warm pork chop and tasty sauce smashed this dish out of the park.
Whilst, this restaurant wouldn't make it into my top three, it certainly packs a punch you wouldn't expect.
Fantastic food at fantastic prices. Yet again, there are veggie and vegan options.
Le Vieux Siege
- What: Small French Restaurant with a large outdoor area for those summer sun days.
- Where: Next to Pokawa in the Place du Forum, near the Tourist Office and Petit Train ticket office. (map)
- How much: This plate of pure perfection and four beers cost €40 (£34.24).
A perfect setting for a quick cheap and easy bite to eat at any given lunchtime.
Admittedly, the service won't win any awards, but the location, ambience and decor make up for that.
Likewise, the food is all made from fresh ingredients, is well presented, colourful and tastes great.
You get that vibe that every ingredient is handpicked that morning and plated up as it's ordered.
Again, the free bread and olives were a nice touch. However, if you don't eat meat, you will struggle here...
Le Cristal DOMINI
- What: Beautiful French restaurant with a cracking wine selection.
- Where: On the main Place Jean Jaurès with views of the Statue Riquet. (map)
- How much: A few beers and two mains cost €60 (£51.38). (menu)
Having been wandering the streets looking for somewhere my vegan girlfriend could eat, we stumbled on this place. After a glance at the menu, it didn't look good for her, but we tried our luck and asked if they did anything vegan.
The staff were so friendly and checked the menu for us. Then, after a few head scratches and puffed cheeks, they offered to change one of the recipes for her.
Amazing.
Once inside the hospitality continued with every effort made to speak English, and all the staff were funny, friendly and warm. They couldn't do enough for us.
I wanted something French and ordered the beef bourguignon, and bloody hell, it was phenomenal. The fork tickled the meat and it caved in and fell apart. The dish was perfect in every way as was the accompaniment of olives, bread and a few beers.
The decor contributed to the brilliance. I particularly liked the glassed-off wine house at the end. Overall, it felt like fine dining but at a price, I could afford.
O Well.com
- What: Small restaurant with a small mix of worldwide foods.
- Where: Near the theatre on Rue Fourrier. (map)
- How much: Two juices, burgers and fries cost €27 (£22.85). (menu)
I came here for the burgers, as I'd heard they were top quality.
Inside is a delightful little restaurant with oriental vibes and a smell that would blow your socks off. Mmmmmmm.
Approached by a genuinely friendly waitress who spoke better English than me, the burgers were on order.
However, what wasn't on order was a beer. They don't serve alcohol. Nevertheless, they have a lovely little selection of juices.
That aside, the burgers and fries were exactly as I was told, top quality. Flavoursome, homemade, melt-in-the-mouth meat with fresh flavours all enclosed in a slightly hardened yet fluffy bun.
Again, there are veggie and vegan burgers which also come highly recommended.
Add this to your list of places to eat during your trip to Béziers.
Basilic & Co
- What: Italian masterclass.
- Where: On the main tree-lined street looking out over the statue of Paul Riquet. (map)
- How much: Two beers and two pizzas cost €44 (£37.77). (menu)
In the heart of Béziers is this beautiful Italian restaurant that concentrates on ethical nourishment.
All their meat comes from France and they are always looking for the freshest local ingredients, as well as using recyclable packaging and ecological cleaners within the restaurant, cutting back on environmental pollution.
They also cater for both veggies and vegans.
This love and care shines through with the service and more importantly, the taste.
Having eaten a lot of pizzas in my time, I have never had one that melts in the mouth like this. Simply divine.
Keep up the great work and please, visit them during your stay in Beziers, France.
Where to Party in Beziers, France
From my experience Beziers, France is not a party town. In truth, very few bars remain open past midnight. Even if they do, they will be closed by 1am.
If it's raves and wild nights you want, you seem to have overshot Pairs by nearly 500 miles.
Nonetheless, that doesn't mean you won't find some cool places, because you will. Béziers has sports and gaming bars alongside classic old bars for those more cultured folk.
If you're in the city and fancy a tipple there are three main areas. Unsurprisingly, they are the three main squares of Place Jean Jaurès, Place du Forum and around Les Halles de Béziers.
In truth, Béziers is about enjoying a cooling beer in the sun chatting with your mates, or a glass of delicious red with a meal. Nobody is here to get smashed.
Believe it or not, Beziers is one of the area's larger cities, thus making it a central hub of the wine region. Hence my advice is to try a couple of local wines. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.
All that's left to be said is to enjoy your night. I found every night out perfectly safe despite there being a lot of narrow dark maze-like streets.
Yet, as always, don't get lost on your own whilst completely wasted.
Beer District Beziers
- What:Â Sports bar with amusements and small courtyard.
- Where: In the square overlooking Les Halles de Béziers. (map)
Beer District is one of the most lively bars in Béziers and attracts a much younger crowd than any other.
In part, this is due to the numerous arcade game machines, air hockey and dart boards. Yet, there is also a wide selection of alcohol, plenty of small tapas dishes and sports on a couple of screens around the bar.
Inside gets very loud, cramped and busy, but there is a gorgeous little enclosed courtyard with tables and chairs should you want to chat away with friends.
It's different to the rest of the city - but in a good way.
L’Experience
- What:Â Trendy, friendly little bar.
- Where: Next to Beer District and again, overlooking Les Halles de Béziers. (map)
One sentence will make you want to come here, and that is...
After we had two rounds, the barman gave us one free. I can see you packing your bags already.
In reality, I don't think this is normal, but it shows the friendliness of the place. After all, you can't be any more inviting than a free beer, can you?
The bar is an inviting and relaxing place to chill, with an aroma of incense and bright, colourful, whacky artwork.
The whole vibe is perfect.
Lo Camel
- What:Â Quality, unique little bar on a gorgeous side street.
- Where: Just off the Place du Forum behind Powaka. (map)
Lo Camel is one of my favourite bars in Béziers.
It's unique, beautiful and stylish in a weird and wonderful kind of way. Similarly, the outside is well done and catches the eye.
I got the impression it was more locals than tourists, but I urge you to give it a go as it is cosy, warm and serves up a lot of choice.
Whilst I didn't see any live music, there is a stage in the window with a couple of sofas. There may even be a gig if you're lucky.
Barjoe
- What: Large sports bar.
- Where: Hidden behind a colourful fountain on the largest square, Place Jean Jaurès. (map)
If sports and beer interest you, then Barjoe is the place to come.
Kits from numerous teams from countless sports drape the walls, ceilings and bar.
The atmosphere is exhilarating and fun and no matter the sport, you can feel the passion.
Likewise, the staff are so friendly and funny and speak amazing English and other languages, which was a godsend.
Grab a beer, watch some sports and experience a night at Barjoe.
Along with Beer District, this is as loud and buzzy as Béziers gets.
Is Exploring Beziers, France Safe?
Before my trip, I'd heard conflicting views on how safe Beziers, France was.
Now, having been, I can understand the logic and the thoughts behind some of the figures and those who felt unsafe or worried, but I wholeheartedly disagree.
My interpretation of the worry is that the general population and visitors to Bezier are ageing. Therefore, a couple of younger people hanging around the dark, enclosed streets could cause people to either take another street or walk past on full alert.
I get that.
However, there weren't many groups of younger people hanging around, and even fewer that even spoke. Hence, all I can say is that I felt safe day and night.
At no point did I have any concerns for my safety.
Likewise, walking around the city is easy. The majority of the streets are carless, so even if you were drunk as a skunk, it's unlikely that you'd walk out in front of a car.
As far as I'm concerned there are no safety issues in Beziers, other than tripping over the occasional uneven street flooring.
Leave a comment
Thank you for reading my travel guide to Beziers, France.
Despite this Béziers guide being longer than I thought, there isn't much to do once here. Supping back a few beers in the sun and relaxing is the name of the game. Plus, being on the south coast of France, the weather in Beziers is usually fantastic.
And we all need that, right?
Nevertheless, my overriding thoughts on Beziers, France is this: Whilst I would return, I couldn't help but think there wasn't enough to keep you here unless you're only visiting for a day whilst touring the south coast.
If you are looking for a holiday destination, and want to know, is Béziers worth visiting? I would say yes, however, I'd book Bordeaux. It's a bigger, better version of here.
Finally, have you been to Béziers? What were your thoughts, and do you think I've missed anything? Likewise, if you've visited based on this blog, please let me know how I've done and what you enjoyed.
Merci!
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Love this! Next time you’re in Béziers, have a meal at the Honey Café on Place de la Madeleine, and a cocktail at Oscars on Place des Trois Six, you won’t regret either 🙂
Oh amazing, thank you, I will. We have talked about going back soon, as it was beautiful and would like to visit a few places near by. I’ll have to try these out 🙂