- Béziers was the site of the first major massacre of the Albigensian Crusade in 1209, where the papal legate famously ordered the slaughter of both Cathars and Catholics.
- The city is a major center for bullfighting culture in France, maintaining an arena that hosts the annual Feria de Béziers, one of the largest festivals in the country.
- It is home to the oldest statue of a French President in France, dedicated to Jean Casimir-Perier.
- Béziers claims a history that predates the Roman occupation, with archaeological evidence suggesting it was a Greek trading post as early as the 6th century BCE.
About Béziers
Béziers is one of France's oldest cities, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Orb River. It is renowned for its central role in the development of the Canal du Midi, evidenced by the technical marvel of Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes. The city skyline is dominated by the fortified Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding Languedoc vineyards. Visitors can explore the interplay between ancient history and modern culture at sites ranging from the Église de la Sainte-Madeleine to the contemporary exhibitions at the Musée régional d'art contemporain Occitanie.
Highlights of Béziers
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Witness the impressive staircase lock system that allows boats to navigate the elevation change on the Canal du Midi.
Temples
Climb the tower of this fortress-like cathedral for panoramic views of the Orb valley.
Museums
Explore cutting-edge contemporary art installations housed within a specialized regional museum space.
Historical places
Walk through the historic tunnel built to allow the Canal du Midi to pass through the hill of Ensérune.
Historical places
View the masonry bridge that carries the canal directly over the flow of the Orb River.
Temples
Visit the site of the historical massacre during the Albigensian Crusade, now a tranquil Romanesque church.
Venues
Experience live performances in a venue that serves as a cornerstone of the city's artistic community.
Venues
Admire the architectural centerpiece of the city's civic life located near the historic central squares.
Top things to do in Béziers
The 169 highest-rated places in Béziers, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes is a staircase lock system on the Canal du Midi in Béziers, France, comprising eight chamber...
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Temples
Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire is a Gothic fortress-cathedral positioned on a hill overlooking the Orb River in Béziers. Origi...
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Venues
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Amusement parks
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Béziers on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Béziers
May to June or September to October, when the Mediterranean climate is mild and the intense summer heat of the Languedoc region is less stifling.
2-3 days, sufficient to cover the historic center, canal-side attractions, and surrounding vineyards.
The historic center is highly walkable, though the city is served by an urban bus network (beeMob) for reaching peripheral sites.
The area surrounding the Allées Paul Riquet offers immediate access to the historic core, while staying near the Saint-Nazaire cathedral provides elevated views and quiet surroundings.
Mid-range; while dining and accommodation are generally more affordable than in major coastal hubs like Montpellier, wine and tourism services remain standard for the region.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 169 curated attractions in and around Béziers, ranked by traveller ratings.
Les 9 Écluses de Fonseranes is the highest-rated place to visit in Béziers right now.
The largest category is venues, with 38 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
