The jewels in Béziers' crown…
Saint-Nazaire Cathedral
Some people call it "the chateau" when they first see it from the canal aqueduct over the River Orb, but it is, in fact, a cathedral, dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries. The previous Romanesque building, designed and built by Maître Gervais in 1130, "exploded like a grenade" during the fire lit by the Crusaders on 22 July 1209, during the sack of Béziers. The new "Mediterranean Gothic" cathedral, built on the foundations of the old building, is flanked by a cloister, the buildings of the former bishop's palace (now the law courts) and the formal French-style Episcopal gardens.
Church of the Madeleine
Built from blocks of marine limestone, the church stands at one end of the square of the same name. Once the church of the viscounts of Trencavel, it dates back to the 10th and 11th centuries.
The Romanesque bell tower and nave are a reminder of the bloody events that took place here. It was on 22 July 1209 that the Pope's legate, when asked by the Crusaders what they should do about the people of Béziers, declared, "Kill them all, God will look after His own."
The Romanesque bridge
The bridge has withstood the fierce waters of the Orb in spate since the 11th century. It witnessed the invasion and destruction of Béziers in July 1209. Although the origins of the bridge date back to Roman times, it was rebuilt in the Romanesque period, but its piles still stand firmly in the river bed.
The Gallo-Roman amphitheatre
The amphitheatre dates from the 1st century A.D. Pillaged by Charles Martel and buried under Gothic mediaeval buildings, the amphitheatre was brought to light in 1992, revealing the terraces from its glory days, several Doric columns that have been conserved and put back in position, and part of its internal structure.
Rue du Moulin à huile, visits by appointment.
The Theatre
The building, inaugurated in 1844, stands proudly at the end of the Allées Paul-Riquet and was designed by the architect Isabelle and decorated with sculptures by David of Angers. Its bronze doors are the work of Hardouin.
Inside, the décor of the 600-seat theatre features painted wood, like a “bonbonnière à l’italienne” a "luxury little apartment in Italian style".
The Town Hall
The design of the current building dates back to 1729, but in fact the town hall in Béziers is a very old building indeed: it was built by the Consuls of Béziers in the Middle Ages on the site of the ancient forum laid out by the Romans.
The Maison romane
(The Romanesque House )
The Maison romane is located just behind the statue of the hero Pépézuc, on the square of the same name, next to the town hall. Mostly dating back to the 12th century, the house features pretty gemelled windows and a fantastic bestiary on the first floor, including a siren and grimacing figures.
Cimetière Vieux
(Old Cemetery)
Created in 1812, on the northern edge of the Saint-Nazaire hill, the old cemetery forms a rampart, with its surrounding wall and extensive grounds (48,593 m2). It was extended in 1863. Like any Mediterranean cemetery with a degree of self-respect, it is planted with Cyprus trees that are as old as it is. It also serves as a kind of open-air museum, with its tombs and mausoleums decorated with some superb statues by Jean-Antoine Injalbert, Jean Magrou, Jacques Villeneuve and Louis Paul.
Visitors can amble quietly through arbours and alcoves, with an astonishing array of statuary. Whilst you are there, remember to say a quick hello – at least – to Notre Dame du Moucadou, who is very dear to the hearts of the people of Béziers: their "lucky charm", provided you leave her a handkerchief as an offering… Avenue du Cimetière Vieux
Take a stroll and find more to explore
Les Halles
(The covered market)
The covered market, based on the design of the Baltard pavilion in Paris was built in just two years and inaugurated in 1897. Located on the site of the paupers' cemetery from mediaeval times, the current market, renovated in 1986, is certainly an attractive place... not just because of the building, but also for all the good things you can find there.
The Moulin Cordier
This mediaeval mill, standing on the banks of the Orb, was bought and redeveloped in the 19th century by the Béziers resident Cordier, who had a brilliant idea: equipping the mill with a steam engine and a system that would (finally) carry water to Beziers' upper town, in September 1827. The city made sure Cordier was given a magnificent funeral and paid for his statue, which now stands proudly in the old cemetery (visit the outside only).
The new arena
Inaugurated in 1897, Béziers’ present-day arenas have witnessed a succession of operas and ‘corridas’ (bull fights). The building, made from brick and stone, has extraordinary acoustics and the terraces have been designed to make the public feel closer to the ring itself.
In the world of bullfighting, Béziers’ “plaza des toros” is considered to be one of the seven top sites in France, a reputation earned and maintained since a particularly famous corrida on 29 May 1921. Definitely worth a visit to experience the excitement of a corrida and to discover the history of bullfighting in this region.
Church of Saint Aphrodise
The church was built in the site of a large necropolis partly dating back to the 3rd century (as can still be seen in a sarcophagus from the period, which is used as a font for baptisms). The pre-Romanesque basilica was rebuilt in the Gothic period; dedicated to Aphrodise, who Christianised the city, the church we see today mainly dates back to the 10th, 11th and 14th/15th centuries. One chapel is still open for worship whilst the church is closed for a massive restoration project.
Church of Saint-Jacques
The first mention of the building dates back to 962, when the Viscount of Béziers, Raimond III, was buried beneath the flagstones. Most of the church dates back to the 12th century: with its semi-cupola apse and five-bay chevet, Saint-Jacques (St. James) also features some surprising lace stonework around the chevet. The church is now surrounded by a garden created on the ancient ramparts of Béziers, with views of the surrounding countryside.
Eglise des Pénitents Bleus
Founded in 1423, with a single nave and side chapels hollowed out of the buttresses, the chapel is tucked away in the heart of Gallo-Roman and mediaeval Béziers in the city's busiest pedestrian street. The eye-catching great door, in the "Flamboyant Gothic" style, dates back to the 16th century.