55 km from the gîtes · City of the Canal du Midi · Hérault

Béziers: cathedral, arena and the Canal du Midi one hour from our gîtes

Béziers is one of the oldest cities in France, proudly overlooking the Hérault plain from its hilltop. Saint-Nazaire cathedral, the arena, the Fonseranes locks and the Allées Paul-Riquet: Béziers makes for a full day of culture and city life, about an hour from La Bergerie du Mas Delon.

55 km from the gîtes Saint-Nazaire cathedral Fonseranes locks Feria in August
55 kmfrom La Bergerie du Mas Delon
CathedralSaint-Nazaire, panoramic views
UNESCOFonseranes locks, Canal du Midi
Feriaone of the biggest festivals in France, in August

Béziers, two thousand years of history on the Languedoc plain

Founded by the Greeks more than two thousand years ago, Béziers is one of the oldest cities in France. Overlooking the Hérault plain from its hilltop, it offers an exceptional panorama over the Languedoc countryside and the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city is known for its Gothic cathedral of Saint-Nazaire, its arena — one of the most important bullrings in France — and the Fonseranes locks, a 17th-century engineering jewel that lets the Canal du Midi climb a hill through nine successive chambers.

Saint-Nazaire cathedral esplanade overlooking the plain
Fonseranes locks 9 locks on the Canal du Midi, UNESCO
Arena bullfights and shows, feria in August
Allées Paul-Riquet lively central boulevard
Panoramic view of Béziers from the heights, Saint-Nazaire cathedral and the Hérault plain

📷 Krzysztof Golik — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

What to see and do in Béziers?

A day in Béziers takes in the city's historic heritage, the Canal du Midi and the bustle of the Allées Paul-Riquet.

Saint-Nazaire cathedral

The Gothic cathedral dominates the city from its hilltop. Its esplanade offers a remarkable panorama over the Hérault plain, the Canal du Midi and, on a clear day, the Pyrenees. The Gothic interior is sober and majestic.

The Fonseranes locks

Nine successive locks allow the Canal du Midi to climb a height difference of 21 metres. This 17th-century engineering masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most impressive hydraulic works in France.

The Béziers arena

The Béziers arena, built in 1897, can hold 13,000 spectators. It is the symbol of the local bullfighting culture, which is particularly alive during the August feria. Tours are possible out of season.

The Allées Paul-Riquet

Béziers' central boulevard, lined with plane trees, is the city's living artery. Restaurants, cafés, shops and terraces bring this promenade to life — especially pleasant on summer evenings.

The Béziers feria

The Béziers feria, in August, is one of the biggest festivals in France: bullfights, concerts, bodegas and festivities take over the city for several days. A unique cultural experience — though one to avoid if you're after peace and quiet.

Cruising the Canal du Midi

From Béziers, river cruises let you explore the Canal du Midi by boat. An original way to discover this UNESCO heritage site beneath the century-old plane trees.

Frequently asked questions about Béziers

What is there to see in Béziers?

The highlights: Saint-Nazaire cathedral and its panoramic esplanade, the Fonseranes locks (Canal du Midi, UNESCO), the arena, the Allées Paul-Riquet and the Biterrois museum.

How far is Béziers from La Bergerie du Mas Delon?

Béziers is about 55 km from La Bergerie du Mas Delon, roughly a 50 to 60-minute drive.

When does the Béziers feria take place?

The Béziers feria takes place every year in August (usually the second week). It is one of the biggest ferias in France, with bullfights, concerts and festivities over several days.

Explore the Hérault from La Bergerie du Mas Delon

Béziers, the Canal du Midi, Pézenas, Sète: La Bergerie is your ideal base for discovering the great cities and heritage of the Hérault.