One of France’s oldest towns, beautiful Béziers traces its roots back to 575 BC. Now a gorgeous riverside community just an hour’s drive from Montpellier, it’s a brilliant base for history buffs, cultural explorers and relaxed, outdoorsy types. Whilst accommodation options range from modern hotels to striking converted period residences, you’ll find that the best places to stay in Béziers are intimate, welcoming and characterful: reflective of the city itself.
Béziers’ old town is stunning, and well worth a wander. Begin at the ornate 13th-century Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire, which offers spectacular city and vineyard views from its clifftop location, and amble through the old town towards the water. You’ll pass shops, cafés and eateries aplenty, as well as the fantastic Musée des Beaux Arts. The Vieux Pont, an arched bridge which spans the river, is also iconic.
If you’re into walking or cycling, follow tranquil shaded paths along the Canal du Midi or through the nearby vineyards. Tours and tastings of local wines come highly recommended, as do barge trips and fishing excursions on the Midi and adjoining waterways. Expect the best places to stay in Béziers to fill up fast during the summer months and the annual Féria de Béziers, inspired by Spanish bullfighting and held every February.