Béziers

The Saint Nazaire Cathedral was built in the 13th century and was a major staging point for the Crusades. Stunning views of the Orb valley and the surrounding area are available from the cathedral courtyard - especially at sunset.

A remarkable feat of 17th-century engineering, the Fonseranes Locks are one of the highlights of Béziers and a masterpiece of the Canal du Midi. Conceived, funded, and built by Béziers native Pierre-Paul Riquet (1609–1681)—who was also the mastermind behind the entire 240 km of the Canal du Midi linking Toulouse to Sète—this water staircase is an impressive example of civil engineering and architectural ingenuity. The complex originally included 9 locks and 8 chambers, allowing boats to climb or descend a 21-metre height difference over a length of 300 metres. Though no longer used for regular navigation, the locks remain fully operational and attract around 425,000 visitors each year, making them the third most-visited heritage site in the Languedoc-Roussillon region (after Carcassonne and the Pont du Gard).^Listed as a Monument Historique in 1996 and inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal du Midi in 1997, the site offers a dramatic glimpse into the vision and skill of early modern canal builders. A modern visitor centre, interpretive trails, and panoramic views make this a must-see for history and engineering enthusiasts alike.

Spanning the Orb River, the Pont Vieux is a striking example of Romanesque architecture dating back to the 12th century. Classified as a Monument Historique since June 18, 1963, this historic stone bridge was for centuries the only crossing point over the Orb between Provence and Toulouse, making it a vital link for trade and travel across southern France. Originally constructed in the Romanesque style, the bridge has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries—particularly in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries—to adapt to changing needs and to repair flood damage. Its enduring importance is reflected in royal documents: both Charles VII and Louis XI described it as “of great antiquity, magnificent, and of grand construction.”