Is Béziers really the oldest city in France? In Episode 536: Exploring Béziers, A Hidden Gem in the South of France, host Annie Sargent and guest Elyse Rivin dive into the fascinating history and charm of this underrated destination.

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Béziers sits in the Occitanie region, close to the Mediterranean. It has deep historical roots, from Roman times to the Cathar massacre and the winegrowers' revolt of 1907. Its Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire dominates the skyline, offering breathtaking views. The city's streets lead to lively markets, including the recently renovated Les Halles de Béziers, where locals gather to enjoy fresh seafood, cheeses, and wines.

Béziers is also famous for the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Nine Locks of Fonseranes showcase incredible 17th-century engineering, still in use today. The Old Bridge, the Church of the Madeleine, and the Jean Moulin Museum add layers of history to explore.

Annie and Elyse discuss the city's evolving identity, growing expat community, and efforts to restore its historic center. They also touch on Robert Ménard, Béziers' controversial mayor, and how his policies shape the city.

If you're looking for a unique stop in the South of France, Béziers deserves a visit. Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into history, culture, and travel tips!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• Today on the podcast
• Podcast supporters
• The Magazine segment
• Introduction and Overview of Béziers
• Journey to Béziers
• Béziers: A Medium-Sized City with a Rich History
• The Appeal of Béziers for Expats
• Historical Significance and Archaeological Discoveries
• The Cathar Massacre and Religious History
• Exploring the City: Landmarks and Attractions
• Winemakers' Revolt
• Annie's personal experience in the area
• The Wine Scandal and Economic Impact
• Massive Demonstrations of 1907
• The Wine Revolt's Lasting Effects
• French Colonization and Algerian Wine
• Exploring Béziers: Historical Sites and Canal du Midi
• Jean Moulin and Béziers' Rich History
• The Enigmatic Mayor of Béziers
• Culinary Delights of Béziers
• Thank You Patrons
• Zoom Meetings with Patrons
• New VoiceMap Tours
• Paris Marathon
• The European Museum Night
• The Bordeaux Wine Festival
• A Celebration of Cézanne
• The Tour de France
• Personnal Note
• Next week on the podcast
• Copyright

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