Discover - Bessan

Small town of 4200 people away from the seaside resorts, set in ancient vineyards between the Ramus hills and the Hérault. Many places to relax in and aspects to charm lovers of history and folklore with a totemic ass, focus of the St Laurent festival. Under Greek occupation from 6th c. BC, it is the oldest site in France with Marseille. It was a Castrum (fortified village) in the Middle Ages and now revolves round its historic centre with church of St Pierre and Romanesque apse, St Pierre gate, 18th c.; mansions and remains of a 13th c. grain mill. Sample "Bessan Rosé" and award-winning vintages at the winery, and other products of local gastronomy.

www.bessan.fr

Sights:

■ Church of St Pierre, with 12th c. Romanesque apse and 17th century altarpiece.
■ Discover the historical town centre with explanatory panels.

Activities:

■ Cactus Parc, with flowers and animals (tel: 04 67 77 16 16).
■ Church of St Pierre, for groups on request (tel: 04 67 00 10 26).
■ La cueillette de Caillan to pick up your own fruit and vegetables. Tel. 04 67 09 31 69.
■ Tasting: "Bessan rosé" and other wines on request at the winery (call 04 67 77 42 03) from May, 2nd to October, 31st 2010, open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 12.30 noon and and 3 to 7 pm ; from November, 2nd 2010 to April, 30th 2011, open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 12.30 noon and 3.30 to 6.30 pm and the Domaine de Brignac (call 04 67 77 40 56).
■ Dine at the Guinguette de Bessan by the Hérault, a pleasant stopover on a barge trip on the Canal du Midi (direct link to the Hérault by the round lock of Agde). Open from 15th June to 15th September. Tel. 04 67 77 43 93.