Discover - Pézenas

Pézenas' map on Google Maps

Between the Bas-Languedoc coast and the Hérault hinterland, Pézenas has a great heritage. Fairs were held and Estates convened here, and it was adopted by Molière and his "Illustre Théâtre" troupe of actors. 17th and 18th c. town mansions, paved streets and 16th century bourgeois dwellings form the setting for the house of the Consuls, once the seat of local power, where the Estates of the Languedoc were convened until the mid-17th c. Visit its religious heritage: old chapel of the Pénitents Noirs, a theatre since the 19th c., old chapel of the Ursulines and Collégiale St Jean with a "treasure trove" of artefacts from churches of the town. A trip into the surrounding countryside will reveal charming wine estates and wines of great quality. Cultural events are held from June to October. 30 artisans ply their trade all year round. Apart from Molière, other personalities have left their mark on local history, including Paul Vidal de la Blache, inventor of human geography, the singer Boby Lapointe and the chemist Venel

www.ville-pezenas.fr

Sights:

■ The old town labelled protected zone with medieval burgess houses and town mansions of the 17th and 18th c.
■ Collegiate church Saint-Jean and its treasure.
■ Museum de Vulliod-Saint-Germain with Molière's armchair.
■ The Interpretation Centre for Architecture and Heritage.
■ Arts and Crafst centre, Door Museum, Toy Museum, Boby Lapointe Museum.

Activities:

■ Guided tour of the town by day or night (summer season) or visit with an audio guide (in French).
■ Scenovision Molière, 3 D multi-sensorial show in 5 acts.
■ Craft evenings (Wednesday and Friday evenings in summer).
■ Wine growers' evenings (Friday evenings in summer).
■ Itinerary of the town marked by arrows, map in English on sale at the tourist office.
■ Sampling of Berlingots; tel: 04 67 98 16 32, and Petits Pâtés (sort of mince pie) in bakeries.
■ Saturday market.
■ Exhibitions, art galleries and antique dealers.
■ Discovery route by car on the 17th century (explanatory panels on the main car parks).