Beziers hasn't had a great reputation - but the centre of the city really is very pretty, with winding cobbled streets and good shopping. There are some good restaurants here too - try Le Petit Montmartre in Place de la Madeleine.

The outskirts of Beziers aren't so nice - quite poor and run down. And beyond that, the land is flat and covered with ugly American-style strip malls.

But the rolling hills are only a 20 minute drive north, and the beach is only 15 minutes away too. So escaping the urban mess is never difficult.

The town has all the amenities and shops and schools you could need - and quite a few interesting sights and activities are nearby - including Vlras beach, the Canal du Midi, the nudist colony at Cap d'Agde, and the Oppidum Enserune. (See the Creme de Languedoc 'About the Area' section for more information.)