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 the explanatory panels.

Activities:

• Cactus Park, 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 at the winery (tel. 04 67 77 42 03 and the domain de Brignac (tel. 04 67 77 40 56).
• Dine at the Guinguette de Bessan by the Hérault, a pleasant stopover (direct link to the Hérault by the round lock of Agde). Tel. 04 67 77 43 93.