About Pézenas
The old town of Pézenas is a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming squares. It is known for its beautifully preserved 16th and 17th-century architecture. With its charming outdoor cafes and swoon worthy French cuisine, the old village has many gems tucked into its stone walkways.
Historic Village
About Pézenas
Pézenas is a beautiful and historic town located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. Known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and charming old town, Pézenas is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the south of France. The town is known for its lively cultural scene. There are a number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year, including the annual Fête de Saint-Louis in August, which is a celebration of the town’s patron saint. During festivals, the streets of Pézenas are filled with music, dance, and food, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample some of the region’s delicious cuisine. On Tuesday evenings in summer, local wineries host wine tastings in the main square. Local restaurants set up booths as well. This is a family friendly way to enjoy the safe evening streets of the old village. Shops remain open late at night, while carnival performers and buskers fill the square with a lively ambiance. Every Saturday, a bustling market fills the market square, with food, clothing, baskets and spices, all with the warm hospitality of this region.
History & Culture
Pézenas is a town with a rich history and culture. It has been inhabited since Roman times and has been home to a number of different cultures throughout the centuries, including the Visigoths, Moors, and Franks. Roman aqueducts and walls are still visible. The town was also an important center of commerce during the Middle Ages and was known for its production of textiles and leather goods.
The town’s cultural heritage is most evident in its architecture. The old town of Pézenas is home to a number of beautiful 17th and 18th-century buildings that are typical of the region. These buildings feature beautiful balconies, intricate stonework, and ornate ironwork. One of the most famous buildings in Pézenas is the Hôtel de Lacoste, a 17th-century mansion that was once home to the famous French playwright Molière while he completed his most famous works. Indeed, Pezenas took in the 'disgraced' playwright in much the same way that it nurtures its artists today.
Today, the Lacoste mansion, which houses a very fine rib vaulted vestibule, as well as a magnificent square spiral staircase, is open to visitors.
Much of the architecture is ancient, and thus tells the story of Europe's inhabitants. The Jewish ghetto is a small but important cluster of streets that tell the story of Jewish settlement in the 1300's, before Jews were dispelled during the Crusades.
Food & Wine
Food & Drink
One of the highlights of any trip to Pézenas is the opportunity to sample the region’s delicious cuisine. Sit at a cafe and people watch while eating regional delicacies! The town is known for its hearty, rustic dishes that make use of the freshest local ingredients. Some of the top dishes to try include:
Cassoulet: This hearty stew is made with white beans, duck, and sausage and is a staple of the Languedoc-Roussillon region.
Tarte aux poires: This delicious pear tart is a specialty of the region and is the perfect dessert to finish off any meal.
Tielle sétoise: This savory pastry is a specialty of the nearby town of Sète and is filled with spicy octopus and tomato sauce.
Fougasse: This traditional bread is similar to focaccia and is often served with olive oil and herbs.
Petits Pates de Pézenas: These delicious desserts, an ancient specialty of the village, consist of sweet meats tucked into flaky pastry crust. These tiny delicacies are rumored to have come to Pézenas from Scotland by way of Marco Polo’s chef. French patisseries then contributed their own flavor into the recipe, resulting in the little mouthfuls of bliss we have today.
In addition to its delicious cuisine, Pézenas is also home to a number of wineries and vineyards. The Languedoc-Roussillon region is known for its excellent wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can take a wine tour and sample some of the region’s best wines while enjoying the beautiful countryside.
Wineries
The sun drenched Languedoc is the most productive wine region of France. The wineries of the Pezenas area are renowned not only for their refreshing wines, but also for their top grade olive oil. Winery tours a short drive from the Couvent are easily reserved in advance, and some include lessons in French cooking as well as samples of wines, olives, and olive oil. The ancient art of oenology has been perfected in this region for centuries. The wineries themselves are steeped in tradition, while wine makers today have much to discuss about modern day technology to help ease the challenges of growing wine in a changing climate. Click the links below to learn more and arrange tours.
Seigneurie de Peyrat - Within a fifteen minute drive from the Couvent is the grand, 200 acre estate of the Seigneurie. Book a tour followed by a tasting in the garden, and you will learn how to make traditional French garlic, olive oil and tomato bread while sampling delicious olives and wines. (The tasting courtyard of the Seigneurie is pictured on the left.)
Allegria - This 12 acre winery specializes in producing organic wines. You may also choose to create your own barrel of wine here; perfect for weddings favors!
Domaine Monplezy - Since 1734, the same family has cultivated this organic winery, producing wine with the distinctive flavor of the region because of its preeminent location. Their dedication to allowing the land to naturally express its flavor in its wines has led them to preserve and protect the natural environment. They are a member of the League of Protection of Birds and a Natura 2000 zone.
Mas Gabriel - This small, 6.5 hectare winery is big on taste! Their tasty organic wines have won some impressive awards.
Chateau de Montpezat - This beautiful building has been responsible for creating distinctive Pezenas wines since the 16th century. Today, it offers organic wines and warm hospitality for its visitors.
Domaine de Nizas - Hospitality and tasty wines are the hallmark of this winery.
Domaine de Montrose - A modern winery based on an ancient site and tradition, this winery offers excellent tours.
