# Béziers

> city in Hérault, Occitanie, France

**Wikidata**: [Q174019](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q174019)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Béziers)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beziers

## Summary
Béziers is a city in the Hérault department of the Occitanie region in southern France. It is a commune with a rich historical and cultural heritage, known for its Roman amphitheatre, medieval architecture, and as a key stop along the Canal du Midi. Béziers serves as an administrative, cultural, and economic hub in the Languedoc area.

## Key Facts
- Béziers is a commune of France, classified as a city.
- It is located in the Hérault department, within the Occitanie region.
- The city is part of the arrondissement of Béziers.
- Population (2023): 81,545; area: 95.48 km².
- Coordinates: 43.3433° N, 3.2161° E.
- Elevation ranges from 4 meters (lowest) to 120 meters (highest), with a mean of 43 meters.
- Official name: Béziers; native names include Béziers and Besièrs.
- Postal code: 34500; INSEE municipality code: 34032.
- Timezone: UTC+01:00 (standard), UTC+02:00 (daylight saving).
- Country: France.
- Capital of multiple cantons including Béziers-1, Béziers-2, Béziers-3, and formerly Béziers-4.
- Head of government: Robert Ménard (since 2014); office held: Mayor of Béziers.
- Official website: [ville-beziers.fr](https://www.ville-beziers.fr/)
- Social media: Twitter (VilleDeBeziers), Instagram (villedebeziers), Facebook (ville.debeziers).
- Email: contact@beziers.fr; phone: +33-4-67-36-73-73; fax: +33-4-67-36-73-99.
- Twinned cities: Chiclana de la Frontera, Heilbronn (since 1965), Stockport, Stavropol (since 1982).
- Notable landmarks: Béziers Cathedral, Pont Vieux, Béziers amphitheatre, Stade Raoul-Barrière, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers.
- Historical significance: Site of the Massacre at Béziers during the Albigensian Crusade.
- Notable organizations: AS Béziers Hérault (rugby), Béziers Volley (volleyball), AS Béziers (football).
- Infrastructure: Béziers railway station, Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport.
- Cultural institutions: Archives municipales de Béziers, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers.
- Environmental features: Located near the Orb River and the Canal du Midi, with the Orb Aqueduct and Fonseranes Lock nearby.
- Administrative divisions: Part of the Communauté d'agglomération Béziers Méditerranée.
- Historical diocese: Ancient Diocese of Béziers.
- Demonym: Biterrois.
- Flag: flag of Béziers.
- Coat of arms: Blason_Béziers.svg.
- Locator map: Béziers_OSM_01.png.
- Image: CathedraleEtVieuxPontBeziers.jpg.
- Banner: Bézier_banner.jpg.
- Sitelink count: 82.
- Commons gallery: Béziers.
- Commons category: Béziers.
- Wikipedia title: Béziers.
- Wikipedia languages: Over 100, including fr, en, de, es, it, and many others.
- Aliases: Besiers, Beziers, Besièrs, Baeterrae, Biterrae.
- GND ID: 4080392-2.
- Fast ID: 1206086.
- SNARC ID: Lamitan.
- Lex ID: Béziers.
- VIAF ID: 153594980.
- IDRef ID: 028054784.
- CANTIC ID: 981058615100606706.
- FINESS ID: 340020130.
- UN/LOCODE: FRBZR.
- GNS Unique Feature ID: -1412490.
- WorldCat Entities ID: E39PBJjRW6TwJbwQpWHgqjXTpP.
- Canadiana Name Authority ID: ncf12004559.
- Library of Congress Authority ID: n79091188.
- Jewish Encyclopedia ID: 3248.
- EHESSE ID: 4149.
- Online PWN Encyclopedia ID: 3876757.
- Treccani ID: beziers.
- Treccani's Enciclopedia Italiana ID: beziers (1930).
- Encyclopædia Universalis ID: beziers.
- Encyclopædia Britannica Online ID: place/Beziers.
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007550347205171.
- National Library of Spain SPMABN ID: XX5895050.
- Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana ID: besiers.
- Hrvatska Enciklopedija ID: 7380.
- Archinform Location ID: 6285.
- MusicBrainz Area ID: 69b3e158-2c4d-4d08-861f-36de50404373.
- Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites ID: baeterrae.
- Early Modern Letters Online Location ID: ebf82ea6-9c89-4c89-a1de-3467d49487bf.
- Digital Atlas of the Roman Empire ID: 179.
- Tabular population: Data:Population – Béziers – Hérault (département) – INSEE 34032.tab.
- Topic's main category: Category:Béziers.
- Category for maps or plans: Category:Maps of Béziers.
- Category for people born here: Category:Births in Béziers.
- Category for people who died here: Category:Deaths in Béziers.
- Category of associated people: Category:People from Béziers.
- Contact page URL: https://beziers.usagers.fr/airform/formulaires/SAISINE.
- Quora topic: Béziers-France.
- Store ID Google Play: Béziers.
- Who's on First ID: 101749211.
- Topostext Place ID: 433032UBae.
- Joconde Location ID: T84-1684.
- SBN Place ID: UBOL00397.
- Münzkabinett ID: location/2692.
- RKD Thesaurus ID: 5352.
- Factgrid Item ID: Wäschenbeuren.
- Hikr Waypoint ID: 76660.
- Le Figaro Tag ID: Béziers.
- Kulturenvanteri Taxonomy ID: 16118.
- NL CR AUT ID: ge1272083.
- De Agostini ID: Béziers.
- Vikidia Article ID: fr:Béziers.
- List of monuments: list of historical monuments in Béziers.
- Described by source: Pauly–Wissowa, The Nuttall Encyclopædia, Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron, Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition.

## FAQs
### What is Béziers known for?
Béziers is known for its rich historical heritage, including the Roman amphitheatre, Béziers Cathedral, and its role in the Albigensian Crusade. It is also recognized for its cultural institutions, sports teams, and proximity to the Canal du Midi.

### What is the population of Béziers?
As of 2023, the population of Béziers is 81,545. Historical data shows fluctuations, with the population being 74,811 in 2013 and 77,393 in 2015.

### What are the key administrative divisions of Béziers?
Béziers is part of the Hérault department and the Occitanie region. It is the capital of the arrondissement of Béziers and several cantons, including Béziers-1, Béziers-2, and Béziers-3, which were established in 2015. It also belongs to the Communauté d'agglomération Béziers Méditerranée.

### What are the main landmarks in Béziers?
Notable landmarks include the Béziers Cathedral, the Pont Vieux, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Stade Raoul-Barrière. The city also features the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers and is near the Canal du Midi.

### What sports teams are associated with Béziers?
Béziers is home to AS Béziers Hérault (rugby, founded 1911), Béziers Volley (volleyball, founded 1996), and AS Béziers (football, with teams founded in 1911 and 2007). The city also has the Stade Raoul-Barrière and Stade de Sauclières.

### What is the historical significance of Béziers?
Béziers is historically significant as the site of the Massacre at Béziers during the Albigensian Crusade, a pivotal event in the suppression of the Cathar heresy. It also has a rich ecclesiastical history, including the Ancient Diocese of Béziers.

### What organizations is Béziers a member of?
Béziers is part of the Communauté d'agglomération Béziers Méditerranée and is twinned with cities such as Chiclana de la Frontera, Heilbronn, Stockport, and Stavropol. It is also associated with the Fédération Régions et Peuples Solidaires.

### What are the key infrastructure elements in Béziers?
Key infrastructure includes the Béziers railway station, Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport, and proximity to the Canal du Midi. The city also features the Orb Aqueduct and Fonseranes Lock, which are part of the canal system.

### What cultural institutions are in Béziers?
Cultural institutions include the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers, the Archives municipales de Béziers, and the Plateau des poètes, a public garden. The city also has a vibrant sports culture with multiple clubs and stadiums.

### What is the geography and environment of Béziers like?
Béziers is located at 43.3433° N, 3.2161° E, with an elevation ranging from 4 to 120 meters. It is situated near the Orb River and the Canal du Midi, contributing to its scenic and historical appeal.

## Why It Matters
Béziers holds significant historical, cultural, and administrative importance in southern France. As a city with deep Roman roots and a pivotal role in medieval religious conflicts, it offers a window into the region's past. Its modern-day contributions to sports, culture, and regional governance make it a central hub in Languedoc. The city's proximity to the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enhances its cultural and touristic value. Béziers also plays a role in contemporary French politics and regional identity, with its mayor, Robert Ménard, being a notable political figure. Its diverse population and rich architectural heritage make it a key locale for understanding the evolution of French urban life.

## Notable For
- Hosting the historic Massacre at Béziers during the Albigensian Crusade.
- Being home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
- Serving as a cultural and administrative center in the Languedoc region.
- Hosting multiple sports teams, including rugby and football clubs.
- Proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi.
- Twinned with several international cities, promoting cultural exchange.
- Home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers and other cultural institutions.
- A key stop along the Canal du Midi, featuring the Orb Aqueduct and Fonseranes Lock.
- Being the seat of the arrondissement of Béziers and multiple cantons.
- Hosting the Fédération Régions et Peuples Solidaires, a federation of regionalist political parties.

## Body

### History
Béziers has a long and storied history, beginning with its Roman origins as Baeterrae. It played a central role in the Albigensian Crusade, most notably as the site of the Massacre at Béziers in 1209, which marked the beginning of the crusade against the Cathars. The city was historically the seat of the Ancient Diocese of Béziers, which further underscores its ecclesiastical importance. Over the centuries, Béziers has evolved into a modern city while retaining its historical character.

### Geography and Environment
Béziers is located in the Hérault department of the Occitanie region in southern France. Its coordinates are 43.3433° N, 3.2161° E. The city covers an area of 95.48 square kilometers and has an elevation ranging from 4 meters at its lowest point to 120 meters at its highest, with a mean elevation of 43 meters. It lies near the Orb River and is a key stop along the Canal du Midi, which includes the Orb Aqueduct and Fonseranes Lock. The city's proximity to these waterways has historically influenced its development and continues to be a draw for tourists.

### Administration
Béziers is a commune of France and serves as the capital of the arrondissement of Béziers. It is also the capital of several cantons, including Béziers-1, Béziers-2, and Béziers-3, which were established on March 22, 2015. The city is part of the Communauté d'agglomération Béziers Méditerranée, which was founded on December 31, 2001. The head of government is Robert Ménard, who has served as Mayor of Béziers since 2014.

### Demographics
The population of Béziers has seen steady growth over the past decades. As of 2023, the population is 81,545. Historical data shows fluctuations, with the population being 74,811 in 2013 and 77,393 in 2015. The city's demographic trends reflect broader regional patterns, with a mix of urban and rural influences.

### Culture and Landmarks
Béziers is home to several notable landmarks, including the Béziers Cathedral, the Pont Vieux, and the Roman amphitheatre. The city also features the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Béziers, which houses significant collections of art. The Plateau des poètes is a public garden that adds to the city's green spaces. The city's cultural offerings are complemented by its historical monuments, which are listed in the "list of historical monuments in Béziers."

### Sports
Béziers has a vibrant sports culture, with AS Béziers Hérault (rugby, founded in 1911) and Béziers Volley (volleyball, founded in 1996) being prominent clubs. The city also has a football team, AS Béziers, with teams founded in 1911 and 2007. The Stade Raoul-Barrière and Stade de Sauclières are key venues for sports events.

### Infrastructure
Key infrastructure in Béziers includes the Béziers railway station, which connects the city to the broader French rail network, and the Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport, which serves regional flights. The city's proximity to the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enhances its appeal to tourists and historians alike.

### Politics and Governance
Béziers is part of the Fédération Régions et Peuples Solidaires, a federation of French regionalist political parties founded in 1995. The city's political landscape is shaped by its mayor, Robert Ménard, who has been in office since 2014. The office held by the head of government is the Mayor of Béziers.

### International Relations
Béziers is twinned with several cities, including Chiclana de la Frontera in Spain, Heilbronn in Germany (since 1965), Stockport in the UK, and Stavropol in Russia (since 1982). These partnerships promote cultural exchange and cooperation.

### Archives and Libraries
The city maintains the Archives municipales de Béziers, which preserve important historical documents and records. These archives are a valuable resource for researchers and historians interested in the city's past.

### Economy and Industry
Béziers is home to Constructions industrielles de la Méditerranée, a company established in 1982, which contributes to the local economy. The city's economic activities are diverse, ranging from agriculture and tourism to industry.

### Religion
The Ancient Diocese of Béziers underscores the city's historical religious significance. The diocese, though no longer active, reflects the city's role in the medieval Christian world.

### Media and Publications
Béziers is covered in various encyclopedias and reference works, including the Pauly–Wissowa, The Nuttall Encyclopædia, and the Encyclopædia Britannica. These references highlight the city's historical and cultural importance.

### Tourism
Tourism in Béziers is driven by its historical sites, cultural institutions, and proximity to the Canal du Midi. The city's landmarks, including the Roman amphitheatre and cathedral, attract visitors from around the world.

### Education and Research
Béziers is a site of historical and cultural research, with its archives and monuments serving as resources for scholars. The city's educational institutions contribute to the regional academic landscape.

### Transportation
Béziers is accessible via the Béziers railway station and Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport. The city's location along the Canal du Midi also makes it a point of interest for waterway tourism.

### Notable People
Béziers is associated with various notable individuals, many of whom are categorized in the "Category:People from Béziers" on Wikimedia Commons. These individuals have contributed to the city's cultural and historical legacy.

## References

1. [Source](http://ставрополь.рф/english/intermunicipal_cooperation/Information_about_Beziers.php)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. Annuaire de service-public.fr
10. MusicBrainz
11. Populations légales Insee Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2018
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
22. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
23. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
24. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
25. GeoNames
26. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/fr.htm)
27. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
28. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
29. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
30. museum-digital