PEZENAS

Lying in central Languedoc between mountains and sea with beaches 20 minutes' drive away, Pezenas is a small market town in the Herault department well situated to satisfy the needs of all its visitors - from the most active to the most relaxed.

History: the town was formerly the fortified Roman city of Piscenae. In the middle ages the town grew rich from trade and fairs, and had a golden age when it became the seat of the Languedoc government, the Governors' residence being nicknamed "Little Versailles". The architectural wealth of the area can be seen in the many Gothic, Renaissance and Classical facades, the paved streets, watchtowers, mullioned windows, embossed doors, Jewish quarter, 17C private mansions and churches, and in the surrounding medieval villages built on a circular pattern. The whole of Pezenas "old town" has been classified as part of the French National Heritage.

Arts: many artists and writers, including Moliere, were guests of the flamboyant 17C Prince de Conti in Pezenas, resulting in the town's theatre-on-the-boards, open-air classical theatre, dramatised visits and historical reconstructions. Classical concerts, shows and art exhibitions, Carnival, Vin Primeur, Music & Wine Festival, Flea Markets and Heritage Days take place in Pezenas throughout the summer.

The "Poulain" makes an appearance at the Shrove Tuesday Carnival and every other celebration in Pezenas - the wooden horse has the figures of Estienne and Estienou perched on top and is carried by a team of rugby players in procession around the town accompanied by music and dancing.

Crafts: in the historic centre of Pezenas, all the little shops built for the medieval fairs are brought back to life - cabinetmakers, mosaicists, costume makers, fashion designers, leather workers, jewel designers, potters, porcelain artists, spinners, glass blowers, stonemasons, puppetmakers etc, surrounded by dozens of antiques shops.

Wines: Pezenas is in the heart of the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation, producing high quality AOC wines and Vins de Pays. Take a tour of the many domaines and co-operatives to taste the range of wines, including Picpoul de Pinet (excellent with shellfish) as well as sweet Muscat, Cartagene, etc.

Modern Town: the Pezenas restaurants cater for a wide variety of tastes and pockets - all within walking distance of Mas du Parc so everyone can enjoy wine with their meal! Local food specialities include home-made jams and chocolates, sugar Berlingots, sweet-and-sour Petit Pate de Pezenas, Lucques & Picholine olives, sweet Cebe onions.

The resonably-priced internet cafe can help you to keep in touch with the outside world, and youngsters can enjoy their own "escapism".

The variety of bars cater for young and old alike, with live music and entertainment into the early hours ......

All services are available in the town, including supermarkets, banks, cafes, and if the unthinkable should happen - a hospital and emergency clinic.