Car Rental Montpellier - Exploring Montpellier
Montpellier is surrounded by towns and countryside rich in history. Nearby Beziers has the dubious distinction of being the site of the first Cathar massacre by the Crusaders in 1209.
In this gruesome incident, every one of the town’s inhabitants was slain, regardless of age, gender or religious background. Catholics and Cathars, a people who did not prescribe to Catholicism, were murdered alike, as a symbol of hatred against the ‘non-believers’.
Today, Beziers is much more pleasant than its tragic past. It is a town known for its tree-lined avenues, quality wine and ferias (fairs), which are reputed to be among the most festive in Europe. For a leisurely excursion, visit the Plateau des Poetes, with its lush gardens shaded by trees and filled with exotic plant species and the busts of famous poets.
Carcassonne, like Beziers, has strong historical ties to the Cathar people. The town has many ruins of ancient fortresses, to which the Cathars retreated with the onslaught of the Crusader attacks. They survived in these safe-houses for many months before surrendering. Of the castles, the most impressive is Montsegur, which should feature near the top of any sightseeing list.
Narbonne is a quaint little town with a fascinating museum, the Musée Archéologie, which features an educational collection of artefacts from a range of different periods. It is also home to the fourth-tallest cathedral in France, the impressive Cathedral of St Just.
The culture of ancient Rome is brought to life in Nîmes, which features an almost perfectly preserved Roman temple and amphitheatre. Directly opposite the temple stands the Carre d’Art, creating a startling juxtaposition of archaic and modern. This art museum is home to over 300 contemporary artworks, from the 1960s to the present day.
Apart from these towns and their attractions, the Languedoc region offers much for the nature lover. Just a short drive away, it is famous for its underground caverns, and has a charming coastal region with good beaches.
