You are standing before the former Musée du Biterrois, housed in the Saint-Jacques barracks, a large military building constructed at the end of the seventeenth century on the orders of Louis XIV. Over many years, this museum told the story of Béziers, from the region’s earliest inhabitants to life here in the twentieth century. It showcased fossils, Roman remains from the ancient city, medieval objects and everything that shapes the local identity: vines, wine, traditional trades and, of course, the great winegrowers’ revolt of 1907. Among the key figures featured was Saint Aphrodise, who holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Béziers. A basilica in the city bears his name. According to legend, he arrived from Egypt on a camel to evangelise the region, before being beheaded; he is said to have picked up his head and walked through the city carrying it in his hands. As for his camel, it supposedly stayed here and became Béziers’ totem animal, still celebrated today during major festivities. This is even said to be the origin of the affectionate nickname given to the inhabitants: they are called the camelous. The museum closed its doors in 2020, but rest assured: its collections are not disappearing. They will be restored and displayed in a brand-new Museum of Art and History planned for 2030 in the former Episcopal Palace.