Saint-Nazaire Cathedral

Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, in Béziers

Saint-Nazaire Cathedral is the emblem of Béziers, an imposing fortress-cathedral that dominates the town and the river Orb. The Béziers audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this major monument, rebuilt after the tragic events of the thirteenth century.

The fortress-cathedral above the Orb

Saint-Nazaire Cathedral is the most emblematic monument of Béziers, whose massive silhouette dominates the town and the banks of the river Orb. Perched on a height, it offers, seen from the Pont Vieux, the most famous image of the town. The current building, of Gothic style, was rebuilt from the thirteenth century, after the previous cathedral was destroyed during the sack of Béziers in 1209, a dramatic episode of the crusade against the Albigensians. With its fortified towers, its battlements and its appearance of a fortress, the cathedral testifies to this troubled era. Inside, you admire its great rose window, its cloister and its works of art; a terrace offers an exceptional panorama over the valley. A major sanctuary laden with history and memory, Saint-Nazaire Cathedral is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the imposing Gothic fortress-cathedral with fortified towers and battlements, which dominates the town and the Orb, rebuilt after the sack of Béziers of 1209, its great rose window, its cloister and the terrace offering an exceptional panorama over the valley. Saint-Nazaire Cathedral is the emblem of Béziers. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

Saint-Nazaire Cathedral lies on the heights of the historic centre of Béziers, dominating the Orb, reachable on foot by a climb. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but access to the cloister, the terrace and the hours follow their own conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

Why was Saint-Nazaire Cathedral of Béziers rebuilt?

Because the previous cathedral was destroyed during the sack of Béziers in 1209, a dramatic episode of the crusade against the Albigensians; the current Gothic building, with the appearance of a fortress, was rebuilt from the thirteenth century.

Where is Saint-Nazaire Cathedral of Béziers?

On the heights of the historic centre of Béziers, dominating the Orb, in France.