Here are 6 Reasons to Plan a Trip to Pézenas in l’Occitanie

Discover why I think you will love Pézenas.

Pezenas is a small town in l’Occitanie that reminds many people of Uzès. In fact, when some expats choose a place to locate, it seems to be a toss-up between the two cities. Read on for the six (6) reasons you’ll fall in love with Pézenas!

#1 Reason – Saturday Market

Although the Saturday Market in Uzès has won awards and acclaim as one of the best markets in France, the market in Pézenas isn’t far behind.

#2 Reason – One of the “most beautiful towns” 

Pézenas is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France. Once the political centre of the États du Languedoc and the home of Parliament, the consul’s palace (Hôtel des Consuls) stands on one of the main squares (Place Gambetta).

Continue reading here for Deborah’s reasons #3-6 why Pézenas should be a town that is on your list of places to visit.

When You Visit Pézenas

It is an easy drive from most places in the Bouches du Rhône to reach this mid-sized town (population is roughly 8,300) in l’Occitanie. Pézenas is filled with enticing boutiques, lots of restaurants, and beautiful 17th- and 18th-century architecture.

Like most places in France, there are some local food specialties to try:

The Berlingots de Pézenas are a hard candy made with sugar and produced in multiple flavours. It is even possible to visit the factory but check the opening hours first.

Confiserie Boudet Shop:
website
5, place Gambetta
34120 Pézenas
Tel: +33 (0)4 67 90 76 05
Factory:
Chemin de Saint-Christol
Tel: +33 (0)67 98 16 32

Le Petit Pâté de Pézenas is a small minced pie, shaped like a spool of thread. The recipe calls for a savoury-sweet combination of ground lamb, sheep suet, sugar and lemon peel. The lamb stuffing is wrapped in dough and cooked in a hot oven. The Petit Pâté de Pézenas is often served warm as an appetizer or starter with salad. You can find these traditional treats at several bakeries in town.

Antique hunters put the Pézenas Foire à la Brocante on your to-do list. This large brocante with 150 or so vendors is held twice a year on the first Sunday of May and the second Sunday of October.

Tourist Office (website)
Place des États du Languedoc
34120 Pézenas
Tel: +33 (0)4 67 98 36 40

Pézenas official town website

Deborah Bine

The Barefoot Blogger, aka Deborah Bine, loves to share tales of her solo life in France as an American expat who speaks no French. Retired from a career in advertising and marketing communications, and divorced after a 40-year marriage with children, Deborah left Beaufort, South Carolina and all of her belongings last year to move to the south of France. Now that she has found her "bliss," her passion is to encourage others to break away from whatever is holding them back and to go after their dreams. "We're on life's journey alone. Be certain you love where you are."

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