Pézenas

Visit Pézenas, a town of art and history

A town of fairs in the Middle Ages, Pézenas was also the residence of the Montmorency family, governors of Languedoc.

Stroll through the picturesque town centre of this town of art and history, admire the sumptuous town houses and, as you wander through the charming cobbled streets, push open the doors of the many stalls run by craftsmen.

Don’t miss the Maison des Métiers d’Art on Place Gambetta in Pézenas. This shop, run by Atelier d’art de France, displays and sells one-off pieces and limited editions by local craftsmen and artisans from all over France.

During your visit, let us tell you about Molière’s visits, where history and legend mingle: the armchair in which he sat, the barber’s shop of Gély, where he listened to the people, the auberge du bât d’argent, where he feasted with the poet d’Assoucy, and the château de la Grange des près, where he was welcomed by the Prince of Conti.

Pézenas still reverberates with the farces of the illustrious theatre and cultivates the memory of the greatest ambassador of the French language.

To find out more about Pézenas and the surrounding area, read our article “What to see in and around Pézenas“.

Was Molière born in Pézenas?

Yes, in a way :) Pézenas and Molière are often associated, and not by chance.

Indeed, although Molière was not born in Pézenas and never even lived there, he revealed himself here as a man of the theatre. Marcel Pagnol summed it up well when he said: “Si Jean-Baptiste Poquelin est né à Paris. Molière was born in Pézenas.

Indeed, at that time (around 1650) Pézenas was an influential stronghold of the Ancien Régime. It was the main residence of the Prince de Conti, governor of Languedoc. It was during the Estates General of Languedoc that Molière and his troupe of actors were asked to entertain the gentlemen of the Estates.

Then, three years later, Molière became an actor for the Estates General and for His Royal Highness the Prince of Conti!

A little background information… Les Petits Pâtés de Pézenas

You may already have heard of these little cylindrical pâtés with a sweet and sour taste, stuffed with lamb meat seasoned with brown sugar and lemon.

Here’s how they originated: Lord Robert Clive, former governor of Bengal, spent three months in the town of Pézenas in the 18th century. His cook created the petit pâté, inspired by Indian recipes and the Mince Pie, an English pie filled with meat, fruit and spices. On his departure, charmed by the town and its inhabitants, Lord Clive offered the recipe to a number of Piscénois patissiers.

The very noble and very tasty “Confrérie du petit pâté de Pézenas” (Pézenas pâté guild) even protects its name and its recipe at the NPI.
It can be eaten warm as an aperitif, or in a salad, or even as a dessert.
Bon appétit!

Places to discover near Pézenas

Here is a selection of must-see places to discover around Pézenas

Château de Margon, a historic monument and garden classified as a “Remarkable Garden”, less than 20 minutes away by car.

Le Château – Abbaye de Cassan, a historic monument in the Hérault region less than 20 minutes away by car.

Château Laurens in Agde: 20 km from Pézenas