Sarah De Winne Nestled in the heart of Hérault in southern France, Pézenas is one of Occitanie’s most captivating small towns. With its beautifully preserved old town, lively Saturday market and strong ties to the playwright Molière, Pézenas is a rewarding stop on any southern France itinerary.
Whether you’re here for a few hours or a full day, this guide will help you uncover the best things to do in Pézenas, plus some local tips for making the most of your visit.
- Top Things to Do in Pézenas
- Practical Information for Visiting Pézenas
- Other Recommended Day Trips and Nearby Villages
- Is Pézenas Worth Visiting?
Top Things to Do in Pézenas
Pézenas is famed for its cobbled streets, golden stone buildings and elegant Renaissance-era private mansions (hôtels particuliers). The old town is compact but full of character – perfect for slow, aimless wandering all year round.
1. Explore the Historic Centre of Pézenas
One of our favourite things to do in Pézenas is to simply explore its historic streets. Every time we visit, we spot something new! Keep an eye out for curious doorways, hidden courtyards, intricate wrought-iron balconies and artisan workshops tucked into centuries-old buildings.
Personal Tip: For a self-guided tour, follow the numbered trail through the historic centre. There’s a longer route (2.5 hours) and a shorter one (1.5 hours), both clearly marked with plaques. If you’re short on time, look out for around 15 information panels in 4 languages that highlight the town’s key sites. You can pick up a free booklet at the Tourist Office or download it here.
2. Shop for Antiques and Artisan Crafts
Pézenas has long been a centre of craftsmanship and creativity, with a vibrant artisan scene. The town is known for its antique shops, vintage brocantes and independent artisans working in pottery, textiles, leather, and jewellery.
Streets like Rue de la Foire, Rue du Château and Rue Montmorency are particularly rich in artisan studios. Many open their doors to visitors – especially on weekends and during the summer months. You’ll often find artists at work, adding a lively, authentic feel to the old town.
For antique enthusiasts, Avenue de Verdun and Avenue Aristide Briand are must-visits. These broad avenues host a variety of antique dealers and second-hand shops – ideal for treasure hunting.
Personal Tip: Pézenas also holds two major antique fairs each year. These transform the picturesque town into an open-air antiques market. On Sunday 4 May and Sunday 12 October 2025, over 200 professional stands will line the streets of Pézenas.
Beyond antiques and artisan crafts, Pézenas offers a delightful mix of independent boutiques. Streets such as Rue des Chevaliers, Rue Triperie Vieille, Rue Conti and Place Gambetta are lined with interesting shops.
These sell stylish clothing, home décor with a southern French flair, natural soaps and gourmet products like tapenade, honey and artisanal sweets. These boutiques provide a charming shopping experience, perfect for browsing between sightseeing stops or before settling into a café terrace.
3. Visit the Famous Saturday Market
One of the largest and most atmospheric markets in the area takes place in the historic centre of Pézenas (Cours Jean Jaurès and Place de la République) every Saturday morning. The streets come alive with stalls selling fresh local produce, regional cheeses, olives, spices, handmade goods and more.
Conveniently, the Saturday market in Pézenas is open all year round and is very popular with locals. It’s a fantastic way to sample the flavours of Occitanie and feel the pulse of the town.
Personal Tip: Arrive early to secure parking. Free parking is available at Le Fronton and Parking Le Pré Saint Jean along the D913. If you prefer a central option, Parking Voltaire is our go-to pay car park. All are within a short walk of the historic centre.
4. Discover Molière’s Pézenas Legacy
Having studied Molière’s plays at school, I was interested to learn that the legendary French playwright Molière spent time in Pézenas in the 1650s. At this time, his theatre troupe was under the patronage of Armand de Bourbon, the Prince of Conti. Interestingly, Molière found inspiration in the people of Pézenas and the characters he observed during his stay.
For example, Molière often visited his friend the barber in what is now known as the Maison du Barbier Gély, located on Place Gambetta. According to local tradition, an old bishop’s throne was placed for him near the entrance. From here, he would quietly observe passers-by and draw inspiration for the comedies that made him famous.
Personal Tip: If you are interested in Molière’s time in Pézenas, there is a self-guided walk (Sur les traces de Molière). This highlights places linked to the playwright’s time in the town. This can be found in the Tourist Office booklet that also features the historic centre walking trail.
5. Tour the Best Museums in Pézenas
Other things to do in Pézenas include visits to the town’s museums.
Musée de Vulliod-Saint-Germain:
Set in a beautifully preserved mansion once owned by the Countess of Saint Germain, the Musée de Vulliod-Saint-Germain offers a glimpse into aristocratic life at the turn of the 20th century. The elegant state rooms display 17th- and 18th-century furniture, fine art, and Aubusson tapestries depicting the exploits of Alexander the Great.
In addition, a room dedicated to Molière includes the famous “observatory” armchair said to have belonged to the playwright during his time in Pézenas.
Personal Tip: The museum spans three floors with no lift, so it may not be suitable for all visitors. Admission is 3€ and the museum consistently receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor for its rich collections and atmospheric setting.
Musée Boby Lapointe:
Dedicated to the life and work of Boby Lapointe – the beloved French singer, songwriter, actor, and mathematician – this small museum offers a fun and engaging experience. The permanent exhibition highlights the many facets of his artistic career through photos, audio listening stations and a collection of art.
Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute visit that includes an interactive quiz and a short video screening featuring clips from Boby Lapointe’s performances, making it a lively stop for fans and newcomers alike.
6. Admire the Stunning 17th Century Mansions
In Pézenas, there are wonderful examples of “‘hôtels particuliers“. These are grand private townhouses designed for a single family and their household staff. These elegant residences are typically built around a central courtyard, often featuring impressive staircases that descend into the open space below.
After the town expanded with new walls in the late 1500s, several luxurious mansions were built. Medieval houses were also enlarged and updated with ornate façades and that opened onto the newly created Cours Jean Jaurès promenade.
7. Enjoy Eating and Drinking Like a Local
Pézenas is also a great place to discover a range of local food and wine.
Try Local Specialities
Food lovers will enjoy Pézenas’s mix of traditional Languedoc flavours and artisan flair. Be sure to try the “Petit Pâté de Pézenas”, a sweet and savoury pastry of Anglo-Indian origin.
This curious speciality is unique to the town of Pézenas. It was created by Lord Clive’s Indian chef in the 18th century after he sweetened mini mutton pies in a “Scottish style”. We brought some to take home and try, but we will let you discover how they taste!
Dine at Chez Hansi
One of our favourite spots to eat in Pézenas is Chez Hansi, a charming traditional French bistro tucked in a quiet corner of the old town. Olivier adores the steak tartare, prepared right at the table by the charismatic owner (a former boxer). The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the menu features a wide range of authentic, homemade dishes.
Taste Local Wines at Les Caves Molière
Just a short stroll from the historic centre, Les Caves Molière is a local wine cooperative uniting over 400 winegrowers across 2,200 hectares in the Pézenas region. Here, you can sample and buy a variety of wines produced in the surrounding vineyards, including reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines (vins mousseux).
We often stop in to pick up a bottle or two after lunch in the old town. The cooperative’s cellar in Pézenas offers wine tastings (dégustations) and a chance to explore wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the area. For more information, visit their official website.
Practical Information for Visiting Pézenas
How to Get to Pézenas
Pézenas is conveniently located between Béziers and Montpellier. It’s a great stop on a road trip through Hérault or en route to the coast or mountains.
- From Béziers: About 30 minutes by car via the A75.
- From Montpellier: About 50 minutes via the A750 and A75.
- From Narbonne: About 50 minutes via the A9 and A75.
Where to Park in Pézenas
Free Options: Le Fronton and Parking Le Pré Saint Jean (D913)
Paid Option: Parking Voltaire, our preferred choice for convenience and location.
When to Visit Pézenas
Pézenas is an authentic French town and is a year-round destination. However, the town truly comes to life in spring and summer, especially on Saturdays when the market spills into the historic streets.
Many artisans and boutique owners extend their opening hours during the warmer months, and various festivals and events take place throughout the summer season.
Personal Tip: Although Pézenas is an authentic French town with a strong local community, not all artisan shops and boutiques stay open out of season. If you’re visiting in winter, especially midweek, expect a quieter atmosphere with fewer shops open – but still plenty of charm!
Other Recommended Day Trips and Nearby Villages
Pézenas is perfectly positioned for discovering more of the Hérault region. Some nearby highlights include:
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert: A medieval village and UNESCO site (40 minutes by car).
Valmagne Abbey: A former monastery turned wine estate (20 minutes by car).
Béziers: The oldest city in France and home to the impressive 9 Locks of Fonseranes (30 minutes by car).
Marseillan: A pretty port town on the Étang de Thau, perfect for seafood and vermouth tasting (25 minutes by car).
Sète: A lively port town known for its canals, seafood and traditional water jousting (joutes), especially during the Saint Louis Festival in August (40 minutes by car).
The Beaches of Hérault: The Mediterranean coast is just a short drive from Pézenas (approximately 30 minutes). Popular spots like Cap d’Agde, Portiragnes, Sérignan Plage, Marseillan, Vias Plage and Valras Plage offer long sandy beaches, family-friendly facilities and a relaxed seaside vibe.
Is Pézenas Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! With its rich heritage, artistic spirit and friendly charm, Pézenas offers a perfect slice of southern France. Whether you’re browsing the Saturday market, lingering over lunch at Chez Hansi, or simply soaking in the historic atmosphere, Pézenas is a place that invites you to slow down and savour the moment.
