Béziers
“Is it not my confidence that pleased you, and that under the rule of the most perfect and greatest King that the world has ever seen, I will create the greatest engineering structure ever to have been designed?”
Vising my long-time friend Regine, who had returned to live in Béziers after all these years. We come to wonder how time passed by, and for sure, we’ve come such a long way. Staying with her brought back old memories of El Born, the historic neighborhood in Barcelona. I remembered how we used to hang out there after our basic Spanish classes, exploring festivities and events. Even now, whenever I find myself in El Born visiting Santa Maria del Mar, I still look up at Regine’s old apartment—a place filled with memories of countless gatherings. It’s incredible how certain places shape our mood and mark transitions in our lives.
I originally planned to stay for just two nights before heading off on a bike tour, but as we talked and caught up, I realized that wasn’t nearly enough time. Breakfast conversations turned into long discussions, and Regine kept suggesting places to visit. Before I knew it, my solo bike tour in Alès no longer seemed as important.
This visit gave us the chance to reconnect in a way we hadn’t in years. Despite the time that had passed, I realized we hadn’t really changed—we still cherished our time together and held deep respect for one another. Regine remained the same kind, caring, and thoughtful person I had always known. Yes, many years had gone by, but here we were, making up for lost time. Regine brought up the days we spent sleeping on the beach in Costa Brava and reminisced about our friend Betty, describing how she emerged from the water with her striking blue eyes and blonde hair. I learned, with sadness, that Betty had passed away from cancer many years ago. It made me reflect on how fleeting life truly is.
Initially, I planned to stay in Béziers briefly before heading to Alès to start my solo bike tour. But as we talked and reminisced, I knew my plans had shifted. The bike tour faded into the background. One of the greatest strengths in traveling is the flexibility to change course. The importance of relationships is something I deeply value—I don’t know why, but that’s just how I feel.
Béziers is Regine’s hometown, where she grew up. As we drove around, she pointed out buildings bearing her family name—a reminder of their past real estate ventures during the city’s economic boom. She shared stories of her childhood, including her time in a convent while her sister remained at home with their parents. Though she has mixed feelings about her upbringing, she takes pride in her city. In fact, one of her closest friends from Barcelona even bought a flat here, just to be closer to her.
A lot of people who live here made a fortune during the booming years of wine making and that’s why you see chateau around and big houses around the city.
Béziers, located in the Occitanie region of southern France, was historically a rich city due to its strategic location, agricultural prosperity, and involvement in key economic activities:
Viticulture (Wine Production): The surrounding region of Béziers has long been known for its fertile lands, making it an ideal place for growing grapes. From the 19th century, Béziers became a major center for wine production, with the wine trade becoming its economic backbone. The wealth generated from viticulture attracted merchants and helped the city grow.
Strategic Location: Béziers' location on the Orb River and its proximity to the Mediterranean made it a critical trade route and commercial hub in the Middle Ages. This access helped with the transport of agricultural goods, including wine, olive oil, and grain, which contributed to its prosperity.
Canal du Midi: The construction of the Canal du Midi, a major engineering feat in the 17th century connecting the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, further boosted Béziers’ economy. The canal facilitated the movement of goods, particularly wine, and helped make the city a wealthy trading center.
