The river and beach at Cessenon
Village fountain
Canoeing on the River Orb
Roquebrun
Cessenon
nestling in the valley of the Orb is a very pretty village centred
around the solid 14th century church. There is a large square with
the mairie at one end; opposite you'll find a lovely butcher's shop,
the bank and the local hotel with bar and restaurant. In the summer
they extend their tables and chairs into the main square.
On the other side of the road is another bar where you can also sit outside
and enjoy the summer sunshine. In high summer they serve snack-style
lunches.
If you want a really lovely meal try
Restaurant de L'Orb - a highly recommended restaurant in the village.
There are no less than three bakers, a tabac, a newsagents and an 'open
all hours' general store close by. A little further towards the river
you'll find the large '8 à 8' supermarket near the post office
providing everything you'll need for basic shopping without having to
drive into the large town of Beziers.
On the other hand you should not miss a visit to Beziers with its magnificent
cathedral and wonderful central boulevard where every Friday you can
discover the amazing and colourful flower market. Other attractions of
Beziers include the theatre, the many bars, restaurants and boutiques
but most of all the incredible Fiesta known as the Feria which occurs
in the middle of August each year when the whole ot the city becomes
a huge Spanish festival. You don't have to go to the bull-fight to soak
up the atmosphere.
On the other side of the river, crossed by a magnificent suspension bridge, discover
the large river beach with a camp-site just behind. During the season an outdoor
pizza parlour and bar invites you to partake of its fayre.
Looking back across the river from this side is the lovely view of the village
topped by its 12th century tower.
Further up the road from Cessenon you'll find the beautiful town of Roquebrun
perched on the edge of the escarpment leading up from the river. Roquebrun has
a famous Mediterranean garden open to the public.
Canoeing on the River Orb is only one of the activities on the doorstep and for
the less sporty simply pack a picnic and relax on one of the river beaches all
day.
ACCESS
International airports are within easy driving
distance - Montpellier (60 mins), Carcassonne (60 mins), Toulouse (2
hours), Barcelona (3.5 hours), Beziers (30 mins). There are railway stations
at Beziers (15 mins)
and Narbonne (40 mins) with TGV connections to Paris.