CESSENON AND AREA

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.