Begin your day by walking the medieval streets of Bezier’s ‘old town’ and discover the bloody history of the crusade against the Cathar. In the old city you will visit the Saint Nazaire Cathedral which was built in the 13th Century and boasts stunning views of the Orb Valley and surrounding city of Beziers.

After exploring the historical city center, head to the famous Fonserannes Locks – a staircase lock system allowing boats to be raised 21.5m over a distance of 300m on the Canal Du Midi. This incredible engineering feat was accomplished by Paul Riquet of Beziers over two hundred years ago.

Free time for lunch or enjoy an authentic southern France picnic (€20 / pers).

Lunch will be enjoyed at the ancient fortified hilltop settlement (oppidum) of Enserune. One of the most important pre-Roman sites in Europe, Enserune was occupied continuously from the 6th Century BC to the beginning of the 1st Century AD. From the high point of the site you have a panoramic view of the Montady Etang.

In the afternoon choose between visiting a local village or the Fontcaude Abbey before treating your palate to some local wine.

Fontcaude Abbey.

In the heart of the vineyards, this small abbey was established in 12th Century and is a popular stop along the Way of St James (or Camino de Santiago in Spanish).

Wine tasting.

Sample an array of Languedoc wines and learn the secrets of winemaking at one of the local wineries as you tour France’s largest wine region.