Just 3 km from Maison Rose-Clair, Pezenas is easily one of the most beautiful towns in the southwest of France. The well-preserved medieval town of 8000 is as famous for its grand architecture as it is for its wonderful Saturday market that takes over the streets for a full day with colourful sights, the scents of fresh produce and the sounds of the cheese men hawking their tome de brebis. Pezenas is so charming and so vibrant, the Michelin brochure Les Plus Beaux Detours de France calls it a not-to-miss town.
The narrow, winding streets of the old town – dating back to medieval times – are full of upmarket shops and appealing restaurants. You can lose yourself for hours wandering the pretty streets, exploring the ancient buildings, the churches, the art galleries and shops before stopping for an outstanding meal of the fresh local fare.
Pezenas is also a cultural centre for music, arts and crafts, dating back to the late 17th century when it was the capital city of the Languedoc. Armand de Bourbon, Prince of Conti and governor of the region, made it a second Versailles, bringing the best artists and writers in France to his court there. One of those was the legendary playwright Moliere, who wrote and performed his plays in the theatre that still stands today. Pezenas is often alive with fetes and festivals. In the summer, the Mirondela de l’Arte brings its music and energy to the town for the season, with music, street animation and theatre spectacles. In May and October, the arts focus is on antiques, as the town holds its spring and autumn antique fairs. Pezenas is a year-round mecca for lovers of antiquities with many superb shops selling collector’s items and period pieces of fine old furniture.
