The best walks and hikes around Nizas

A unique village in France, rich in cultural and architectural heritage. And it's a great place to live all year round. A word from a Piscénois.

A maid, represented by Lucette by Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, representing comedy, and a goat-foot representing the satyr surrounding the bust of Molière; on the back, masks of the actors Coquelin cadet (1848-1909) and Jeanne Ludwig (1867-1898) of the Comédie Française. Signature and date on the pedestal of the bust; dedication on the main face, transcription: TO MOLIERE HIS ADMIRATEURS; history of the monument on the back. Monument erected by national subscription on the initiative of the Pézenas committee created in 1893; inauguration on August 8, 1897.

At No. 8, rue François OUSTRIN, the 18th-century main façade bears witness to the successive renovations of a much older residence, as is the case with many Pézenas residences. Stepping inside, you'll discover a vestibule with four ribbed vaulted bays resting on a central column, providing access to the courtyard. The right-angled staircase leads to a gallery on the first floor, covered with ribbed vaults resting on prismatic columns. The construction of this mansion is attributed to Etienne de Montagut, Lord of Lacoste, between 1509 and 1518. The Prince of Conti received Louis XIV here on April 6, 1660. The staircase and its Gothic vaults constitute one of the most beautiful monuments to see in Pézenas.

There are almost no tourist trap shops in the old town center, but there are art galleries and local craft shops of all kinds. This place is very typical and has retained its soul thanks to its pedestrian aspect, its narrow streets, and its old facades. Visit while strolling.

Building erected around 1590, originally a church of the Black Penitents. The States of Languedoc held several sessions there during the 17th century. Of the old chapel, only the shell and the facade remain. The main entrance door is framed by a stone architecture with bossages cut with Ionic pilasters surmounted by an entablature comprising: a frieze decorated with garlands, a cornice with dentils, and a curved pediment. Sold as national property, the church was bought by a local company in 1803 to provide the town with a theater. Until 1947, several alterations and decorations were carried out. The first theater of 1803 is known from a description made in 1855 by Joseph Montgaillard, the town's architect. Having become the owner in 1855, the city made some modifications in 1867, then in 1884. From 1897, on the occasion of the celebrations in honor of Molière, the municipality decided on a redevelopment and restoration. The Italian room presents itself in the aspect of its renovation in 1901, very significant of the official decorative art of this period.

The Treasury of the Collegiate Church of Saint John was housed in the former Chapter House. It is defined as a "museum" space created within the religious sanctuary and through the objects it contains. It was designed in 1994 at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture. Its originality undoubtedly lies in the variety of works presented, showcasing the diversity of liturgical tableware and combining prestigious works with more modest objects, reflecting two centuries of creation. The objects are presented in seven display cases that allow visitors to discover their religious, historical, and artistic dimensions. The last one is reserved for regional goldsmithing. The sacred art exhibition, housed in the former sacristies, was inaugurated in 1967. It presented the religious objects housed in the Collegiate Church, at a time when these furnishings were not receiving the attention they deserved. Thanks to the passion of the priests and a handful of heritage enthusiasts, the old sacristies have been restored. They present a large collection of objects intended for both worship and altar decoration. The very rich collection of religious ornaments and liturgical vestments is presented on a rotating basis. Objects from the Church of Saint Ursula and those donated by generous donors are also on display.

The church is dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist[…. In 1733, the collapse of the bell tower led to the complete reconstruction of the building. The original building (the fortified Romanesque church erected by the Templars) had previously housed parish worship outside the walls in 1314. In 1746, Jean-Baptiste Franque, an architect from Avignon, completed the work on a project inspired by Montpellier's Jean Giral. The building has three bays and a semicircular apse flanked by two rectangular apsidioles. A dome covers the transept crossing, the arms of which have groin vaults; the side aisles are covered with domes. The polychrome marble decoration was created between 1746 and 1754. Its finesse can be particularly appreciated in the north chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The exceptional organ, the work of organ builder Jean François l'Epine, was built in 1758, and was notably restored by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1853. It is in every way similar to the great organs of the Saint-Roch church in Paris.

The night market, which is currently taking place in the summer until midnight, lets you discover the beautiful entrance to the town outside of the heat of the day. Wednesdays and Saturdays.