In terms of a location for long term rentals in France, Beziers has everything going for it. It is just 10km from the Mediterranean coast. It has a great transport network. It has over 2,000 years of history and it is quickly regenerating itself for the 21st Century. The climate in Beziers is excellent, with a long hot summer and a short mild winter. Beziers has its own international airport and a TGV train station with fast services up to Paris and down to Barcelona.

Beziers has a population of around 80,000 people, which makes it the 60th biggest city in France. Beziers was once one of the wealthiest towns in the South of France during the boom years for the local wine industry (from 1910-1930). But since the Second World War, Beziers has declined to become one of the poorest cities on the Mediterranean coast in France. The annual median income in Beziers is almost 40% lower than the average for France, and the unemployment rate of around 13% is double the national average of France. Property prices in Beziers are among the cheapest in the whole of the Mediterranean coastline of France, with an average price of €1,450 euros per m² for apartments and €2,060 euros per m² for houses (SOURCE: Immobiliers.notairs.fr). 

Beziers is unfortunately a stronghold of Marine Le Pen's hard right Front National political party (or National Rally as it now calls itself). During the 2022 French Presidential elections, Le Pen secured 54% of the vote in Beziers, compared to 45% for Emmanuelle Macron. The mayor of Beziers, Robert Ménard, aligns himself closely with the Front National (although he claims not to be a member of the party). In 2020 he was re-elected as Mayor with nearly 65% of the vote. In comparison, in the same local elections the Front National secured only 20% support in the cosmopolitan city of Montpellier, just 40 minutes up the road. Part of this support is due to historical factors - with large amounts of immigrants coming to the city from the 1960s onwards (especially after the Algerian war) and partly it is due to the feeling that the City has lost its way over the last 20-30 years.

It has to be said that Mayor Ménard is a lunatic. He himself comes from a French family that fled Algeria after the Algerian War and he was previously allied to Revolutionary Communist Party in France. Since then he has travelled to the far right. I remember watching him on the news a few years ago walking into a refugee centre in Beziers and telling people to their faces to 'return home, you are not wanted here' (or words to that effect). But he is also quite a cunning political operator. He has been able to un-lock access to various sources of money to invest in the city. He is also a very effective communicator (he was previously a journalist). He has raised the profile of Beziers within France and there is no doubting his love of the city. His direct, no-nonsense approach (some would say authoritarian) has helped him to grab the city up by the lapels and start to make it a more appealing place to live. He made the police more visible in the centre of the city and crack down on petty crime. He introduced a curfew in the city centre for unaccompanied children and teenagers. He instructed apartment residents not to hang their washing from their balconies and he found money for property owners to refurbish the facades of buildings.

When you speak to people from Beziers, there is a common refrain - " . . . I don't like the guy, but he has turned Beziers around . . ."

Beziers feria, France

It has to be said that there is a real spirit about Beziers (some good, some not so good) and its star is definitely rising. Money is pouring into Beziers - both from the local and central governments. The money has been spent on improve the range of facilities it offers and its physical appearance. The city has been spruced up, the central Square has been completely remodelled and residential properties are being refurbished. As a result, Property Investors are flocking into the town looking to capitalise on the relatively cheap property prices and the expected growth that will result from all of the investment. 

Beziers - oldest town in France

Rue Canterelle Béziers [Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/beziers_mediterranee_tourisme/]

This historic South France city grew famous as the capital of the wine region in Southern France. A settlement has stood here on the banks of the River Orb, since before Roman times. There are remains from Greek settlers (who first arrived in the 6th century BC) and new archeological remains have been unearthed to show that a settlers may have been living on the site of Beziers well-before the Greeks. This would make Béziers the oldest town in France, even before Marseille.

Beziers was also the first town in the South of France to suffer from the bloody crusade against the Cathars. Beziers was an important centre for the Cathar movement in the 12th Century. Virtually the whole population of the town was put to the sword on the orders of Simon de Montfort in the 13th century.

Beziers owes its fame and fortune to the Canal du Midi, which snakes past the city walls. The Canal du Midi was built by a local man, Paul Riquet, who is celebrated all over the city with statues, street names and buildings all commemorating him.

Beziers is well served by the French transport network. It has a TGV station, an international airport and it is served by two Autoroutes (A75 and A9). There is an excellent hospital in Beziers (I can personally vouch for that!) and it now has an excellent range of shops. It is almost as if this Southern French town is slowly awakening from a gradual decline to catch up with its dynamic neighbour - Montpellier.

Beziers has a reputation as a bit of a party town - especially during the summer Feria. Somebody told me once that they have to deliver over €15 million in cash to the ATM machines in Beziers during the one week of the Feria, just to keep pace with the demand. Beziers also has some good restaurants like the Petit Pierre and it is also home to my favourite Indian Curry restaurant.

Living in Beziers France - a town re-born

I have to say, that when we first moved to the Languedoc in 2006, Beziers wasn't really a place I would choose to spend time in. I would occasionally go and watch the Rugby or go to the big out-of-town shops, but I wouldn't really head into the centre unless I had to.

I spent the afternoon in Beziers yesterday, visiting some new rental properties close to the famous Les Halles indoor market. I hadn't been in central Beziers for maybe 12 months or so - and I was really impressed. The facades of all the buildings from the town hall down to the Cathedral have all been renovated. The open squares have all been tidied up and plenty of pavement cafes and restaurants have moved in. The streets have been dug up and relayed with cobble stones. All-in-all, it is now a really smart centre to the town. You can see that by just the number of people that were walking about, the little tourist train full of visitors and the bars and cafes full of customers.

I think if you are planning a long stay in Southern France and you don't want the hassle of renting a car, then Beziers is a good option for you. You certainly have everything to hand within walking distance and if you are planning trips around the area, you have the TGV train, the local airport and a good local bus network (including down to the beach).

Living in France: Carcassonne weather

Neuf Écluses de Fonseranes, Beziers France

The weather in Carcassonne, France, is generally pretty good. It is usually a couple of degrees cooler in Carcassonne than on the Mediterranean coast and the summers are not as humid as you will get in Toulouse. The area east of Carcassonne is still a Mediterranean climate. Even on very hot days in the summer, you will usually have a cooling breeze. From October to April, it can be pretty windy from Carcassonne down to Narbonne (you just have to see the number of wind turnbines in between Narbonne and Carcassonne)

The summer in Carcassonne is long and hot. From mid-June to mid-September, the average daily high temperature is above 25°C (76°F). July is usually the hottest month in Carcassonne with an average daily temperature of 28°C (83°F) and there is usually a short period where the daytime temperature nudges 35°C (98°F). The hot weather continues into August before starting to drop down in September (to around 20°C/68°C).

The winter in Carcassonne is relatively short, running from mid-November to early March. The average daily temperature is around 10°C (50°F). January is the coldest and wettest month of the year in Carcassonne, with an average daily temperature of 6°C (43°F) and an average of over 10 days of rain per month bringing 70mm of rain.

The best time to be in Carcassonne is in the Spring (April to June) and the Autumn (October to mid-November). During these seasons you will normally have beautiful blue skies and average daily temperatures of 17-22°C (63-72°F).

Cheap flights to Beziers airport France

Beziers airport is about 15km south east of the city centre. Ryanair fly to Beziers from London Luton and London Stansted and new service are opening up to Germany and Holland. The airport is serviced by a frequent shuttle bus to Beziers city centre (around €3.00 for the 20 minute trip).

Beziers airport has grown from handling 30,000 passengers and 23,000 flights in 2007 to just under 300,000 passengers and 30,000 flights in 2023. Beziers-Cap d'Agde airport has certainly helped to open up the local area in terms of holiday rentals and property buyers. The airport employs 110 people directly and it is estimated to provide over 600 jobs indirectly in the local area. Béziers airport is estimated to generate more than €65 million euros of revenue to the local economy.

Beziers airport also has some good local transport connections to Beziers SNCF train station (with TGV services to Perpignan, Carcassonne, Toulouse, Montpellier, Nimes, Agde and Avignon), Beziers bus station, Marseillan, Agde and Vias. But please, please, please, do not use the taxis at Beziers airport. They are such a rip-off. You will be looking at paying €75 for the 15 min trip from Beziers airport to Pezenas. It is OK if there are 4 of you in the car, but otherwise the local bus services are so much cheaper and the airport in Beziers does try to tie in the bus timetable with the arrival of the flights.

You can catch flights from Beziers airport to a number of European countries. Beziers airport destinations include:

Beziers ideal location for long term lets, France

The countryside around Beziers is glorious. The city is surrounded by vineyards in all directions and the Mediterranean beaches are just 10 kms from the city. If you are looking for peace and tranquility then the Haut Languedoc Regional Park, about 45mins from Beziers, is a good choice.

There are a number of local villages around Beziers that I would recommend you consider as a base for a long stay in France. If you want to be right on the coast, I would suggest that you consider places such as:

• Portiragnes is located just 3kms from Beziers airport. There are actually two Portiragnes - the old village located beside the Canal du Midi and the holiday resort of Portiragnes Plage situated 3kms away on the Mediterranean coast
• Vias - is located 5kms from Beziers airport. Like Portiragnes the town is split in 2 halves. There is the old medieval village of Vias and the modern resort of Vias Plage which is 2kms away on the coast and is home to numerous campsites and Amusement parks.
• Serignan - is located 10 km from Beziers airport. It is a small town with a good range of shops and services, as well as an excellent Modern Art museum. Serignan Plage is located 3kms from the town and is one of the best beaches in the Beziers area.
• Marseillan - is a beautiful harbour town with its own beach located 3 kms away. Marseillan features numerous harbour-side restaurants and bars and is also home to Noilly Prat (the key ingredient for Martini drinks).  

If you are looking for a quieter village base near Beziers, then these are good locations to look at:

• St Genies de Fontedit - this old wine-making village is situated 15 mins North-West of Beziers, in between the Mediterranean coast and the Black Mountains. The village is surrounded by vineyards and has lovely views over the hills. Next to the village there is a handy commercial centre with supermarkets, an exellent butcher, boulangerie, pharmacy. The D909 main road also provides easy access down to the coast, Beziers ariport and the A9 motorway
• Thezan-les-Beziers - a lot of investment has been made into this village in the last few years. The centre of the village has undergone a major facelift and there is a very smart shopping centre on the edge of the village. Thezan is just 5 mins drive from Beziers and is located on the old wine route through the Orb river valley.
• Lieuran-lès-Beziers - this is a very pretty village with the Libron river running through the centre.
• Cessenon-sur-Orb - another pretty village, slightly further inland from Beziers. The River Orb runs past the edge of the village and is a popular swimming spot.
• Abeilhan - the village was a former Roman settlement, which made use of its hilltop location for defence. Today the village is an important wine-making centre, with a number of popular vineyards.
• Magalas - this large village has a surprising range of facilities including 2 supermarkets, a DIY store, butchers, bakeries, a medical centre, 2 restaurants and a primary and secondary school. Magalas is very much a working village, but the vineyards surrounding the village are beautiful. It also has its own train station with services to Beziers.

Pezenas historic town in South France

Further inland (but still within 20 mins of the beach), I would also recommend

• Pezenas - this beautiful historic town was once the capital of the Languedoc region. Enjoy the fabulous Saturday market which takes over the whole town or enjoy the weekly food & wine festival held along the main street of Pezenas
• Tourbes - a lovely wine-making village located close to Pezenas
• Nezignan l'Eveque - one of the prettiest villages in the area around Beziers
• Neffies - a hilltop village with 2 of the best restaurants in the area
• Caux - a popular wine-making village surrounded by vineyards. In the centre of the village you will find 2 restaurants, a bar, 2 shops and a pharmacy

If you are looking to find a long term rental where you can experience the real South of France way of life - with its focus on good food and wine and the simple pleasures in life, then Beziers is an excellent choice.

Beziers long term rentals France in 2024

We have a wide range of different long term rental properties in and around Beziers (see Beziers rental properties France). Here we showcase 10 long term rental properties in Beziers and the surrounding villages available to rent from Spring 2024 and into 2025.

1. Lespignan house for long term rentals, France, near beaches Ref: 569

This lovely house in Lespignan, near Beziers and the Languedoc coast, is a very convenient long term rentals property in France. The house has been renovated from a former wine cave and the results are dramatic. The house is close to the Mediterranean coast, it comes with its own swimming pool, and provides spacious accommodation all year round. Lespignan is situated close to Beziers and is just 10 minutes from the beach.

This house in Lespignan, South France, is located within 50 minutes of 5 budget airports and is situated close to the A9 autoroute. There are TGV train stations at nearby Beziers and Narbonne.

The house features:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Swimming pool
• Private garden
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Exposed beams and stonework
• Private parking

This house is available for long term rentals between September to June from €1000 per month + bills. All year around from 1300€pm.

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2. Le Petit St Jean farmhouse to rent long term South France (Ref: 2158)

Le Petit St Jean farmhouse to rent long term in South France, is located on the outskirts of Beziers. The farmhouse is surrounded by 5 hectares of parkland, featuring mature trees, olive groves and woodland. The farmhouse comes with 4 bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 people. There is also WiFi, central heating and parking for several cars. Guests are also able to use the Owner's large swimming pool during May-June and September. The property is just 10 mins from Beziers airport and 15 mins to the Mediterranean beaches. There is an 18 hole golf course 5 mins away.

Le Petit St Jean farmhouse is available for long term rentals between September to June from €1200 per month + bills. The minimum stay is 3 months, although longer rental periods are preferred.

The house features:

• 4 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Large living room
• Private terrace
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Central heating
• Parking for several cars
• Pets may be considered.

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3. Murviel les Beziers long term lets in South of France (Ref: 1893)

This spacious long term lets property in South France is located in a quiet rural area with stunning views of the mountain ranges of the Haut Languedoc. The area is surrounded by vineyards and countryside as far as the eye can see.

The house is situated about 12 km north of Béziers and 2 km from the village Murviel-les-Béziers. This restored barn was formerly part of an active vineyard and oozes charm throughout. It sleeps up to 6 comfortably in its 3 bedrooms.

The house features:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Large living room
• Central heating
• Private pool & garden
• Private parking
• Exposed beams and stone walls

This house in Murviel-les-Beziers, is available for long term rentals between mid-September to May from €900 per month + bills.

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4. La Forte - cheap 2 bed long term rentals property South France (Ref: 2090)

If you are looking for cheap long term property rentals in the South of France, then this 2 bedroom property close to Beziers is an ideal choice. The house is available to rent from October to May for €600 per month (including utility costs). This beautifully furnished and decorated 2 bedroom house is located on a working vineyard with very large garden and swimming pool. The house comes with a private terrace, air conditioning, internet and UK satellite TV. The house is located on the outskirts of Beziers, 15 minutes drive to the beaches at Valras Plage. The property features:

• 2 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Large living room
• Terrace
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Private parking
• TV and internet connection

This property on the outskirts of Beziers is available for long term rentals for 3-6 months from October to June. The monthly rental prices start at €600 pcm + bills.

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5. Puimisson 3 bed villa with pool for long term rent in South France (Ref: 1923)

This 3 bedroom villa with private pool is located on the edge of the medieval village of Puimisson in South France. The village of Puimisson dates back over 1,000 years and provides easy access to Beziers (for the airport and TGV), as well as the Mediterranean beaches (20-25 mins). This villa for long term rent comes with a private pool, parking and is located in a quiet neighbourhood. Ideal for families or couples expecting frequent guests.

The villa features:

• 3 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Private pool
• Parking
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Light and airy interior
• TV and internet connection

Available for 12 month rentals from September 2024 from €1350 per month + bills.

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6. Villa Maia luxury 4 bed property rental South France (Ref: 2110)

Villa Maia is a luxury 4 bed property in South France, available for long term rentals between October to April. This exquisite property in South France provides a luxury living experience close to the Mediterranean beaches and beautiful vineyards. The property will ideally suit a couple with frequent guests. The configuration of the bedrooms allows you to have space from your guests, while sharing the main living areas and pool terrace.

The property is located in the Languedoc region, close to the Mediterranean beaches and the Canal du Midi. The bustling city of Beziers is just down the road, which has its own airport and TGV train station.

The property is set on the edge of a wine producing village of Maureilhan and it comprises 4 en suite bedrooms, air-conditioning, private heated pool, a large garden and lots of lovely outside areas to relax. The interior is modern and contemporary and has been refurbished to a high level. 

Available for 3-4 month rentals between October to April from €2000 per month + bills.

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7. Roquebrun house for long term rent South France (Ref: 2173)

This 3 bed house for long term rent in South France is located in the beautiful village of Roquebrun, in the Haut Languedoc Regional park. The house has stunning views over the village to the mountains beyond. The area is surrounded by vineyards and countryside as far as the eye can see. The house sleeps up to 4 people comfortably in its 3 bedrooms and comes with air conditioning for heating, a good Wi-Fi connection and private parking.

The medieval village of Roquebrun is perched on a hillside above the River Orb. The village comes equipped with a 4-5 restaurants, couple of cafe-bars, a local supermarket, boulangerie, hairdresser and even a local micro-brewery.

The hard shale soil surrounding Roquebrun is surprisingly perfect for growing vines, with the stones retaining water and heat for the roots. The wines from St Chinian are well regarded and are sold under the St Chinian wine region.

Surrounding Roquebrun you will find some magnificent hiking trails and the cycle routes through the Haut Languedoc National Park are some of the best in Europe.

The village is situated on the edge Roquebrun in Languedoc, 35 minutes from Beziers and 45 mins to the Mediterranean coast. The house is available to rent from October to May from €950 per month + bills. The house is convenient for a couple or a small family and has everything that you will need for a long term rental in France. This is a good choice if you are looking to sample rural South of France life.

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8. Portirangues house to rent in France long term, near the beach (Ref: 948)

This 4 bed house to rent in France long term is located in a classic French Mediterranean coastal village near Beziers. Portiragnes enjoys some of the best weather in France, with plenty of clear, dry days. Portiragnes is a popular village, which has retained a friendly atmosphere. The village is just 3 kms from the beaches at Portiragnes Plage. The house contains:

• 4 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
• 3 bathrooms
• Large front terrace
• Well-equipped kitchen + washing machine
• Pet friendly
• Central heating and air conditioning
• WiFi and flat screen TV
• Easy access to shops, restaurants
• 3kms to the beach
• 5 mins to Beziers airport 

This house is available to rent from October 2024 and the Owner will consider rental periods of 3-9 months. The guide rental price is €800 pcm + bills.

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9. Autignac long term house rentals Southern France (Ref: 1991)

This light and spacious 4 bed house for long term rentals in Autignac, Southern France, comes with plenty of character and is within easy walking distance of the shops and services in the village. The house has been beautifully restored and features exposed stone walls, oak beams and a charming private courtyard garden with pool.

The Mediterranean beaches are only 30 minutes away and the beautiful High Languedoc National Park is only 5 minutes away.

The house features:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Large living room
• Central heating
• Private pool & garden
• Private parking
• Walking distance to bar and bakers

This villa in Autignac near Beziers, is available for long term rentals for 3-9 months. The monthly rental prices start at €1350 pcm + bills.

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10. Magalas long term rentals apartment South France (Ref: 1897)

A sunny 1 bed furnished property available for long term rentals in the pretty hill-top village of Magalas, near Beziers. This property in Southern France comes with a large roof terrace, fully-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom and a laundry room. Magalas has everything you will need from a small town, including 3 supermarkets, a DIY store, pharmacy, Doctors (English-speaking) and a couple of bars. One of the best restaurants in the region is situated just around the corner..

The property features:

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Open plan living room
• Private roof terrace
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Light and airy interior
• Wi-Fi

This long term rentals property provides comfortable accommodation for a single person or couple and can be rented all year around from €500 per month + bills. Available from 1 June 2024.

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Where to next . . . ?

If you are interested in living in Southern France, hopefully this article has prompted you to look at Beziers as a good location to live.  We have a good range of houses available for long term rent in and around Beziers. If you would like to continue your search for long term rental properties currently available in South France, you will find the following links useful:

If you would like some more detailed information about renting long term in France, then just drop us a quick message and we will come straight back to you. Contact Iain by Email.If you found this article useful, please share it with others using the Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest buttons below. I wish you a wonderful stay in the South of France.