Pezenas

Under the Roman empire, Pézenas (Piscenae) developed because of its geographical position on the Roman "routes".

In 1261, Pézenas became a Royal Seigniory; her trade fairs (3x per year) took on importance.

At the time of the Albigensian crusade, the city became the property of Simon de Monfort and was then passed on to Saint-Louis.

In the middle of the 15th century, Pézenas became the center for gathering of the Etats Generaux of the Languedoc region.

Pézenas was at the peak of her strength in the 17th century until Richelieu reacted against the revolt and destroyed the castle.

Between 1650 and 1657, Molière stayed with his theatrical company and performed for the Prince of Conti. He went almost daily to the barber shop belonging to his friend Gely, where he drew inspiration for theatrical characters by observing the townspeople. He left Pézenas for Paris when he lost the patronage of the prince.

In the 17th century, thanks to the revival of its trade fairs, which had known their hour of glory in the Middle-ages, Pézenas played an economic role beyond the city itself.

The advent of the railway in the 19th century made its mark without Pézenas. Despite the demands made by the city, the authorities of the time decided on a coastal railway system. In consequence, the city's economic activities declined, and Pézenas lost much of its influence. This result, on the other hand, has allowed the city to preserve its heritage.


Art

The architectural heritage of Pézenas is made of numerous constructions from the 16th through the 18th century, the 17th century being the most represented. Several examples include: private mansions of Barons de Lacoste, Hotel des Flottes de Cébazan, Hotel de Platavit, Hotel des landes de Saint Palais, Hotel d'Alfonce, Gely's barber shop, several churches and chapels (collégiale Saint Jean, Eglise Sainte Ursule, ancient chapel of the Pénitents Noirs).

The Museum Vulloid- Saint Germain
3, rue Albert-Paul Alliès
Open daily in winter from 10-12 & 2-5 pm Closed Monday & Sunday morning
Summer: open daily from 10-12 & 2-7pm.
Information : call 04 67 98 90 59

The museum was founded in 1945 and installed in the Saint Germain hotel, whose 16th century edifice was restored in the 19th century.
The collections are mainly representative of popular art and traditions, decorative arts, fine arts, and to the memory of Molière.
In our opinion this is possibly the least interesting museam we have ever seen, we do not recommend it.

Center for Artistic Professions

6, Place Gambetta
Winter Hours : daily from 2-6pm
Summer Hours : daily from 4-8 pm
Information : (33) 4 67 98 16 12

The Center was set up to promote craftsmanship in such manual arts as iron-, stone-, and woodworking, as well as technical jobs of the stage (the presence of Molière in the city explains this). International exhibitions are organized throughout the year.

Visit Of The Old City

A stroll in the old city in the company of a guide from the Center for Historical Monuments. Commentary available in English, Spanish, German and Italian.

For reservations : 04 67 98 36 40 or 04 67 98 35 45.

Hôtel d'Alfonce

Situated at 32 rue Conti, this beautiful private mansion of the 17th century was used as a theater by Molière for several months. Its interior courtyard, railings and stairs date from the 15th century.

Art Galleries

• Galerie de l'Hôtel de Wicque : 9/11 rue de la Foire
• Espace d'Art Contemporain Diogène : 3, rue Four de la Ville
• Jean-Paul Combettes : rue Triperie Vieille
• Monique Pages : 12, rue Conti
• Chantal Galvain : Atelier B - Rue François Oustrin

Traditions

Le Poulain

This seven-century-old tradition consists of a parade through the village with an enormous wooden horse covered with a starry blue cloth. It commemorates the birth in Pezenas of King Louis VIII's mare's foal during the king's stay in Pézenas in 1226. Carried by nine strong men, « the Poulain » opens all of the city's celebrations

This ancient ball game is a variant of the famous "jeu de paume". All the ball games of Antiquity and of the regimes before the Revolution are the source of Tambourin. The Aztecs and the Egyptians seem to have been the first to play ball games. The Hebrews, Greeks and Romans continued this practice. In the "jeu de paume" , the first points marked were counted 15, 30 and 45, then the game was won. Since 1938, the game of Tambourin has been regulated by a federation which organizes official meetings.