Capestang
The most outstanding feature in Capestang is the Collegiate church tower which dominates the village and surrounding countryside. You will also see the plane trees which mark the banks of the Canal du Midi. Make a mental note to stroll along here. The shady trees make it a pleasant walk even during summer.
Capestang is a lovely village, well situated only 25 minutes from the beaches of Valras Plage, and 15 minutes from Béziers. It benefits from several restaurants and bars, mainly situated around the main square, and makes an excellent base for exploring the Hérault and Aude départements. As you sit sipping your Domaine-produced vin or Monaco (beer with a dash of grenadine, an excellent way to quench a Midi-sized thirst), you can gaze up at the church of Saint Etienne and admire the sagacity of the Archbishops of Narbonne who built their summer residence here. Behind the square you’ll find the recently-opened interpretation centre which houses the Archbishops’ magnificent 15th century ceiling. There is a small Wednesday and Sunday morning market which provides some interesting stalls and a large proportion of the produce sold is ‘du pays’, which means it was grown locally. Now is the time to buy the fruits and vegetables that are in season.
The Canal du Midi offers a small port in Capestang and in the summer it gets quite busy with boats and barges attempting to pass under the smallest bridge on the Canal without mishap. If a boat can clear the bridge at Capestang, it can go the length of the Canal from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
Our favourite places to eat/drink:
Le Grillade: On the main square with lots of tables outside. A bit rough and ready but they do excellent steaks and salads.
Le Relais Bleu: On the main road beside the Cave Coopéraive. They offer a ‘Formule’ which is excellent value.
La Batelière: At the port with a terrace situated practically on the gangplanks of the cruisers.
As a working French Village, Capestang’s simple charm has not at all been eroded by its popularity as a tourist venue. In fact, visitors speak as much of the warmth of the village welcome and the friendliness of its people as they do the variety and quality of its many restaurants, its proximity to beaches and top class golf courses and all the services that make this a number one holiday venue.
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