The dry lake of Montady
THE OPPIDUM OF ENSÉRUNE
The hill of Ensérune, bordered to the north by the dry lake of Montady-Colombiers,
marks the natural limit of the Aude plains and Béziers.
Already prospering there from the 6th century
B.C, the oppida were settlements often perched atop hills with reinforced natural
defences, from Montlaurès to the north of Naro (Narbonne) to Besara (Béziers). Half-
way between them, located in a strategic position overlooking the Via Heraklea, the
Oppidum of Ensérune developed from a Celtiberian village inhabited by indigenous
Gauls. Established on the eastern plateau of the hill, it consisted of wooden dwellings
built of perishable materials but probably already defended by a surrounding wall
made of earth and/or wood. The town developed in the 4th century B.C., when stone
houses and roads began to appear. In rich necropolises, grouping together tombs
dating from the middle of the 5th to the end of the 2nd century B.C., numerous vases,
amphorae, rings and weapons have been found, all of which indicate a sophisticated
culture.Towards 250 B.C., the urban area of Ensérune was reorganised, becoming more
densely populated and covering an ancient necropolis, while a lower neighbourhood
extended to the shore of the lake.After the Roman conquest, the town slowly declined,
until it was abandoned in the 1st century A.D.
Its museum presents an exceptional collection of objects discovered from the
excavations.
These archaeological objects are
displayed in three main areas,
each named after one of the
archaeologists who left their
mark on Ensérune (the Sigal
room, the Mouret room, the
Jannoray Room).
Centre for National Monuments :
Enserune oppidum
18
L’AMBASSADE
One of the finest tables in Béziers, renowned
for the creative cuisine of chef Patrick Olry,
who always ensures his guests have a fine
selection of the best produce. A very plea-
surable eating experience is guaranteed!
22, Boulevard de Verdun (opposite the station)
34500 Béziers
04 67 76 06 24 - restaurant-lambassade.com
L’Ambassade Beziers
FOOD & WINE
PAIRING
DO YOU KNOW THAT THERE
ARE TWO WAYS OF PAIRING FOOD AND
WINE?
Horizontal food and wine pairing: the
flavours of the wines and the dish it ac-
companies mutually enhance each other.
Vertical food and wine pairing: this kind of
pairing consists of wines and dishes ser-
ved one after the other during a meal.
The wine must pair with the dish it accom-
panies. A wine will rarely match several
successive dishes.