Guide Oenotourisme Béziers 2018 Oenotourisme Béziers 2018 | Page 18

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.