Situated between Narbonne and the black mountains on the river Cessea near Minerve, Bize is a small village with all that you need for a good family day out in summer.
Explore Bize-Minervois
This is a guest article kindly contributed to France This Way by a visitor to the site.
Your every need is catered for here in Bize-Minervois, with one bar, two restaurants, a creperie by the river in summer, a tabac, butchers, bakery, hairdressers, cinema, sweet shop and a particularly well stocked wine shop.
During the hot summer months, the river turns in to a fresh water swimming pool with crystal clear water. A perfect spot for children, with a life guard at hand (between 1.30 - 7pm) and steps in to the deep-end. And if you’re a sun worshipper just stretch your towel out on the pebbled ‘beach’ area.
There is a romantic feel to Bize-Minervoise, with old stone houses covered in ivy with bright shutters and decorative iron balconies, old fashioned little shops, narrow cobbled alleys and gingham table cloths. Not surprisingly a quarter of the houses here are second homes.
Two kilometres from Bize-Minervois you will find L’Oubilo, a cooperative that sells seriously good olives and generally anything made with olives, and they aren’t like any old olives, they’re buttery, creamy even, totally smooth and utterly moorish.
With a huge array of olives, oil and tapenade to taste, you will be in olive heaven.
With no one to guard this self-service tasting counter, it would be easy to over load yourself. What’s so great about them is that the flavour hasn’t been ruined by some over zealous pickling, they are just au natural. And then there’s the oil of course, well if you want to stretch to over €10 a bottle, you will certainly be rewarded.
Eat the olive oil drizzled on fresh bread, a great aperitif.
The cafe at the petrol station next door is a good local hang out, particularly when it is raining. They do a lunch time menu which is good value if a little basic, and great omelette and chips. You will be crammed in with the wine growers, the tradesmen and their dogs. It’s a great little place with a cracking atmosphere.
Attractions nearby
Turn right from Bize-Minervois and you will see the Chateau de Cabezac. Although not open to the public, it’s pretty impressive, with pointed turrets reminiscent of Carcassonne’s walled city.
The chateau is also worth a visit for the wine, the red is of particular note and if you want to eat something a little more special, try La Bastide Cabezac next door.
A small train runs between Narbonne and Bize-Minervois during high season, stopping at L’Oubilo along the way, so make a day of it.
You can find more travel ideas in the Aude guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
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Map of Bize-Minervois and places nearby
Visit near Bize-Minervois with France This Way reviews
Aigne
The fortified village centre of Aigne make it one of our favourite Minervois villages
Aigne guide
Minerve
The ancient streets of the attractive village of Minerve are very pleasant to explore, and you also have great views across the region
Minerve guide
Saint-Chinian
The busy village of Saint-Chinian in the Minerves is best known for the good quality wind produced here
Saint-Chinian guide
Narbonne
Among other highlights, the parts of Narbonne along the canal and around the cathedral are especially worth exploring
Narbonne guide
Fontfroide Abbey
The Abbey at Fontfroide dates from the 12th century, and is one of the most interesting abbeys in the region
Fontfroide Abbey guide
Roquebrun
The seting on the River Orb and the Mediterranean garden add to the charm of this small, unspoiled town
Roquebrun guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Aude
Address: Bize-Minervois, Ginestas, Narbonne, Languedoc-Roussillon, 11120, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.3186, longitude 2.87111
Plan your visit to Bize-Minervois, Aude
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Minerve: most beautiful village (11 km)
- Narbonne: secteur sauvegarde (18 km)
- Enserune: national monument (20 km)
- Grotte de la Devèze: site of natural beauty (22 km)
- Abbaye de Fontfroide (Narbonne): religious monument (22 km)
- Forêt de Fontfroide: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Olargues: most beautiful village (27 km)
- Beziers: secteur sauvegarde (28 km)
- African reserve of Sigean: zoo or wildlife park (29 km)
- Gouffre de l'Œil Doux: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Narbonnaise en Méditerranée: regional natural parc (32 km)
- Fraisse-sur-Agout: ville fleurie 4* (33 km)
The French version of this page is at Bize-Minervois (Francais)