In terms of a location for long term rentals in France, Beziers has everything going for it. It is just 10km from the Mediterranean coast. It has a great transport network. It has over 2,000 years of history and it is quickly regenerating itself for the 21st Century.

Beziers is unfortunately a stronghold of Marine Le Pen's hard right Front National political party (or National Rally as it now calls itself). During the recent 2022 French Presidential elections, Le Pen secured 54% of the vote in Beziers, compared to 45% for Emmanuelle Macron. The mayor of Beziers, Robert Ménard, aligns himself closely with the Front National (although he claims not to be a member of the party). In 2020 he was re-elected as Mayor with nearly 65% of the vote. In comparison, in the same local elections the Front National secured only 20% support in the cosmopolitan city of Montpellier, just 40 minutes up the road. Part of this support is due to historical factors - with large amounts of immigrants coming to the city from the 1960s onwards (especially after the Algerian war) and partly it is due to the feeling that the City has lost its way over the last 20-30 years.

 

 

It has to be said that Mayor Ménard is a lunatic. He himself comes from a French family that fled Algeria after the Algerian War and he was previously allied to Revolutionary Communist Party in France. Since then he has travelled to the far right. I remember watching him on the news a few years ago walking into a refugee centre in Beziers and telling people to their faces to 'return home, you are not wanted here' (or words to that effect). But he is also quite a cunning political operator. He has been able to un-lock access to various sources of money to invest in the city. He is also a very effective communicator (he was previously a journalist). He has raised the profile of Beziers within France and there is no doubting his love of the city. His direct, no-nonsense approach (some would say authoritarian) has helped him to grab the city up by the lapels and start to make it a more appealing place to live. He made the police more visible in the centre of the city and crack down on petty crime. He introduced a curfew in the city centre for unaccompanied children and teenagers. He instructed apartment residents not to hang their washing from their balconies and he found money for property owners to refurbish the facades of buildings.

When you speak to people from Beziers, there is a common refrain - " . . . I don't like the guy, but he has turned Beziers around . . ."

 

Écluses de Fonserannes Beziers France

 

It has to be said that there is a real spirit about Beziers (some good, some not so good) and its star is definitely rising. Money is pouring into Beziers - both from the local and central governments. The money has been spent on improve the range of facilities it offers and its physical appearance. The city has been spruced up, the central Square has been completely remodelled and residential properties are being refurbished. As a result, Property Investors are flocking into the town looking to capitalise on the relatively cheap property prices and the expected growth that will result from all of the investment. 

 

Beziers - oldest town in France

Rue Canterelle Béziers [Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/beziers_mediterranee_tourisme/]

 

This historic South France city grew famous as the capital of the wine region in Southern France. A settlement has stood here on the banks of the River Orb, since before Roman times. There are remains from Greek settlers (who first arrived in the 6th century BC) and new archeological remains have been unearthed to show that a settlers may have been living on the site of Beziers well-before the Greeks. This would make Béziers the oldest town in France, even before Marseille.

Beziers was also the first town in the South of France to suffer from the bloody crusade against the Cathars. Beziers was an important centre for the Cathar movement in the 12th Century. Virtually the whole population of the town was put to the sword on the orders of Simon de Montfort in the 13th century.

Beziers owes its fame and fortune to the Canal du Midi, which snakes past the city walls. The Canal du Midi was built by a local man, Paul Riquet, who is celebrated all over the city with statues, street names and buildings all commemorating him.

 

 

Beziers is well served by the French transport network. It has a TGV station, an international airport and it is served by two Autoroutes (A75 and A9). There is an excellent hospital in Beziers (I can personally vouch for that!) and it now has an excellent range of shops. It is almost as if this Southern French town is slowly awakening from a gradual decline to catch up with its dynamic neighbour - Montpellier.

Beziers has a reputation as a bit of a party town - especially during the summer Feria. Somebody told me once that they have to deliver over €15 million in cash to the ATM machines in Beziers during the one week of the Feria, just to keep pace with the demand. Beziers also has some good restaurants like the Petit Pierre and it is also home to my favourite Indian Curry restaurant.

Beziers France - a town re-born

 

I have to say, that when we first moved to the Languedoc in 2006, Beziers wasn't really a place I would choose to spend time in. I would occasionally go and watch the Rugby or go to the big out-of-town shops, but I wouldn't really head into the centre unless I had to.

I spent the afternoon in Beziers yesterday, visiting some new rental properties close to the famous Les Halles indoor market. I hadn't been in central Beziers for maybe 12 months or so - and I was really impressed. The facades of all the buildings from the town hall down to the Cathedral have all been renovated. The open squares have all been tidied up and plenty of pavement cafes and restaurants have moved in. The streets have been dug up and relayed with cobble stones. All-in-all, it is now a really smart centre to the town. You can see that by just the number of people that were walking about, the little tourist train full of visitors and the bars and cafes full of customers.

I think if you are planning a long stay in Southern France and you don't want the hassle of renting a car, then Beziers is a good option for you. You certainly have everything to hand within walking distance and if you are planning trips around the area, you have the TGV train, the local airport and a good local bus network (including down to the beach).

 

Beziers ideal location for long term lets, France

The countryside around Beziers is glorious . If you are looking for peace and tranquility then the Languedoc Regional Park about 45mins from Beziers is a good choice.

There are some excellent walking trails and cycling routes. Beziers is also home to some of the best vineyards in the South of France - such as Faugeres and St Chinian.

There are a number of local villages around Beziers that I would recommend you consider as a base for a long stay in France:

• St Genies de Fontedit - this old wine-making village is situated 15 mins North-West of Beziers, in between the Mediterranean coast and the Black Mountains. The village is surrounded by vineyards and has lovely views over the hills. Next to the village there is a handy commercial centre with supermarkets, an exellent butcher, boulangerie, pharmacy. The D909 main road also provides easy access down to the coast, Beziers ariport and the A9 motorway
• Thezan-les-Beziers - a lot of investment has been made into this village in the last few years. The centre of the village has undergone a major facelift and there is a very smart shopping centre on the edge of the village. Thezan is just 5 mins drive from Beziers and is located on the old wine route through the Orb river valley.
• Lieuran-lès-Beziers - this is a very pretty village with the Libron river running through the centre.
• Cessenon-sur-Orb - another pretty village, slightly further inland from Beziers. The River Orb runs past the edge of the village and is a popular swimming spot.
• Abeilhan - the village was a former Roman settlement, which made use of its hilltop location for defence. Today the village is an important wine-making centre, with a number of popular vineyards.
• Magalas - this large village has a surprising range of facilities including 2 supermarkets, a DIY store, butchers, bakeries, a medical centre, 2 restaurants and a primary and secondary school. Magalas is very much a working village, but the vineyards surrounding the village are beautiful. It also has its own train station with services to Beziers.

If you are looking to find a long term rental where you can experience the real South of France way of life - with its focus on good food and wine and the simple pleasures in life, then Beziers is an excellent choice.

Beziers properties for long term rentals France in 2024

 

We have a wide range of different long term rental properties in and around Beziers (see Beziers rental properties France). Here we showcase 12 long term rental properties in Beziers and the surrounding villages available to rent from Autumn 2023 to 2024.

 

1. Lespignan house for long term rentals, France, near beaches Ref: 569

This lovely house in Lespignan, near Beziers and the Languedoc coast, is a very convenient long term rentals property in France. The house has been renovated from a former wine cave and the results are dramatic. The house is close to the Mediterranean coast, it comes with its own swimming pool, and provides spacious accommodation all year round. Lespignan is situated close to Beziers and is just 10 minutes from the beach.

This house in Lespignan, South France, is located within 50 minutes of 5 budget airports and is situated close to the A9 autoroute. There are TGV train stations at nearby Beziers and Narbonne.

The house features:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Swimming pool
• Private garden
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Exposed beams and stonework
• Private parking

This house is available for long term rentals between September to June from €1000 per month + bills. All year around from 1300€pm.

More Info

 

2. Tête à Tête - 2 bed house for rent Beziers France (Ref: 2056)

Tête à Tête is a lovely 2 bedroom house for rent in the centre of Beziers, South France. The house comes with its own private garage parking, a covered terrace, air conditioning, central heating and 2 bathrooms. The house is just 2 minutes walk into Beziers town centre, where you will find a wonderful array of shops, restaurants, pavement cafés and historical monuments. The house will ideally suit a couple and provides plenty of space for guests.

Beziers is conveniently located just 10 kms from the Mediterranean coast and has excellent transport connections (it has a TGV train station, international airport and 2 motorways running close-by).

The house features:

• 2 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Large living room
• Private terrace
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Beautifully furnished
• Air conditioning
• Garage parking

Available for long term rentals from €900 per month + bills. Pets may be considered.

More Info

 

3. Murviel les Beziers long term lets in South of France (Ref: 1893)

This spacious long term lets property in South France is located in a quiet rural area with stunning views of the mountain ranges of the Haut Languedoc. The area is surrounded by vineyards and countryside as far as the eye can see.

The house is situated about 12 km north of Béziers and 2 km from the village Murviel-les-Béziers. This restored barn was formerly part of an active vineyard and oozes charm throughout. It sleeps up to 6 comfortably in its 3 bedrooms.

The house features:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Large living room
• Central heating
• Private pool & garden
• Private parking
• Exposed beams and stone walls

This house in Murviel-les-Beziers, is available for long term rentals between mid-September to May from €900 per month + bills.

More Info

 

4. La Forte - cheap 2 bed long term rentals property South France (Ref: 2090)

If you are looking for cheap long term property rentals in the South of France, then this 2 bedroom property close to Beziers is an ideal choice. The house is available to rent from October to May for €600 per month (including utility costs). This beautifully furnished and decorated 2 bedroom house is located on a working vineyard with very large garden and swimming pool. The house comes with a private terrace, air conditioning, internet and UK satellite TV. The house is located on the outskirts of Beziers, 15 minutes drive to the beaches at Valras Plage. The property features:

• 2 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Large living room
• Terrace
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Private parking
• TV and internet connection

This property on the outskirts of Beziers is available for long term rentals for 3-6 months from October to June. The monthly rental prices start at €600 pcm + bills.

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5. 3 bed villa with pool for long term rent in Puimisson, South France (Ref: 1923)

This 3 bedroom villa with private pool is located on the edge of the medieval village of Puimisson in South France. The village of Puimisson dates back over 1,000 years and provides easy access to Beziers (for the airport and TGV), as well as the Mediterranean beaches (20-25 mins). This villa for long term rent comes with a private pool, parking and is located in a quiet neighbourhood. Ideal for families or couples expecting frequent guests.

The villa features:

• 3 bedrooms
• 1 bathroom
• Private pool
• Parking
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Light and airy interior
• TV and internet connection

Available for 12 month rentals from October 2022 from €1350 per month + bills.

More Info

 

6. Maison de la Pêche 1 bed apartment rentals South France (Ref: 1942)

Maison de la Pêche is a cheap 1 bed apartment for rent in the South of France on a long term basis. The apartment is situated in the wine-producing village of Magalas in the Languedoc region. The apartment can be rented from €450 per month + bills.

Magalas has a good range of services, including 3 supermarkets, a DIY store, pharmacy, Doctors (English-speaking) and a couple of bars. There is a local train station at the end of the road, with services to Beziers.

The apartment comes with

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Open plan living room with kitchenette
• Easy walk to the centre of the village with a small supermarket, boulangerie, 2 bars, a restaurant, a pharmacy and a bank.

This 1 bedroom apartment is available for long term rentals of up to 12 months. The apartment is available to rent from €450 per month plus bills. 

More info

 

 

7. Large long term rentals property Languedoc France Ref: 1914

This large long term rental in Languedoc, South France, is a 4 bedroom property with private pool, indoor tennis court and enclosed garden, located on a working vineyard. The house also comes with WiFi, central heating, a summer kitchen and parking for several cars.

The property is just 10 mins from Beziers airport and 15 mins to the Mediterranean beaches. There is an 18 hole golf course 5 mins away.

The vineyard of Domaine de Cabrials has been owned by the same family for 5 generations and you can visit the enormous oak wine vats in the wine cellars that each used to store 300 litre of wine.

• 4 bedrooms
• 4 bathrooms
• Enclosed garden
• Pet-friendly
• Well-equipped kitchen
• TV and wifi available

This large long term rental property  can be rented on a monthly basis from October to May. Prices do not include utility bills (there is a €300 monthly provision towards the electricity, WiFi, gas, firewood and communal taxes. Minimum stay 3 months.

Long term rentals: from €1500 per month + bills

More Info

 

8. Portirangues house to rent in France long term, near the beach (Ref: 948)

This 4 bed house to rent in France long term is located in a classic French Mediterranean coastal village near Beziers. Portiragnes enjoys some of the best weather in France, with plenty of clear, dry days. Portiragnes is a popular village, which has retained a friendly atmosphere. The village is just 3 kms from the beaches at Portiragnes Plage. The house contains:

• 4 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
• 3 bathrooms
• Large front terrace
• Well-equipped kitchen + washing machine
• Pet friendly
• Central heating and air conditioning
• WiFi and flat screen TV
• Easy access to shops, restaurants
• 3kms to the beach
• 5 mins to Beziers airport 

This house is available to rent from October 2022 and the Owner will consider rental periods of 3-9 months. The guide rental price is €800 pcm + bills.

More Info

 

 

9. Les Oliviers 1 bed apartment for rent St Chinian South of France (Ref: 2069)

Les Oliviers apartment for rent in the famous winemaking village of Saint Chinian, South of France, provides a comfortable long term rental accommodation for a couple or single person. This spacious apartment is located on the second floor and provides 70m2 of living space. The apartment comes with exposed beams, air conditioning and fully equipped kitchen.

This well equipped apartment in the heart of the Languedoc wine region provides comfortable accommodation for a couple or single person. Saint Chinian is surrounded by beautiful countryside and it is famous throughout France for its excellent wines. There are regular buses to Beziers, which has an airport and TGV train station. The Mediterranean coast is 35 mins.

The main benefits of this apartment include:

• modern, well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast table
• large sunny lounge
• modern kitchen
• comfortable bedroom with en-suite bathroom
• available for 12 month rentals
• Beziers airport 25 mins drive

Available for long term rentals for up to 12 months from €700 per month + bills. Pets may be accepted through prior agreement of the Owner.

More Info

  

 

10. Autignac long term house rentals Southern France (Ref: 1991)

This light and spacious 4 bed house for long term rentals in Autignac, Southern France, comes with plenty of character and is within easy walking distance of the shops and services in the village. The house has been beautifully restored and features exposed stone walls, oak beams and a charming private courtyard garden with pool.

The Mediterranean beaches are only 30 minutes away and the beautiful High Languedoc National Park is only 5 minutes away.

The house features:

• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• Large living room
• Central heating
• Private pool & garden
• Private parking
• Walking distance to bar and bakers

This villa in Autignac near Beziers, is available for long term rentals for 3-9 months. The monthly rental prices start at €1350 pcm + bills.

More Info

 

11. Magalas long term rentals apartment South France (Ref: 1897)

A sunny 1 bed furnished property available for long term rentals in the pretty hill-top village of Magalas, near Beziers. This property in Southern France comes with a large roof terrace, fully-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom and a laundry room. Magalas has everything you will need from a small town, including 3 supermarkets, a DIY store, pharmacy, Doctors (English-speaking) and a couple of bars. One of the best restaurants in the region is situated just around the corner..

The property features:

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Open plan living room
• Private roof terrace
• Fully fitted kitchen
• Light and airy interior
• Wi-Fi

This long term rentals property provides comfortable accommodation for a single person or couple and can be rented all year around from €500 per month + bills. Available from 1 June 2023.

More Info

 

 

12. Beziers cheap houses to rent in France, sleeps 2 (Ref: 931)

If you are searching for cheap houses to rent in South France for under €600 per month, then this 1 bedroom property close to Beziers is an ideal choice. The house is available to rent from October to May for €550 per month. This beautifully furnished and decorated 1 bedroom house is located on a working vineyard with very large garden and swimming pool. The house comes with a private terrace, air conditioning, internet and UK satellite TV. The house is located on the outskirts of Beziers, 15 minutes drive to the beaches at Valras Plage.

• 1 double bedroom
• 1 bathroom
• Air conditioning 
• Close to Beziers 
• Fitted kitchen + washing machine 
• WiFi and flat screen TV
• Access to swimming pool
• Quiet and peaceful area

This house is available to rent from January 2023 and the Owner will consider rental periods of 12 months. The guide rental price is €600 pcm + bills.

More Info

 

Where to next . . . ?

If you are interested in living in Southern France, hopefully this article has prompted you to look at Beziers as a good location to live.  We have a good range of houses available for long term rent in and around Beziers. If you would like to continue your search for long term rental properties currently available in South France, you will find the following links useful:

Read our article on How and where to rent a house in France long term in 2024

Beziers long term rental properties currently available for rent in 2024

Choose from our range of All year around long term rentals in France

Find Pet-friendly long term rentals in France 

If you would like some more detailed information about renting long term in France, then just drop us a quick message and we will come straight back to you. I wish you a wonderful stay in the South of France. 

Contact Iain by Email.