The best walks and hikes around Nizas

A few steps from the Sans Souci park, this monument pays tribute to Louis Paulhan (1883-1963), a child of Pézenas who became one of the pioneers of French aviation. At a time when flying was still an achievement, he participated in the great moments of the beginnings of aeronautics and contributed to writing the history of the pioneers of the sky. Passionate about flying machines from a young age, he obtained the 10th French pilot's license in 1909 and was noticed at the first air shows. In April 1910, he entered legend by winning the famous Daily Mail prize for the London-Manchester flight, an aerial crossing of nearly 300 km completed in less than 24 hours. This earned him international fame. He later participated in the development of seaplanes and also became an aircraft manufacturer.

Pézenas is not just about Molière, even though the playwright stayed there several times between 1650 and 1656 under the protection of the Prince de Conti. The town was long one of the most influential in Languedoc: the Estates of Languedoc met there regularly, and Louis XIII, Richelieu, and the Prince de Conti stayed there. While strolling through the narrow streets, keep your eyes open: many doors still retain their original knockers and ironwork, testaments to the skill of Pézenas artisans. A tradition that is perpetuated today by the Musée de la Porte et de la Ferronnerie, unique in France. Finally, one last curiosity: the famous Maison de Molière should not be misleading. Despite its name, there is nothing to suggest that the playwright lived there. Local tradition rather holds that he liked to settle in the barber Gély's shop, where he observed the inhabitants and their foibles, a source of inspiration that would have fueled several of his future characters.

Monument to Louis Paulhan – A tribute to the famous aviation pioneer from Pézenas. Born here in 1883, the pilot was one of the world's first aviators and set several flight records even before World War I. Yes, the monument commemorates Louis Paulhan, one of Pézenas' most famous sons. He was born in the town in 1883 and was one of the very early aviation pioneers in the world. Why is he so significant? * He received French pilot's license No. 10 – at a time when flying was still a dangerous adventure. * In 1909 and 1910, he set several altitude, distance, and duration flight records. * At the first international air meeting in Los Angeles in 1910, he won the competition and set a then-world altitude record of over 1,200 meters. * His flight from London to Manchester in 1910 became particularly famous, winning him a prestigious competition and gaining him international recognition. The Monument in Pézenas Pézenas is very proud of its famous aviation pioneer. A monument was erected in his birthplace in his memory. Additionally, since 1983, a square has borne his name. He is also buried in Pézenas. Interesting Anecdote When Paulhan gave flight demonstrations in California in 1910, he met a young man named William Edward Boeing. This young man later became the founder of **Boeing⁠**.

Place Gambetta – The gateway to the old town of Pézenas. The spacious square with its magnificent Fontaine du Peyrou invites you to linger and is the ideal starting point for exploring the historic old town.

Place Gambetta is one of the most important squares in Pézenas and, in a way, forms the southern gateway to the historic old town. History The square was created in the 19th century after parts of the old city fortifications were removed. It was named after the French statesman Léon Gambetta, a key figure in the Third French Republic. The Fontaine du Peyrou The centerpiece of the square is the impressive Fontaine du Peyrou. The fountain was erected in 1898 and is adorned with a monumental column and allegorical figures. It commemorates the importance of the water supply for the city and is considered one of the most famous photo opportunities in Pézenas. Today Place Gambetta is a lively meeting point with cafés, restaurants, and shady plane trees. From here, you can directly access the narrow streets of the old town with its city palaces, artisan shops, and historic buildings. Especially on market days, there is a hustle and bustle here, and many visitors begin their tour of Pézenas right at this square.

Nice little town that really has its charm, I passed through quickly but it would be worth lingering!

A unique village in France, rich in cultural and architectural heritage. And it's a great place to live all year round. A word from a Piscénois.

A maid, represented by Lucette by Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, representing comedy, and a goat-foot representing the satyr surrounding the bust of Molière; on the back, masks of the actors Coquelin cadet (1848-1909) and Jeanne Ludwig (1867-1898) of the Comédie Française. Signature and date on the pedestal of the bust; dedication on the main face, transcription: TO MOLIERE HIS ADMIRATEURS; history of the monument on the back. Monument erected by national subscription on the initiative of the Pézenas committee created in 1893; inauguration on August 8, 1897.