Bize Minervois ~ the Village
Bize Minervois Bize is a picturesque small village with a population of about 900 situated in the Minervois wine region. Parts of the village are very old and both Prehistoric and Gallo-Roman remains have been identified close by.  In medieval times, the village used to be completely walled and one of the original gateways still remains (see picture below).  The River Cesse is dammed in the summer to create a natural swimming pool, which has a lifeguard in the summer months (swimming area in picture here with the village Chateau behind).
Local Attractions The surrounding area is famous for the Minervois wine, with the Corbières & St Chinian wine region close by. Olives are also a local product & in early July each year Bize hosts a famous olive festival. There is also a local Olive Oil factory which has won many awards for its oil products.  There is a tourist train that runs from Bize to Narbonne in the summer months. The famous Canal du Midi stretching from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic runs within a mile of the village and is ideal for walks, cycling or boating.
Village features Bize has 3 restaurants that open all year, with 2 more in the neighbouring village of Cabezac, plus a café bar.  There is also a range of shops: 2 local food stores; butchers; bakers; newsagent; chemist; beauty salon; 2 hairdressers; cinema & public library.