Today, in the age of digital technology and rapid progress, people all too often forget to leave their homes, preferring computer and phone screens to a walk in the fresh air. Completely absorbed by our screens, we hesitate to even wish a friend a happy birthday in person, sending a few dry words instead.
One can only envy the generation that grew up without gadgets and wasn't conditioned by TV screens. The children back then had a real childhood, where even the smallest joys brought immense happiness. Without watches or phones, they knew when to go home and how to shout up to a friend's window so they'd come outside to play. They grew up simply, away from trendy hype, spending most of their free time outdoors in the company of friends and acquaintances. Today's "us" has changed beyond recognition: different perspectives, a different attitude toward life, love, friendship, humanity, and mutual help. We drift further away from the world around us, immersing ourselves deeper into our technological "self."
But can anyone really blame us? Progress never stands still, and every day humanity takes another step toward new discoveries. Perhaps in just twenty years, we will have permanently traded horses for iron machines, robots will replace human labor, and we will be flying in cars while living in smart homes.
However, let's not look so far ahead. Putting the poetic reflection aside, let's return to our present, which holds so much beauty.
Today, as part of our "French Notebook" column, we're taking a look at the Plateau des Poètes (Plateau of the Poets), located in the city of Béziers in the south of France.
Béziers is an ancient city and commune in southern France, located in the Occitanie region (Hérault department).
Key Facts:
- Geography: Situated on the Orb River, approximately 12 km from the Mediterranean coast.
- Population: Around 80,800 residents (as of 2022).
- History: One of the oldest cities in France, founded in antiquity (some researchers consider it the country's oldest settlement, predating Marseille). It is also known for the tragic chapter of the Cathar Crusade in 1209.
- Landmarks: Saint-Nazaire Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Nazaire) from the 13th century, medieval streets, and a UNESCO World Heritage site — the Canal du Midi.
Mayor of the City
Robert Ménard has been serving as the mayor of Béziers since April 2014.
Robert Ménard is a well-known French journalist and politician, one of the co-founders and former secretary-general of the international human rights organization Reporters Without Borders. As mayor of Béziers, he has repeatedly drawn national and global media attention with his high-profile initiatives and statements on migration, security, and traditional values.
Plateau des Poètes
Living in a city, people often wonder how to plan a nice promenade (walk), as finding a breath of fresh air amidst city buildings and hot asphalt can be quite a challenge. But as we've noted more than once, the French are true connoisseurs of relaxation: they never rush and savor every minute of life, whether over a cup of coffee or out in nature, which is rich and colorful across France.
The real crowning jewel (or as the French say, the crème de la crème) of Béziers is the Plateau des Poètes.
Key Information:
- Area: Approximately 5 hectares.
- Creation and Opening: Work began in 1863 under landscape architects Denis and Eugène Bühler, and the park officially opened in 1867.
- Status: Classified as a Historic Monument (Monument historique) since January 10, 1995, listed as a Remarkable Garden (Jardin remarquable), and recognized as 20th-century heritage.
Notable Park Features:
- Titan Fountain (Fontaine du Titan, 17 meters tall, sculpted by J.-A. Injalbert, 1892).
- War Memorial (Monument aux morts, 1925).
- Jean Moulin Monument (1951, by M. Courbier).
- Busts and statues of famous local and national poets (including Jean Magrou's work depicting Victor Hugo).
This is a truly picturesque haven of nature hidden within the "concrete jungle." It's a place where you can step away from the relentless flow of traffic and recharge your soul amid incredible beauty. It always feels welcoming, and the sunlight filtering through the treetops creates a cozy, warm atmosphere.
Here you'll find several natural terraced levels, each charming in its own way. Children have their own spot too — a playground where little ones can play to their heart's content while parents relax on a nearby bench without losing sight of them.
Enough words, though. It's time to experience the beauty of the Plateau des Poètes with your own eyes. Whether you've visited before or are discovering it for the first time, it manages to amaze every single time. A true feast for the eyes!
Wherever you are, always find time for yourself. Stop for a moment, look around, and take in the fresh air — in France, near the sea or up in the mountains, it's so crisp and sweet you can never get enough of it. If you ever find yourself in Béziers, be sure to visit this wonderful park. Relax, recharge, and simply live — even if just for five minutes, but five truly meaningful minutes that everyone needs.
Travel with us! See you in our next story!
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