Here are a few things to see and do in Bize-Minervois itself – and the immediate surrounding area. At the bottom of the page are links to three very comprehensive websites that contain a wealth of information for the whole of the Languedoc.
Horse Riding
The beautiful hills around Bize are ideal for horse riding – there are two equestrian clubs close by:
The Olive Factory
L'oulibo Olive Co-operative is at Cabezac, just 2km down the road from Bize. Here you can taste all the different types of olives and olive oils which they produce, the buttery flavoured "lucques" being one of the favourites. There is also a large gift shop where you can buy olives, olive oil and a huge range of products, household goods and souvenirs from the region. Tours can be arranged.
Bize Market Day
Held every Wednesday morning 10.00am to noon – on the promenade. A variety of stalls – not always the same – comprising fruit/vegetables, clothing, bread, cheese, a fish van, shoes, flowers/plants, etc.
Cinema
The cinema in Bize shows a movie once a week. Dates and details of the movie are shown on the billboard outside the Biblioteque (Library) which is just up the road from the house (opposite the Tabac).
Oysters at Cabezac
There is a bar and a restaurant (a ‘routier’) in the hamlet of Cabezac – 2 kilometres from Bize. If you like oysters – this is the place to go on a Wednesday and Friday evening – about 6.00 or 6.30. The oyster man sets up a stall on the outside seating area, and you order however many you want, they’re opened and brought to your table. For those who don’t want oysters, there’s a little pizza bar just metres around the corner (part of the same building) and the pizzas can be eaten in the bar.
Goat Cheese Farm
Visiting times: 1 March to 30 October: the goat farm is open daily from 1030 to 1200 and from 1600 to 1900 except Monday afternoon. It is open on Sundays and holidays at the same times. To be sure to see the goats, you are advised to arrive shortly before 1700 for the return of the flock and to watch the milking. You can taste and buy the cheeses and a small range of local produce in the farm shop. Good for children.
Hat Museum / Musee du chapellerie
A small quirky museum, on your left on the road to Narbonne, about 5 kms from Bize.
6500 hats and associated hat-making equipment are on display. The collection spans the period from 1850 to the present day and includes military and ecclesiastical headgear, tradition, costume and contemporary hats. Also sells a range of new hats!
Open all year
From 1 March to 31 October from 9:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 19:00
From 1 November to 28 February from 14:00 to 18:00 Every Sunday
From14:00 to 18:00 in winter from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 19:00 in summer.
Adults : 3.50 €
Children : 2€
3, rue de la Bergerie
Hameau du Somail
Phone : 04 68 46 19 26