Beziers, a city of about 40,000, is the nearest metropolis to Caussi (about 15 minutes away.) You don't need to go to Beziers to eat well but if you crave a bit urbanity, you can munch on mussels and local wine at one of the cafes in the central market. Or be extravagant and dine at L'Ambassade. Here Patrick Olry cooks ambitious food in an ultracool setting (4 67 76+ 06 24). Framboisier is also good (we love the warm oysters in champagne sauce) (4 67 49 90 00).
Although we haven't tried it yet, La Raffinerie in Beziers on the Canal du Midi comes with much praise. One reviewer said, "Dine with style and good taste. The interior has been carefully designed to exude excellence. Menus are original, with surprises both succulent and succinct. The wines are chosen well. The prices very reasonable, and the service gracious. What more
could one want?!" (14, Avenue Joseph Lazare, 04 67 76 07 12)
Finally, a few miles north of Beziers, in the village of Maraussan, a restaurant called Parfums de Garrigue has a country feel (see doorway above). It's surrounded by vineyards and, as at all local restaurants, the wine list includes selections from the best local winemakers. (4 67 90 33 76)
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