The History of Hôtel La Prison in Béziers

First and foremost, la prison is no longer operational. However, this change occurred fairly recently. The prison opened its doors in 1867 and remained in service for over a century. It notably housed the region’s guillotine until it was decommissioned in 1949, following the execution of two young men who had committed a grave crime. The guillotine’s unpopularity did not deter the jail’s occupancy, which continued until a newer facility was built to the west of the city center in 2009, resulting in the closure of the prison here.

Transforming the prison into Hôtel La Prison required approximately five years of planning and 18 months of renovation. The hotel officially welcomed guests in July 2024, and I visited it in the summer of 2026.

My Room in a Cell Block in Hôtel La Prison

I wanted to immerse myself in the full prison experience, so I reserved one of the “cell rooms” at Hôtel La Prison. I was aware this might be a gamble, especially since it was summer and these small rooms lacked air conditioning—just a ceiling fan. However, given that past inmates could endure a life sentence, I believed I could manage two nights here.

My room was indeed an authentic prison cell. It’s fascinating to consider that more than one person may have occupied this small space, which now housed a modest desk, a clothing rack, and a double bed, all placed over the original flooring, which was covered by a rug. A window with dark curtains framed a lovely view of the countryside across the river.

My accommodations also included a roomy private bathroom featuring a large sink and a shower. Basic toiletries were provided, but I recommend bringing your own for added comfort.

My stay coincided with an intense heatwave in Europe, with temperatures soaring above 35°C during the day and remaining around 30°C at night, without any respite from the heat. Regrettably, my decision to book a non-A/C room turned out to be ill-fated. Therefore, I suggest reserving these rooms only between September and June, or considering rooms with air conditioning during the summer months.

Other Rooms at Hôtel La Prison in Béziers

Hôtel La Prison offers additional types of accommodations beyond the former prison cells, including a family suite, a unique room that can accommodate up to six people, more spacious “cozy” rooms, and several “comfort” rooms equipped with air conditioning.

Hôtel La Prison in Béziers Amenities

To escape the summer heat, I frequently took refreshing dips in the twelve-meter seasonal swimming pool located on the hotel’s terrace. During the heatwave, the pool area was lively, often filled with one to five people each time I visited.

While I didn’t make use of the 24-hour gym, I did take a peek inside! It featured a few cardio machines, a weight bench, a yoga mat, and an exercise ball.

Hôtel La Prison also boasts several communal spaces for relaxation, conversation, or appreciating contemporary artwork displayed throughout the hallways. These include a spacious outdoor terrace situated between the pool and the restaurant, along with an indoor lounge located just off the reception desk (where cold drinks are available for purchase).

Breakfast at Hôtel La Prison

Hotel La Prison serves a breakfast buffet every morning for €15, featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, milk, bread, and pastries. Local juices are fresh, and there’s a coffee machine for drinks like espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes.

The hotel restaurant, Bistro La Prison, offers a delightful terrace and a lunch and dinner menu, including a reasonably priced formule at lunch. Unfortunately, when I visited, there was only one vegetarian option for each course, which didn’t appeal to me, so I opted for restaurants in town instead.

The Location of Hôtel La Prison in Béziers

Hôtel La Prison is located in the historic center of Béziers next to the Cathedral of Saint-Nazaire. The Old Town is right at your doorstep, and the hotel sits atop a cliff overlooking the Orb River and Canal du Midi. Surrounding the hotel, you’ll find numerous local restaurants and cafés.

A fascinating feature of Béziers is the Agropole elevator system located directly behind the hotel. This system of three elevators transports pedestrians effortlessly up and down the hillside between the hotel and the Pont Vieux bridge, saving you a strenuous uphill walk if you want to stroll along the river.

For those interested, I have a complete guide detailing the best things to do in Béziers, organized as either a one-day walking tour or an overnight stay.

How to Get to Hôtel La Prison in Béziers

The historic center of Béziers isn’t well connected to the train station. I initially attempted using the bus to reach the hotel but found it overcrowded and stifling. Moreover, even after the bus ride, it was still a fifteen-minute walk from the nearest stop to the hotel. I would not recommend arriving at Hôtel La Prison by bus.

On my return to the train station, I had the hotel arrange a taxi for me. The driver charged €18 in cash for the five-minute, two-kilometer ride (taxis in Béziers do not seem to use meters).

If you’re arriving by car, you can drop off your luggage at the hotel and then park it in the free parking area across the river or the paid parking at Les Halles.

Is Hôtel La Prison in Béziers Worth It?

Absolutely! Staying at Hotel La Prison in Béziers is a remarkable experience. The unique setting of a former prison adds character, and the rooms are notably comfortable (provided that you avoid extreme weather). Once you arrive, the hotel’s location in Béziers is simply unbeatable, making it worthwhile for a one- or two-night stay.

Other Hotels in Béziers

If the prison vibe isn’t your style, Béziers offers a plethora of fantastic hotel options. By booking in advance, you can often secure an excellent rate. Here are a few alternatives you might consider:

La Villa Guy & Spa – Located about five minutes east of the historic center, this gorgeous 19th-century villa has been transformed into a boutique hotel featuring a lovely outdoor pool, sauna, and steam room. The spacious and airy rooms are the highlight.

Hotel in Situ – Situated within the same villa district, this hotel features a modern and contemporary design with a bright sun terrace and swimming pool in its back garden.

Le Flourens by Paul Riquet 1609 Residences – This company offers multiple vacation rentals in the heart of Béziers, and this particular location, right in front of the market, is my favorite. It features beautifully renovated apartments with all the amenities, including A/C and a washing machine.

Domaine de Manteau-Bleu – Perfect for those visiting Béziers by car to navigate the Canal du Midi and its famous locks. This bed and breakfast is located just across the river from the boat launch, where host Marielle serves a delightful farm-style breakfast in her family home.