a town of France, department of Hérault, occupies a beautiful position on the left bank of the Hérault, at its confluence with the Peine, 25 miles W.S.W. of Montpellier. Many of the streets are broad, and lined with handsome and well-built houses. The old castle, now in ruins, commands a beautiful view over a country so distinguished for fertility as to be called the "Garden of Hérault." The principal buildings are the parish church and the theatre; the latter of which was originally a conventual chapel. Linens, napkins, muslin, woollen and cotton fabrics, hats, soap, brandy (for which it is one of the chief markets in Europe), and chemical substances, are among the manufactures of the place. Besides brandy, wine, and spirits, the principal articles of commerce are grain, dried fruit, oil, timber, and cotton, silk, and woollen stuffs. A great fair is held here in September, which is frequented by merchants from the whole of the south of France. It was at Pézenas that Molére wrote the play called Les Précieuses Ridicules, while the manager of a company of strolling players. Pop. 7875.