Ancient and Medieval Origins

Roman Roots:

The village’s name derives from Nesinhan de l'Avesque (Occitan for "Nézignan of the Bishops"), but its origins trace back to a Roman fort built by a commander named Nasiniano on the central hill. The site later became a Gallo-Roman villa.

Feudal Era:

By the 12th century, Nézignan was under the control of the Bishops of Agde, who transformed it into their summer residence. The village’s iconic circulade layout—concentric streets spiraling around the hilltop—was designed for defense, with remnants of ramparts and ditches still visible today

Locals in Nézignan-l’Évêque are nicknamed "Becos Figos" (Occitan for "fig-eaters") because the village was once a major fig-producing hub. The Fig Arboretum here boasts 80+ varieties of fig trees, some grown on traditional corbel structures projecting from houses—a unique drying method from the past.

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