Béziers is one of oldest towns in France and a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. In Medieval times, town was a Languedoc stronghold of Cathars - believers whom the Catholic Church condemned as heretics and thus offended with a crusade in 1209. There are several bridges across the river Orb, one of which is used for Canal du Midi. Every August, Béziers hosts the famous Feria de Béziers, a five-day event centred on bullfighting and attracting a million visitors.