FIG. 100. FOUNTAIN IN CLOISTERS, BÉZIERS.
The cloisters are situated to the south of the church, and are in good preservation. Their design is completely Northern, of the somewhat cold style of the fifteenth century. The arcade is open, and without tracery, with large buttresses between, carried up with pinnacles above the balustrade. The fountain in the centre of the cloister-garth is simple but effective ([Fig. 100]).
The view of the town and cathedral from the river ([Fig. 98]) is very fine. The great mass of the cathedral is seen towering above the huge remains of the ancient fortifications; while in the foreground the Orbe is dammed up, and forms the motive power of a number of picturesque mills in the form of towers. An ancient bridge spans the river lower down.
FIG. 101. HOUSE IN BÉZIERS.
Near the cathedral is a house of the fifteenth or sixteenth century, with a quaint bow window ([Fig. 101]). The great corbels over the window to the left have no doubt been for the purpose of supporting some kind of balcony in connection with the defence of the entrance doorway below.
In the district we are now traversing many interesting examples still exist of the ancient Provençal style similar to those already illustrated.
At Puisalicon, near Béziers, there occurs a remarkable specimen of a campanile, with three tiers of arched openings, like those of Italy (see Fergusson’s Handbook).