Up until the French Revolution, the present territory of Pezenas was divided between
two bishops. The section south of the Peyne River, together with the city,
was under the control of Agde diocese, while the section north of the
river, together with Saint-Jean de Bébian, was under the Béziers diocese.
The Saint-Nazaire Cathedral chapter took great interest in Saint
Jean de Bebian. Although this rural church had an imposing look, disturbances
occurring during the 17th C. led to structural reinforcements: the doubling of the banked
northern wall and the erection of three thick buttresses. At the same time,
the nave was re-vaulted.
Saint-Jean de Bebian is distinguished
by a bay nave with deeply engaged arches. The upper arch of the main bay,
presently sealed, falls on two very simple small columns.
