Minerve and the Causse
One of the major landmarks of the Minervois, the cité of Minerve has been widely visited and re-visited,
photographed and painted, written about numerous times and is also listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
It is an old unassailable city, impressive not only for its location, perched on a rock surrounded by a two deep gorges,
but for its wild history which includes the cathar burnings of 1210. However, long before this time, throughout
the Brian and the Cesse rivers, prehistoric life was rich. In just about every cave throughout these gorges remnants
of prehistoric life has been found. Nowadays, Minerve is a lively village that celebrates largely in festival.
La fête de la Pierre ( The festival of the rock) in August and Les Chemins de Minerve (the roads to Minerve)
in October and November.
The cafes, hotels and restaurants that are found within the charming narrow streets
all serve locally produced wine. The terrain is difficult to work on yet the fabulously
rich earth produces wonderful wines!
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