Minerve

18.09.2013

In the parched, arid hills of the Minervois, surrounded by vines and not much else, Minerve appears defiant on its rocky outcrop at the confluence of the rivers Cesse and Briant. The village is situated on top of the gorge of the River Cesse in a naturally strong defensive position. Near the village the river disappears underground in a large, naturally-carved tunnel.

The drive to Minerve is like a visit to the Grand Canyon, on a miniature scale. (Double click on photos you want to see in close-up mode.)

Minerve has been selected as one of  "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The Most Beautiful Villages Of France"). Historically, the village has been the capital of the Minervois wine region. 

Without captions, enjoy snapshots of the town to get a feel for its age and sense of history.

 

Wow!  What a steep and difficult path on these very ancient stones.

Karl climbs to the top and I monitor his progress.

Whew - what a climb! lol

 

France's symbol in a store window.

Minerve is defended by what the Minervois call the "Candela" (Candle), an octagonal tower which is all that remains of the medieval château.

In 1210, the small town resisted the vengeful Simon de Montfort, scourge of the Cathars, in a siege lasting seven weeks. The crusaders set up four trebuchets around the fortification: three to attack the village, and the largest, Malevoisine, to attack the town's water supply. Eventually the commander of the 200-strong garrison, Viscount Guilhem of Minerve, gave in and negotiated a surrender which saved the villagers and himself after the destruction of the town's main well. However, 140 Cathars refused to give up their faith and were burned to death at the stake on 22 July.

Trébuchet.

This dove, the symbol of the Cathars, is in memory of that event.

 

 A poet from the 17th century.

 

Getting tired.  Definitely time for lunch!

La Table des Troubadours.

 

Troubadour poems and Minervois Ballads.  I'm sure we've found the BEST restaurant!

I had the pork chop, pasta, sautéed mushrooms and salad.

Karl had the pizza Titou and said it was the best one he's had on this trip!

But the very best rosé we've had in France is La cuvée des Troubadours.  How much did we like it?  We bought a box of 3 bottles!

 

 

The vineyards of Minerve:

Sidebar:  The crusade against the Cathars was vicious.  Heretics' land was promised to the crusaders by the pope, who assured forgiveness in advance of their crimes.  In 1209, 20,000 citizens were massacred in Béziers and, the following year, 140 were burned to death in Minerve.  In 1244, 225 Cathars died defending one of their last fortresses at Montségur.