The Region of Caunes-Minervois
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In the surrounding area, historic, scenic and cultural sites abound. There are many nearby areas of historic (and even prehistoric) interest, easily
reached by car. There are the famous Cathare fortresses, Chateaux de Lastours and Queribus.
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| Follow your fancy or
one of the guide books available for your use at either l'Ancienne Boulangerie or Chez-Thorp.
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| Nearby Carcassonne is the largest walled city in Europe, the fascinating 'La Cité', where, at least in story, the heroic chatelaine defied the siege of Charlemagne. Despite its fairy tale appearance, Carcassonne has all the conveniences of a modern city with shops of every kind, supermarkets, cinemas and an abundance of fine restaurants.
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Below the imposing fortifications is Ville Basse, the "low town." Here the open market offers wonderful seasonal produce, fruits, vegetables, flowers, regional cheeses, smoked fresh meats and the delicious locally bred duck. Regional busses make the short trip from Carcassonne to Caunes-Minervois several times each day.
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East
to the Mediterranean rolls a 40 mile plain of vines and orchards. To the south rears the mighty barrier of the Pyrénnées, dividing France and Spain; west lies Toulouse and the Atlantic. North are rugged and mountainous forests of pine, chestnut, beech and oak, much of which is public and ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
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| History buffs can follow the path of
the Albigensian Crusade, led by Simon de Montfort and the land-hungry Northern
Knights, who brought the might of the Pope and the King of France against the
Count of Toulouse, the Southern Lords and the heretical Parfaits.
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Less than an
hour away is beautiful Minerve, a village on the Cesse, seemingly
impregnable, but at last defeated by a 'weapon of mass destruction,' the
catapault named "Malevoise" that crushed the walls surrounding the
well. A replica of Malevoise stands opposite the village today.
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| A
drive north through rolling leafy lanes leads to Albi. Visit the massive
Cathédrale de Sté. Cecile, built immediately after the murderous Abligensian
crusade; a fortress of the Church Militant. Or gaze over the bridges from the
walls of the Musée Toulouse-Lautrec wherein lie many drafts and originals of the
familiar posters of this great artist.
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Take a
picnic, your bathing suit and a bucket and spade. An hour away laps the warm,
azure waters of the Mediterranean, and wide, sandy, uncrowded beaches. There
are lovely sand dunes to stroll along, boat trips, swimming, game fishing and
all manner of water sports available.
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| The beaches of this area have won many
awards for their cleanliness and "child-friendliness."
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| This land holds many secrets, not
least of which is that of the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. While the
Grail has never been discovered, there is much evidence of the Knights. Visit
the beautiful but eerie Hermitage St. Antoine, tucked into the sheer
walls of the beautiful Gorges de Galamas. The steep-sided path to the Hermitage
is not for the faint-hearted, but the effort is well rewarded by breath-taking
views.
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Drive up high into the Pyrénées to wonder at the amazing Paleolithic cave paintings at Niaux.
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| Unlike the more famous Lascaux, in the
caves of Niaux you will view the actual paintings, not replicas made for
tourists.There is no concession for age or infirmity, so be prepared to walk,
crouch, slip and slide. Wear hiking shoes and a warm jacket. It is an
unforgettable experience. We can help you make the needed reservation or check out the official website at
www.ariege.com/niaux
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| If more recent history (Roman) appeals
to you, a day trip to Nîmes is in order. The Languedoc was one of the
provinces of the Roman Empire and in the city of Nîmes you will find some of
the best preserved examples in Europe of Roman engineering and architecture.
Among the many sights: the great Amphitheater where bullfights are still held,
the graceful Maison Carrée, an intact Temple and the aqueduct, with its famous Pont du Gard.
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