Cathar Country
Caunes-Minervois (as well as being
home to L'Olivette) is a medieval village of steep, twisting, narrow
streets and sand-colored stone buildings surrounding the great 8th Century
Abbey that lies at its heart. It nestles among the vineyards at the foot of
the Montagne Noire, the southernmost area of the Massif Centrale. A walk
through the village reveals many Renaissance facades. Vestiges of even
older buildings can be seen, including parts of the medieval
fortifications. Two ancient public laundries, fed by the local streams, are
still in use. Although the village is small, with no more than 1400
inhabitants, it boasts two restaurants, two bistros, a pharmacy, two
doctors' offices, and a lawyer. There are also two grocery stores, two
bakeries, a butcher, a gas station, two hairdressers, a post office and a
general store that sells everything from knick-knacks of the local marble
to parts for TV sets.
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. 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.
Aude, the Cathar country has a very
rich and often bloody history. Roman and Medieval Ages, are both key
periods in the History of the Cathar country. Key sites such as
the castles and abbeys bear witness to this rich history forming a unique
heritage ensemble for visitors.
From the Mediterranean to the Pyrenees, from the
Massif Central to the lagoon areas, the Pays Lauragais, the Corbières,
Cathar Country presents an outstanding range of landscapes and natural
sites throughout the region.
Beach sands, marine lakes, white water from the
valley of Aude, forests, mountains and gorges are a natural scenery to
practice outdoor activities throughout the year, and discover an authentic
land, full of character. Aude's seaside resorts offer sea, beaches, sports
along a wonderful string of some 50 km
of sandy beaches, protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral. Each of them offers its special atmosphere and range of
activities. Lovers of wind surfing will delight in the Regional Natural
Park of Narbonne, as will hikers and nature enthusiasts who will discover a
delightfully conserved natural environment.
With many talented chefs, a tradition of cuisine
based on seafood, meat or cured meat has grown up. The diversity and
richness of Aude wines is based on the authenticity of the lands on which
they are rooted. Here in the Cathar Country, cuisine and wines have the
best of marriages.
Do not miss the Canal du Midi et de la Robine,
listed by the UNESCO as world heritage, Hire a boat, walk or cycle along
the cool tree shaded banks.
© Ted Yeoman.