[click photos to enlarge]
11160 Caunes-Minervois
All about Caunes-MinervoisCaunes-Minervois
Location mapLocation map
Useful contactsUseful contacts
Getting to Caunes-MinervoisGetting to Caunes-Minervois
Caunes-Minervois : village view [click to enlarge]Set amidst the Minervois vineyards, the village of Caunes-Minervois is a delight to visit all year round. Le Vieil Atelier is situated in the heart of the historic quarter, close to the village’s ancient ramparts and gateways, "Porte St-Jérôme" and "Porte Hospitalette".
In the centre of Caunes-Minervois is a stunning Benedictine abbey built on Roman foundations. Locally mined pale red marble is used throughout the interior of the abbey - and even for its font. The abbey can be visited all year round and often hosts interesting exhibitions.Caunes-Minervois : abbey [click to enlarge]
Historic Caunes-Minervois [click to enlarge]Just outside Caunes-Minervois is its famous marble quarry - the "Carrière du Roy". The marble has been used in the construction of palaces and churches throughout France, including Versailles and the Arc de Triomphe. The village celebrates its marble each year with a "Fête de Marbre" in June!
From the Carrière du Roy, follow a marked path to the lovely church of "Notre Dame du Cros". Situated on the outskirts of Caunes-Minervois, this church also has an impressive marble interior.Minervois vines [click to enlarge]
Poppies [click to enlarge]If you enjoy exploring on foot, there are many marked walks which take you through the village and out into the beautiful surrounding countryside. Many of the area’s vineyards and local wine producers are also within walking distance and offer wine tastings to visitors!
If you enjoy sporting activities, both rock climbing and horse riding are available locally. If you prefer gastronomic treats, Caunes-Minervois holds a market three times a week, where you can buy fresh local produce. There is also a "Fête de Foie Gras" every Autumn. The village has a range of interesting shops to look round, as well as several lively bars and great restaurants.Caunes-Minervois : rue St-Jérôme [click to enlarge]
Caunes-Minervois
Caunes-Minervois
Caunes-Minervois
A little history...
Caunes-Minervois is famous for its pale red marble which was first mined by the Gallo-Romans. The marble has been used in the construction of some of Europe's most beautiful buildings, including the Le Grand Trianon at Versailles and L'Opéra in Paris. Up until 1969, the marble was transported by train from Caunes-Minervois to Moux along the "Ligne des Cigales" (cicadas). The town also had a tramway until 1932, which linked Carcassonne to Lézignan.

The Benedictine abbey in the centre of Caunes-Minervois dates back to the year 780. During the crusades against the Albigensians, the abbey's abbot welcomed the Pope's representative when he came to preach about orthodox Catholicism. In 1226, the Cathar priest of Carcassès, Pierre Isarn, was burned to death at Caunes-Minervois.

Things to see & do
Ancient ramparts; "Vieux Caunes" (the town's old quarter); 8th-century Benedictine abbey of St-Pierre-St-Paul and the abbey's church (the church was officially classed as an Historic Monument in 1916 and the abbey in 1948).
CommuneCaunes-Minervois
Population1476
Area2784 ha (10.7 sq miles)
Altitude144 m (472 ft)
CantonPeyriac-Minervois
Département11
RégionLanguedoc-Roussillon
Useful contacts
click to visit www.caunesminervois.com
click to visit www.audetourisme.com
click to visit www.aude.pref.gouv.fr
click to visit www.leclosdessuds.com
click to visit www.bonelliswine.com
click to visit www.vsnarbonnais.com
11160 Caunes-Minervois
Getting to Caunes-Minervois
Places nearby...... and further afield
Rieux-Minervois8.0 km
Carcassonne23.0 km
Cabrespine 4 Chateaux Lastour13.0 km
Minerve24.0 km
Bize-Minervois36.0 km
Narbonne48 km
Castres (Tarn)74 km
Lagrasse45 km
Mazamet55 km
Albi122 km
Travel Company Websites
click to visit www.ryanair.comclick to visit www.britishairways.com
click to visit www.easyjet.comclick to visit www.flybe.com
click to visit www.bmibaby.comclick to visit www.airfrance.fr
click to visit www.jet2.comclick to visit www.cityjet.com
click to visit www.airlinair.comclick to visit ww9.poferries.com
click to visit www.brittany-ferries.comclick to visit www.seafrance.com
click to visit www.hoverspeed.comclick to visit www.speedferries.com
click to visit www.transmancheferries.comclick to visit www.ldlines.com
click to visit www.norfolkline.comclick to visit www.eurotunnel.com
click to visit www.eurolines.comclick to visit www.sncf.com
click to visit www.raileurope.com
Book now!Book now!   AvailabilityAvailability   TariffTariff

Top of pageTop of page
  |  © & legal info  |  site map
bookmark and share