Situated at the foot of the Black Mountains in the Aude and overlooking the Minervois plain, the village of Caunes-Minervois has a heritage rich in history and culture. Close to the Mediterranean but firmly rooted in the foothills of the mountains, its micro-climate is ideal for the production of its renowned AOC Minervois wines.
Caunes was built around its Benedictine abbey; the Argent Double, a small tributary of the River Aude flows through the village year-round. The old lanes of the village are of particular interest and the surrounding countryside (vines, garrigue, forest…) is equally noteworthy - an attentive rambler will discover many hidden treasures! Caunes is also the world capital of red marble: quarried since Roman times, this special marble has been used in the adornment of many very beautiful palaces and public buildings.
Since 2001 Caunes-Minervois has been a recognised Pays Cathar site.
The village of Caunes-Minervois was established around the abbey on the left bank of the Argent Double.
To the south and west the abbey was delimited by ramparts which encircled the village. To the north and east it was enclosed by a sturdy wall, the remains of which can still be seen in places.
1 The presumed outline of the ramparts
2 Gates of the citadel
3 Former ditches
4 Gothic and renaissance façades
5 Hôtel Sicard14th – 16th centuries
6 Hôtel Tapie 17th century
7 Hôtel d’Alibert 15th - 16t centuries
8 Course of the irrigation channel
Finding your way to Caunes-Minervois is easy!
Located 20km to the north east of Carcassonne, you take the D620 which passes through the village before winding its way upwards along the Argent Double.
From Béziers, take the road to Carcassonne as far as La Redorte and there fork right onto the D11.
MICHELIN map 83 or 240
Journey times from Caunes-Minervois to …… |
|
| Béziers 50' | Lézignan 30' |
| Carcassonne 20' | Mazamet 50' |
| Castelnaudary 40' | Montpelier 1h20' |
| Gruissan 50' | Narbonne 40' |
| Leucate 60' | Perpignan 1h10' |
| Limoux 40 | Toulouse 1h20' |
Download the map of Caunes-Minervois!
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