Property Details

Much of the fabric of this building, and certainly it's situation, originates from the ruins of the village's earliest fortifications.

With views across the gorge below where the rivers Cesse and Brian meet the private walled gardens have the very best views! please look at the photos - all taken in April 2004.

A unique family retreat or holiday home for one or more families sharing (sleeps 8 max) this is a truly splendid holiday let.

The house is beautifully renovated with exposed stonework throughout. There are luxurious bathrooms, attractive furniture and a large, very private gardens with terraces, complete with working pizza oven & barbecue. There are wood burning stoves for use during winter months.There is a galleried studio for any artists who wish to paint or draw during the stay - its one of the most picturesque villages in the region.

It has its own private views across to the replica catapult of the siege of the village, and overlooks the point where the rivers Cesse and Brian meet at the bottom of the Gorge.

The house is available all year round. Please contact us if you have any other questions.

Private secure parking is available for one or two very small cars - access is via small alley.

Local Area Details

Minerve lies perched on the top of a rock between the two rivers Cesse and Brian.

The gorges to either side of Minerve meet just below the house and there are many paths all around. You can walk along the bed of the River Cesse, during the summer when it is dry, and explore it�s natural tunnels and bridges. A truly spectacular phenomenon.

The first tunnel as you head upstream is dark and long. At first it appears to be just a cave but once inside you can see the light at the other end. Here you will find sand martins and plentiful bugs, especially the cigale. The house has unbroken views and is ideal for birdwatching.

Some of the other paths skirt around the cliff tops above the gorge and, perhaps, are not for the faint hearted!

The village is small with narrow lanes; there are good restaurants, caf�s & shops and the local vignerons sell AOC Minervois red & ros�. Some producers bottle their own and these are available in the village too. There are many local domaines to visit for a little wine tasting!

There is a good-sized information centre with leaflets on local attractions and dates of festivals, which here in the south of France, are plentiful. Minerve is the centre for the Festival du Minervois, which is held at the end of July through to the early part of August.

The village of Minerve was one of the last Cathar strongholds and evidence of its history is found in its street in abundance. There is even a replica of the original catapult used by the Crusaders during the siege, led by Simon de Montfort, of the fortress village in 1210. This is directly opposite the house on the other side of the confluence of the rivers.

The Cathars put up a strong fight until lack of water forced their surrender when the Crusaders had knocked down the walls of their well! Many of the villagers hurled themselves into a fire because they refused to deny their own faith.

Nearby there is a museum that can give you the whole story & there are plenty of books on the history of Minerve.

In nearby Olonzac the Tuesday market is a must for anyone visiting the area - the market is traditionally french; here you can sample the local olives, cheeses, wines, breads and honey to name a few.

Property Features

* Children are allowed

Contact Information

Name:	Claire Archer
Telephone:	0033 4-68-918308
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Fax:	--
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