12 Km away, about 20 minutes drive, is Minerve, the site of the famous siege in 1210 by Simon de Montfort, to starve out the Cathars taking refuge there, during the Albigensian Crusade.
This pretty village is classed as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The Most Beautiful Villages Of France”). It is an ancient village, paved in cobbled stonesand built high on a rocky promontory, hanging over the confluence of the rivers Cesse & Brian.
It has a natural stone bridge to access by foot and during the Summer months a public carpark above the village. There is a museum and guided tours, craft shops, a selection of bars, a créperie, and restaurants of variety, including Le Relais Chantovent – a near-michelin quality establishment with a stunning terrace overlooking the gorge below. www.relaischantovent–minerve.fr
