Video: The Spectacular Hilltop Village of Minerve

A highlight of our Canal du Midi cruises is a visit to Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort with spectacular views of the surrounding limestone gorges, it is a town with a wealth of history.

Sitting atop a rocky outcropping at the junction of the Cesse and Briant Rivers is Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois, considered by many to be the quintessential medieval village. Its 12th century Cathar fort, which is surrounded by deep limestone gorges, affords magnificent views of surrounding countryside. Along the riverbed are caves and bridges carved out of limestone by the action of the water. “Candela,” an octagonal tower, is all that remains of the medieval château.