WINE ROUTE - AIR AND STONE

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Just a stone's throw from the Canal du Midi, in the heart of the Minervois appellation, the Tuesday morning market is a gourmet rendez-vous. Atmosphere guaranteed! Near the esplanade, a lively meeting place, the large park offers delicious moments.

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Ah, the banks of the Canal du Midi! An invitation to stroll. Visit the Maison des Vins on the Quai des Tonneliers, offering local produce and over 300 AOC Minervois wines (at cellar prices) from more than 130 wineries and estates. A few kilometers away, Lac de Jouarres awaits you for a moment of relaxation, with its nautical base and swimming area. Isn't that a vacation?

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AOC La Livinière, a fully-fledged local appellation and Languedoc's 1er Cru Historique, has its own emblem: the distinctive bell tower of Saint-Etienne church. Places to visit: the heart of the village, the capitelles, the interpretation trail on the archeological site of the meulières a few kilometers north of the village. The capitelles or "capitèlo", Qu'es aquo? These thick-walled, dry-stone vineyard huts bear witness to an age when grapes were destemmed before being loaded onto mules or carts.

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Here, the hill is called the "thirteen winds", and the old windmill dominates the village. Vineyards and garrigues open up without limits. The Minervois winegrowers have set up a grape variety conservatory here. A botanical trail starts at the foot of the windmill. Enjoy a 180° view from the ancient Ventajou castrum overlooking the village.

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Here you are in the foothills of the Montagne Noire, a schistous terroir with a Mediterranean climate. And it's here that the highest Minervois vines can be found. We're between land and air. You get the idea. Before continuing on your way, take a look at the remains of the 14th-century château.

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Huge landscape! Wide angle Nature! Discover this geological mecca from the Suzadou rock. With the presence of iron oxide, the earth reveals its palette of colors, from "wine lees to green". From the village, take a bucolic stroll to discover the springs of the Cesse.

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It was the seat of a particularly flourishing glass industry. Glassmakers were gentlemen who supplied glassware to various trades such as the wine industry. Even back then, people loved good wine!

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On the edge of the Tarn, this commune has a promising Mediterranean flavour. Served by an old railroad line (now a Voie Verte) that helped transport local produce in the 19th century, this village is now famous for the famous Cave de la Fileuse de Verre. Looking for something cool in summer? Enjoy the panoramic views from the Capitelles trail and explore the cave.

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First a powerful abbey, then a bishopric, this town has played an important role in the region's history. While the old town offers a "catalog" of medieval architecture, locally quarried marble is omnipresent in the urban landscape: Don't miss: the cathedral, the prehistory museum, the heritage itinerary in the heart of the town. If you're a nature lover, why not visit the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut Languedoc? Discover the Route des Lacs circuit, winegrowing itineraries and many other hikes, village visits... addresses of service providers are on the Cirkwi.com app, on the www.herault-tourisme.com website.

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Tour variations : From Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, equipped with hiking topo-guides, reach the Monts du Somail or Prémian (verdant "valley of cherry trees"). Take the "sentier des mille Marches" to reach Saut de Vésoles and its lake, then Saint-Etienne d'Albagnan, a witness to the development of arboriculture. Don't miss the little chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Trédos (a place of pilgrimage since the 17th century).

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A green setting, once the stronghold of the lords of Pardailhan. The Hérault region is famous for its black turnip. Its unique flavor inspires our chefs. Now's the time to combine it with the local Muscat wine. To the pleasure of the senses is always added a little heritage or historical curiosity, such as the 12th-century church of Sainte-Euphémie.

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A limestone landscape with a slightly lunar air, this is where the famous Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois is made (recognized as an AOC in 1949!): a naturally sweet wine made exclusively from Muscat Petit Grain. According to the old-timers, "the geological specificity of this terroir is such that the grapes ripen even at night". A stopover? We recommend it! Just to taste this nectar, before heading to Gimios and down to the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Jean Dieuvaille, lost in the heart of the gorges... hence its nickname Notre-Dame-du-Trou.

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The village and surrounding hamlets have preserved a wealth of evidence of the various eras that have marked the history of this small village (from the Paleolithic to the Albigensian Crusade to the French Revolution).

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Visit La Cagarol (the snail)! This village center features a circular street that winds its way up to the church of Saint Martin. Built on a hill, this "circulade", surrounded by vineyards, is home to artists' studios open to visitors.

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"Caune" means "cave". This village stretches between the Cesse river and the limestone cliffs of the medieval Carambelle district, home to troglodyte dwellings. In the distance, the old coal mining chimney marks the landscape. A 13km hike takes in the causses and gorges (Tréménal and Cesse).

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Built on a rocky spur between two rivers, the Brian and the Cesse, Minerve is a fortress that still bears witness to the Cathar period. Nature and heritage come together for a visit full of discoveries: hikes in the gorges, visits to the picturesque lanes and the Romanesque church, exploration under the natural bridges and in the museums. A unique and exceptional experience!

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The village is situated on 2 terroirs with nuanced landscapes. Hiking is the ideal way to discover the region. Start at the Cave des Trois Blasons! We're off. The Les Mourels oenorando (6km/2h) lets you discover the riches of this singular geography.

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Numerous remains, from cave paintings to the ramparts of the feudal castle, can be discovered not far from the river La Cesse (a few kilometers to the north). Of particular note is the 11th-century Saint-Germain chapel, an intact example of early Languedoc Romanesque art. Set amidst vineyards and pine trees, this village offers a haven of peace.

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Our favorite site! Notre Dame de Centeilles chapel marks the boundary between the causse and the Minervois plain. It stands alone, surrounded by cypress and holm oak trees. In front of you, admire the panoramic view over the vineyards. Finally, and you won't see it anywhere else, take a look at the Lauriole curiosity (from Siran). The locals call it the "descending hill". An optical illusion or Copernican revolution? To be tested.

+33 4 67 97 06 65

Office de tourisme du Minervois au Caroux en Haut Languedoc - Minerve

Vignobles et Découvertes