Minerva

Historic capital of Minervois, the city rises in the middle of the causse, protected by the deep gorges of the Cesse and the Brian where the water has shaped astonishing natural bridges .

In its medieval streets , Minerve keeps in mind the Cathar epic , evoked at the Hurepel museum. Another museum is dedicated to the important paleontological discoveries made in the nearby Aldene Cave. Minerva owes its name to the Occitan "" Menèrba"", from the Celtic ""men"" (stone, rock) and derivatives of ""herbech"" (asylum, refuge). Intact and captivating, Minerve invites you to stroll with its terraced gardens and cobbled streets.

Between Canal du Midi and Montagne Noire, the city of Minerve rises on a rocky spur which dominates the Cesse and Brian gorges.

THE The natural bridges of the Cesse valley make it an exceptional geological site.
Did you know ? The Great Natural Bridge is 228 m long and has a height varying from 6 m to 28 m, very close to the entrance to Minerve, upstream. Further up the river, the aptly named Pont Petit is 126 m long with an average height of 15 m, accessible on foot.

https://www.minervois-caroux.com/fr/decouvert/nos-villages/minerve.html