We enjoyed a generous breakfast at Villa de Mazamet. After breakfast, we walked to the center of Mazamet for their Tuesday market. Soon after, we left on our drive for the day.
Our first stop was in St. Pons Thomieres, with their stone cathedral started in the late 900's. Then we drove through the Montaigne Noir to Minerve, a stunning little village in the middle of a gorge! Minerve is known for it's fight against Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian Crusade, when the town's people were attacked for six weeks before giving up. One hundred forty of the town's Cathars refused to give up their faith and were burned at the stake on July 22, 1210. The site was breathtaking!
Our next stop was in Olanzac, where the farmers of the Tuesday market were packing up just as we arrived. We got a patisserie and drove on through more pretty villages, more vineyards than can be counted, and over the Canal du Midi again, passing a bridge with 27 arches! We stopped in Caunes Minervois, known for it's red marble. A large abbaye dwarfs the village. Our last stop was at Lastours, where four castles are atop the same hilltop, all Cathar Castles. The site felt remote and dark clouds were gathering, so we spent time in the museum rather than hiking to the top.
We are back at Villa de Mazamet for dinner this evening after long baths in the deepest soaking tub I've ever been in. Its nice to be pampered!
Our first stop was in St. Pons Thomieres, with their stone cathedral started in the late 900's. Then we drove through the Montaigne Noir to Minerve, a stunning little village in the middle of a gorge! Minerve is known for it's fight against Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian Crusade, when the town's people were attacked for six weeks before giving up. One hundred forty of the town's Cathars refused to give up their faith and were burned at the stake on July 22, 1210. The site was breathtaking!
