Minerve

Not much had changed since my last visit here, only that a really large parking lot had been created. Minerve, already settled in Roman times ("Minerva"), has been the capital of the Minervois wine region. Vineyards surround the small village, that is known as one of the last strongholds of the Cathars, after the Massacre of Beziers.

In 1210 the village was besieged by the troops, led by infamous Simon de Montfort. After being cut off the water supply, Guilhem of Minerve, commander of the 200-strong garrison gave in and 140 Cathars, who refused to give up their faith, were burned to death at the stake.