Le site cathare de Minerve
Le site cathare de Minerve
4.5
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4.5
642 reviews
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18
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Carole M
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
7:00 p.m. visit to the village with a view to staying for dinner. Only one ice cream parlor open!!! Café de la place closed, creperie closed, other restaurants closed..
The souvenir and so-called local craft shops were of course closed too. I deduce that, if on August 1st all these businesses are not open despite all the guides who cite the city of Minerve as an essential place to visit, it is because these traders do not need to work or are amateurs .
Also, parking very difficult to find, walk from the parking lot to the village very steep, and the village is nothing special.
So move on. Much better to see in the area and much more deserving locals.
The souvenir and so-called local craft shops were of course closed too. I deduce that, if on August 1st all these businesses are not open despite all the guides who cite the city of Minerve as an essential place to visit, it is because these traders do not need to work or are amateurs .
Also, parking very difficult to find, walk from the parking lot to the village very steep, and the village is nothing special.
So move on. Much better to see in the area and much more deserving locals.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily C
2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Remarkable site even in the middle of winter. We loved walking the streets of the village even under 1°C. The landscapes are magnificent and gave us a real change of scenery. The route is well laid out and it is possible to extend the visit by following the paths that leave from the catapult.
Written 20 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DEVAUD D
Andorra la Vella, Andorra7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This most beautiful village in France is worth the detour.
There is a canyon, an underground natural bridge (actually a tunnel) more than 200 m long underground. As the river is currently dry, we can cross the tunnel. It's worth the detour.
The architecture is magnificent. Moreover, as there were few people, we could chat with the traders, other tourists... We had the impression of going back several centuries in time.
There is a canyon, an underground natural bridge (actually a tunnel) more than 200 m long underground. As the river is currently dry, we can cross the tunnel. It's worth the detour.
The architecture is magnificent. Moreover, as there were few people, we could chat with the traders, other tourists... We had the impression of going back several centuries in time.
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickBrum
Southampton, UK68 contributions
June 2017 • Couples
At first glance Minerve looks picturesque, but unlikely to take long to look around, but looks can be deceiving. On arrival you will find plenty of parking, where a ticket is obtained at the barrier and then paid before exiting. The cost is very reasonable. From the car park you are treated to panoramic views out over the town, its bridge and the surrounding hills. Much has been written about the distance one is required to walk to reach the town, and the steepness of the path, but it is just a tarmac road with one switch-back, and is neither that far or that arduous. It should, however, be noted that the town occupies the top of a hill, and is surrounded by deep, rocky gorges, so to get the most out of your visit you will need to be sure footed and fit enough to tackle steep, cobbled roads, dusty tracks and of course the dry river beds in the gorge. The town has a little tourist office near the church, where English is spoken and a free map and guide, in English, can be obtained. The attraction of Minerve can be divided into two parts, namely the man-made and the natural. For man-made there are the pretty streets and houses, the ramparts and towers, a Templar's house, the bridge and the church. The natural are the gorges of the Brian and Cesse rivers, and the caves these have eroded through the hillsides. The views of the town from the bridge, and from the replica siege engine on the hillside opposite the far end of the town, are superb and should not be missed.
Written 13 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MyReviewToo2011
Edinburgh, UK159 contributions
June 2016 • Family
This picturesque village is situated within a dramatic valley setting. If you are staying in Carcassonne the journey to this attraction will pay off. We also visited LaGrasse, which is reputed to be the prettiest village in France. While Largrasse was pretty, if I only had time to visit one place it would be Minerve.There is a romance to Minerve, especially given its historical links. The village is very small, so I tend to stay for just one hour to two hours. Therefore a trip there could be an excursion or part of a wider exploration. We bought an excellent sweet wine produced in Minerve, muscat. I can't remember the name of the wine cave but it is next to the fruit stand on the picture I took from my visit last year (attached). There was ample parking in June, but be warned, if you are in an SUV / camper beware of the low wall in front of the higher wall in the car park which can be obscured from view. You do not need to negotiate Minerve's narrow streets if you are driving because the parking facilities are located a short walk outside the tiny village. Parking is inexpensive and if you forgot coins the machine will accept cards (if working). The parking area has free loos in an acceptable state of repair for France. Although small I was really glad to have seen this pretty place. If you driving here from Carcassonne you might want to include a visit to somewhere else too, such as Bize Minervois another pretty riverside village. If this review has been helpful please do not hesitate to click the helpful icon to let me know how I am doing!
Written 26 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IrishMimi
Essendon, UK556 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
We turned a corner in our car and were absolutely blown away by the geography of this amazing place. Once we’d walked in to the village itself from the car park this awe continued. We had simply no idea of how simple and yet history steeped it was and spent much longer ambling around than we’d anticipated. It was a great shame that the church was closed as I think this would have been amazing to see. Nevertheless, as others have written, budget at least 3 hours for your visit and yes, splash out on an ice cream in there parlour on the right as you exit for the car park.
Written 26 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
34210king
Dublin, Ireland835 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
Stepping back in time - well so many times -> over the ages. Just wander, speak quietly, soak up the sense of place, the sense of history, the little shops, the good restaurants, but most of all the history in the miniatures exhibition/museum ..... simple a must. Make the time, indulge and learn and grow and appreciate.
Written 24 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen-O
Sydney, Australia246 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
For any visitor to the Minervois, Minerve is a must. The history here is fascinating with a visit by Simon de Montfort, burned Cathars, castle ruins and even a trebouchet. The site is difficult for those with walking problems but nevertheless accessible if you take your time.
For those driving themselves, its worth passing the village both ways so as to see the buildings superglued to the edge of the cliff. There are a number of eateries in the village catering for a wide range of budgets. The chocolaterie is worth a visit if only to be jollied along by Monsieur and his offerings really are good. Check prices for the restaurants as some have prices aimed at the tourist.
Parking is above the village and not expensive. There are clean rest rooms in the car park.
For those driving themselves, its worth passing the village both ways so as to see the buildings superglued to the edge of the cliff. There are a number of eateries in the village catering for a wide range of budgets. The chocolaterie is worth a visit if only to be jollied along by Monsieur and his offerings really are good. Check prices for the restaurants as some have prices aimed at the tourist.
Parking is above the village and not expensive. There are clean rest rooms in the car park.
Written 20 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maggiavelli
London, UK310 contributions
July 2014 • Friends
Minerve is absolutely beautiful, no question. The approach is a bit strange, as visitors have to bypass the bridge that leads directly into town in order to travel a roundabout couple of kilometres to the car park. The car park is fairly spacious and costs a reasonable 3 Euros fixed price for parking. From the car park you have to walk a few hundred yards to the village - downhill on the way into the village and uphill on the way back - but nothing that a reasonably fit person should have a problem with. If you have mobility issues, however, as does my husband, then this presents a difficulty. A shuttle from the car park to the village proper would solve the problem - something to think about, please.
The village is well deserving of its "one of the most beautiful villages in France" label, not just because of the buildings that make up the village but also because of the amazing scenery in which it sits. The history, too, is an important part of the whole. Minerve was one of the Cathar strongholds at the time that Simon de Montfort was tasked with wiping out these people. It is worth doing a little homework on wikipedia before coming here; you won't regret it. There are, of course, shops and restaurants, as well as the ability to taste and buy wine from the Minervois. We did not eat in Minerve, but we did but some wine and some lovely, colourful local pottery.
Go in the warm months, when the village is lively. My contacts tell me that, in common with many places in southern France, it is dead in the winter.
The village is well deserving of its "one of the most beautiful villages in France" label, not just because of the buildings that make up the village but also because of the amazing scenery in which it sits. The history, too, is an important part of the whole. Minerve was one of the Cathar strongholds at the time that Simon de Montfort was tasked with wiping out these people. It is worth doing a little homework on wikipedia before coming here; you won't regret it. There are, of course, shops and restaurants, as well as the ability to taste and buy wine from the Minervois. We did not eat in Minerve, but we did but some wine and some lovely, colourful local pottery.
Go in the warm months, when the village is lively. My contacts tell me that, in common with many places in southern France, it is dead in the winter.
Written 15 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LNS383
Paris, France436 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
It’s beautiful but everything is closed during Christmas time. We found a delicious crêperie. Certainly we’ll come back.
Written 27 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are renting a car in Lezignan-Coebieres and only have time to see either Minerve OR Lagrasse - any thoughts? Thanks - Frank (no mobility issues)
Written 7 December 2019
Minerve much more interesting to visit. Great location with wonderful views.
Lagrasse is also beautiful but just a village of narrow streets.
Written 8 December 2019
Hello, I was wondering if you could let me know who your guide was as we are looking to travel to Minerve as a group.
Written 22 April 2019
I am a DIY-traveller, so we did not hire a guide. On the internet you can find plenty of info to do it yourself and save money for a good lunch ;-)
Written 23 April 2019
Como ir de Carcassonne a Minerve em transportes públicos? Sei que tem comboio até Lezignan-Corbieres.
Written 26 April 2017
A mon avis, le seul endroit sympa et calme pour pique niquer se situe en bas du village, près de la rivière.
Written 24 April 2017
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