Pézenas antique street fair

One sign summer is here is the first of two major antique street festivals which take place in Pezenas in April and October. 


As enthusiastic amateurs we spent the Sunday taking in the good, bad and some decidedly ugly 'brocante'  finally succumbing to a very reasonable piece of ironwork. 

... and finally feet up with a chilled bottle of rose.

Minerve. 11th Century Cathar Citidel

Situated on top of the gorge of the Cesse river the village provides a natural defence. As such in 1210 a group of Cathars sought refuge here after the massacre at Beziers. 

The Earl of Leicester’s army besieged the village for six weeks before the commander of the 200-strong garrison gave in, saving the villagers. However 140 Cathars refused to give up their faith and were burned to death at the stake on 22 July.

Today life in Minerve is a little more relaxed. A real gem featuring local artists and artisans – and much less touristed than its close neighbour Carcassonne.