March in Minervois in Languedoc, South France
Bare bones of vines, Sprinklings of flowers, Early buds
Photo
feature (March 29 2009)
March in Minervois, Languedoc. The beginnings of Spring. Cool but bright.
AFTER A COLD MINERVOIS WINTER A SMATTERING OF FLOWERS BLANKETS THE FIELDS
BASKING IN THE CLARITY OF SUN AND BRISK BREEZES
The top photo - is the oak tree of Saint Abdon - it is rumored that his tomb unaccountably drips water. In the Vosges - he is considered to be the patron saint of hygene. Here in the Minervois, in times of drought, processions would go to ask for rain. No doubt the tree is where trees from pre-christian times were worshipped. Indeed the tree has a sense of spiritual peace around it.Underfoot flowers begin to bid for the sun, poking through the cut and broken twigs of vines cut by the scores of vignerons who have been pruning the vines over the winter months.
The church of Notre Dame de l'Assomption is close to the site of a Visigothic church, heralding the entrance to the Minervois village of La Caunette. Its church yard borders the intimintant waters of the River Cesse, that go over or under ground depending on rainfall and the heat of Summer. Wines are excellent in the area - take a visit in La Caunette to Chateau Coupe-Roses to taste and enjoy!
In Minerve, mimosas bloom next to the war memorial, in this village that has seen more than its fair share of blood. Back during the Cathar Crusades up to 180 priests were burnt at the stake, after the siege by Simon de Montfort. Now the village is a lovely place to visit almost any time of the year. For those seeking food and dining - take a visit to Relais Chantovent now under new management, where the chef creates fine cuisine (telephone to book a table on the terrace!); for those seeking pizza and salads - go to Celine et Thierry where you will find a friendly bar and outside terrace.
Fields of vineyards are being torn up due to the economic crisis, creating smooth beds for the white flowers that decorate this area. More and more vineyards are loosing their heritage of rows and rows of vines,that have been worked by the caring hands and strenuous work of vignerons and their families. So buy Languedoc wine to support those that continue to make the Languedoc landscape resonate the glories of nature. Drink the fruits of their labour, their toil, and their expertise that create complex textures and tastes that bottle the essence of this area.
Boat Rentals France - for a selection of boats to rent on the Canal du Midi
Or look for Languedoc houses properties for sale in the region
Herault Properties Minervois Properties Olonzac Properties Languedoc Properties
Here is a sprinkling of holiday rentals in and around Minervois (perfect located with easy access to the airports of Carcassonne, Perpignan, Montpellier, and Beziers Cap d'Agde).
Wanting to go further afield look at Languedoc Holiday Rentals
RENTALS IN AND AROUND THE MINERVOIS, LANGUEDOC |
| 2009 Minervois Area House, villa, and gite property rentals |
Prices, Seasons, are approximate and are shown as a guide for a weekly rental (usually). For correct information check individual listings |
Low Season | Mid Season | High Season | |
 |
Belle
Bize Bize Minervois |
Sleeps 6. Roof Terrace. Natural swimming pool. Wifi Internet. Restaurants | £290 $420 €320 |
£390 $565 €430 |
£490 $710 €540 |
 |
Maison des Pierres Dorées Oupia, near Olonzac |
Sleeps 4. Private Courtyard. Restaurant in village. 2 mins to markets, shops, cafe bars at Olonzac. Lake swimming 10 mins. Med Beaches 40 mins. | £425 $710 €475 |
£500 $835 €560 |
£650 $1,085 €725 |
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Villa
Los Pinos Argeliers |
Sleeps 6 + baby. Swimming Pool, not overlooked. Village: cafe, shops. | £500 $725 €544 |
£500 $725 €544 |
£975 $1,415 €1,060 |
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Villa
Midi Ventenac |
Sleeps 8 + Baby. Swimming pool. Next to Canal du Midi. Walk to restaurants | £1,045 $1,530 €1,100 |
£1,425 $2,085 €1,500 |
 |
Cote
de Lavande, Villespassans | Email inquiry |
Sleeps 2/3. Lovely Terrace. 20 mins Med, nr St Chinian, Minerve. | £250 $335 €275 |
£250 $335 €275 |
£300 $435 €335 |
 |
Villa La Grangette Ouveillan, nr Narbonne | Email inquiry |
Sleeps 8. Swimming Pool, Garden, Air conditioning. Wifi Internet. Satellite TV (UK channels). Walk to Café Bar Restaurants Market. 35 minutes Mediterranean beaches. | £850 $1,360 €940 |
£850 $1,360 €940 |
£1,500 $2,400 €1,660 |
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Poussines, Pepieux | Email inquiry |
Sleeps 10. Swimming Pool. 4 bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms. Nr Carcassonne | £800 $1,200 €925 |
£800 $1,200 €925 |
£1,850 $2,765 €2,065 |
 |
Belle
Roubia Roubia |
Sleeps 10. Swimming Pool. Garden. Walk to Restaurant Café Bar in Canal du Midi village. | £550 $815 €585 |
£750 $1,110 €795 |
£1,100 $1,630 €1,165 |
 |
Abbaye
Maison Caunes Minervois | Email inquiry |
Sleeps 6. Garden courtyard, covered balcony, walk to restaurants, abbey. | £325 $650 € 435 |
£325 $650 € 435 |
£325 $650 € 435 |
 |
Estival Ste Valiere |
Sleeps 6-7. Swimming Pool. Restaurant in village. Also Cottage: sleeps 4 -5, & Studio - sleeps 2-3 (Costs Less!) | £250 $365 €280 |
£375 $545 €415 |
£650 $950 €725 |
 |
Paradis
Minervois nr Minerve, Olonzac | Email inquiry |
Sleeps 7. Swimming Pool. Satellite TV (UK channels). Garden. Walk to Café Bar Restaurants. Near Minerve. | email for price |
£645 $950 €750 |
£1,115 $1,645 €1,300 |
 |
L'Olivette Caunes Minervois | Email inquiry |
Sleeps 8. Pool, Garden, Terrace. Near Carcassonne. Restaurants, Shops. Only Apt. available in winter. Price shown is for whole property | £450 $670 €505 |
£450 $670 €505 |
£1,200 $1,790 €1,350 |
 |
Languedoc Gites Olonzac | Email inquiry |
Sleeps 4 and 6. 2 Rentals. Both with roof terraces. Wi-Fi internet access. 5 mins swimming. Lively minervois village. | £260 $480 €325 |
£335 $625 €425 |
£435 $810 €550 |
 |
Maison Bourgeoise
1818 Caunes Minervois |
Sleeps 4. 2 Terraces. Walk to shops, market, restaurants, abbey. Lake swimming near. | £375 $ 510 € 400 |
£420 $ 575 € 450 |
£515 $ 700 € 550 |
 |
Abbaye
Valiere Ste Valiere, nr Ventenac |
Sleeps 6. Stunning roof terrace. Restaurant in village. 35 mins Med beaches. Near Canal du Midi. | £320 $510 €400 |
£400 $640 €500 |
£620 $995 €780 |
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