The Occitan language which, in the 12th century, was well known throughout Europe, being the language of minstrels and poets, now only lingers as the local patois.
In the days of the Cathars "Languedoc" covered almost the whole of southern France from Provence to Gascogne and belonged to the Counts of Toulouse. Nowadays "Languedoc" is the denominator of a region within the boundaries of the departments of Gard, Hérault and Aude.
In the North-West the hills grow higher and become almost mountains. The garrigue gives way to the forrests and lakes of the Parc Naturel du Haut Languedoc.
To the SouthWest the land becomes the dry, sun-scorched Minervois, the wine growing area around the old Cathar stronghold of Minerve (founded in Roman days in honour of the goddess Minerva)
The ramparts and city walls of the old fortresses of Carcassonne and Minerve are magnificent monuments from the days of the Cathars.
For those who prefer a more leisurely outdoors we can recommend the terrasses of the many cafés and restaurants.
Apart from that there are a great number of seasonal events such as the Festa d'Oc and the Féria in Béziers and the Carcassonne Festival. And every small town and village has its own summer Fête that last for 2 or 3 days. Furthermore there are lots of antique and brocante markets being held everywhere.
A good example are the Moulinier family of Saint-Chinian. Wine growers from father to son, they have recently built a new cave, almost entirely with their own hands.
A place where they are now combining both traditional know-how and modern insights in hygiene and efficiency!
The Mouliniers will gladly show you how it's done and... what it tastes like!
The domaine can be visited every day in season.
There is an average of 300 sunny days.
Mid-day temperatures vary in winter between 6 and 14° C, in spring and autum between 18 and 25°C while in summer 30°C to 35°C is not exceptional!
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