Return to Caunes-Minervois

After our gourmet lunch in Villeneuve-Minervois, we continued on to Caunes-Minervois. 

First a little history about the town and our rendezvous with Caunes-Minervois ... and then mostly a pictorial post.  

The shutter on my camera phone is constantly clicking.  

It’s difficult to choose what to share. 

I hope you enjoy. 

“Caunes-Minervois is a small medieval town and commune in the Aude department in the Occitanie region in southern France. It is known particularly for its ancient Abbey, dating from the eighth century, and the outstanding red marble that has been quarried locally from Roman times. The name may derive from the ancient local Occitan word for cave, “cauna”, of which there are a number in the immediate area.”... Wikipedia 

“The ancient quarry is called "du roy" in reference to the sun king who ordered massive blocks to ornate the Trianon of his palace in Versailles. This red marble can also be seen in other monuments of Paris, Rome and many churches and bourgeois houses in the region”. Info from Aude Tourism.

In the summer of 2005,  we spent a week in Caunes-Minervois at Maison des Remparts with our friends D & S ...

the house is still standing but I don’t believe it’s still operating as a gite. 

We had a great view over the village allotments ... and today, there were several of the residents working in their garden patch! 

We discovered that there was a “Marche du Printemps” happening at the ancient Abbey. 

Various vendors, artisans selling their creations. 

Families enjoying the May 8th holiday.

Jennifer checking out the unique jewelry ...

A flower stand ...

Donkey rides for the kids. 

Monsieur Honey playing peekaboo ...

A posed Jennifer in the sunshine ...

Throughout the town there are many pink sculptures made from the famous marble. 

A table for two by the pink marble fountain ...

Along the river walk, many sculptures are displayed from the 2007  Symposium that was held here.

It’s difficult to see in the photo ... the shutters were in the similar shade / tone as these beautiful plants .

The ancient lavoir that is still in use .

One of many ancient homes framed in rose bushes,  accessoried with a pink marble step and bench. 

Hello Toro! 

Monsieur this might be a nice addition in our courtyard? 

We enjoyed a full and busy day in the Minervois region! 

Sentimental Journey

"Gonna take a sentimental journey. Gonna set my heart at ease.
Gonna make a sentimental journey. To renew old memories."
...can you hear Ringo Starr singing these lyrics?




"She glances at the photo and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes."~ Frank Deford

Our souvenirs allow us to take a sentimental journey and remember our past travels.

Definition of souvenir (noun)...stems from the French word "souvenir" for a remembrance or memory, an item of sentimental value, to remember an event or location, sometimes a cheaply made item sold for a high price.

Shopping for souvenirs can sometimes be a big event while travelling.

Our caché of souvenirs does not include the usual suspects of knick-knacks, bric à-brac, kitsch or whatever you want to call these type of items.

It is easy to be tempted by vendors selling their wares in the colourful tourist shoppes and market stalls which usually includes the typical shot glasses, tea towels, printed with the name of the location, etc. only to be disappointed when the label reads..MADE IN China and you are visiting Japan as an example.

We always strive to buy something that is made and originates from the place we are visiting and has a special meaning, is useful and will rekindle our memories of our travels.

Our treasures include our collection of photographs, some wonderful pieces of original art that decorate the walls of our home, fabric for a table cloth, woven jacquard throws, CDs with special music, some delectable food items ... olive oils, balsamic vinegars, Herbes de Provence, tins of foie gras and of course any thing lavender and plus some special bottles of wine.

Monsieur "Honey" collects bronze sculptures and is affectionate about anything antique.

If he is aware of a vide-grenier or brocante, it will be on his must-see and to do list.
He has acquired some unusual and beautiful objets d'art.

Here are a few photos of some of our special souvenirs and each has it's own story.



Painting purchased direct from the artist in Florence, Italy

Silver tea canister purchased in Cannes 2010.

Print of poppies ...memories of our time in Aigue Mortes

The owners of the "Appartement Molière" in Pezenas were both talented artists, Karen a painter and Gerard a sculptor.... these Mini Cards were designed and painted by Karen Garcia, and eventually I found the perfect frame to display them..

The bronze polar bear bought at the brocante in Agde, and the marble slab found in Caunes-Minervois ....memories of our 2005 travels in France.

Our prints from Collioure 2012.

There's a "Polar Bear" joining us for aperitifs in Agde.