Argens-Minervois

Argens- Minervois is a municipality with 377 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) in the south of France ( Narbonne arrondissement, Aude, Languedoc- Roussillon ).

Location

Argens- Minervois is located about 25 km ( driving distance ) north-west of Narbonne and about 40 kilometers east of Carcassonne. The nearest large towns are Lézignan (7 kilometers south ) and Olonzac (8 kilometers north-east ).

The place is also on the Canal du Midi. The west of the town exploiting dividend lock Argens defines an approximately 53 km long sluice loose track of the channel, which extends to the Nine Locks.

Demographics

Economy

The harvested in the area of Argens- Minervois grapes are marketed through two appellations: Minervois (AOC ) and Languedoc (AOC ).

The Canal du Midi has lost its economic role as a cheaper and safer transport for goods of all kinds long; However, he plays a not unimportant role in the nautical tourism.

History

Argens is first mentioned as Villa Arsegii in the year 881. In the High Middle Ages, the town belonged to the Archbishopric of Narbonne, the bishop gave him in 1215 to his faithful generals Simon de Montfort. This property was to raise by his successors in 1356 or shortly thereafter sold to the enormous ransom for the French King John II ( the Good ), who had fallen during the Hundred Years War in the hands of the English. Then Argens changed hands several times its owner - until the French Revolution all forms of manorial system was abolished.

Attractions

• The narrow streets of Argens sometimes experience medieval character.
• The the townscape dominant castle dates from the 14th century; but it was restored and reconstructed again and again - most recently in the 19th century. From here there is a view over the Canal du Midi.
• Near the Canal du Midi, there are the remains (3 aisle arcades ) of the early Romanesque Église Notre- Dame de l' Assomption.
• The present parish church of St- Roch dates from the 19th century.