Rieux-Minervois
Rieux- Minervois (Catalan and Occitan: Rius de Menerbes ) is a commune with 2016 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Aude department in the Languedoc- Roussillon region. The inhabitants call themselves - according to an old place name from the 17th and 18th century - ' Mérinvillois '.
Location
The municipality is located in the Minervois wine, on the banks of the river Argent Double - about 25 km ( driving distance ) north-east of Carcassonne. The town of Caunes -Minervois is a good 8 miles northwest.
Demographics
Economy
The place has a centuries-long tradition in viticulture. Are pressed both red and rose wines ( Cabernet - Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah ) and white wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Vionnier ). There are several ways for a wine tasting ( Tasting ).
History
Although the place was probably inhabited in Gallo- Roman period, the place was probably only around the year 1000, as a castrum, the forerunner of the present castle was built. In the 12th century the area belonged to the Counts of Minerve who lost their possessions during the Albigensian crusade, however, as they had placed themselves on the losing side. Then there was constantly changing men, to King Henry IV in 1604 erected a barony in Rieux. In the time of Louis XIII. and Richelieu turned the Count of Rieux again on the wrong side and was in the battle of Castelnaudary (1632 ) killed; the county Rieux lost her title baronnie and the castle was largely destroyed. In the 17th and 18th century the village belonged to the family for Moustiers- Mérinville.
Attractions
Church of Notre- Dame de l' Assomption
Other
- Some houses in the old town ( Rue Dalmace ) also impart a medieval flair.
- Also from the medieval defensive wall parts are still preserved.
- To find scallops in several places in the city as an ornament on building facades - an indication that Rieux was formerly in a byway of the Camino de Santiago ( Via Tolosana ).
- The medieval castle (château ) is out of town on a rocky hill on the north side of the Argent- Double. It has been extended several times and rebuilt in the 17th century before it was largely destroyed. In the 18th and 19th centuries, some houses have been built in the middle of the building complex, but the privately owned plant in 1997 was declared a monument historique.
- The Chapel Notre -Dame du Bout du Pont is located near the old bridge over the Argent- Double and should offer protection from all evil ( plague, shipwreck, etc.).
- An old grain silo ( silo ) was recognized in 1963 as a monument historique.