Sunday April 21,2013
A great walk of 4 hours out of Caunne Minervois which is famous for it's abbey and marble quarries.
Heading northwest out of town we followed a marked trail to the top of the hills and then down through the forest to the valley of the Argent Double river. Crossing the river we headed uphill again circling around to the old royal quarry. A breezy cool day but flowers are blossoming everywhere.
We hardly saw a soul until we reached the quarry which had a few visitors. Magnificent views over the Minervois valley and it's towns and villages.

 April 15, 2013

Sunday's hike was just to the south of Olonzac along the Canal de Midi and up into the hills. The chapel is on the site of Chateau Bassanel where the first rumored and apparently approved golf course is supposed to be built someday. The Chateau can be reached by road, walking trail or by canal boat for wine tastings.
On top of a nearby hill sits a man made pinnacle of rocks with a survey marker set into the top from the time of the mapping of France in the late 18th century. The views are of the entire Minervois valley to the north and south to a panoramic view of the Pyrenees. A warm and sunny day made those photos too hazy I'm afraid. The lichen covered object on top is the author.