Caunes Minervois, why I love this village and you will too!!

Well here we are in Easter week 2017 and Caunes Minervois is beginning to warm up which is perfectly timed for the arrival of the seasons first tourists. There are so many villages in the Minervois each with their own 'something special' but Caunes Minervois is 'the' village that stands out as exceptional. The photo above was taken in 'Place de la République' in the centre of the village and sitting beside the fountain in the shade of the giant plane trees, having a glass of wine is one of my favourite spots. Caunes is a wonderful village made for wandering and 'wanderers' (from around the world!!) and the meandering narrow streets that suddenly open up into intimate squares with fountains and sitting benches are beautiful. Even after 14 or so years in Caunes I still enjoy walking through the village admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere of the medieval village.

Caunes has 7 cafés and restaurants to choose from, which is 6 more than most comparable sized villages and it makes Caunes one of the only Minervois villages that feels animated all year round. The different eateries each have their fans and how wonderful to step out of your front door and be walking distance to such a diverse range of dining options. It is one of the reasons why property in Caunes sells for a premium against properties in neighbouring villages!

The abbey of Caunes Minervois with it's friendly staff is also a great asset for the village, not just as a tourist attraction but also as an anchor for many social and cultural events that take place here. From art exhibitions, to the Friday night jazz concerts held in the 'cave' of the abbey, to the more formal August classical concert season held against the stunning silhouette of the Roman facade at night, these events are an intricate part of the artistic and cultural side of Caunes life. And these rich cultural events have in turn attracted a large number of artists and 'artistic' people to Caunes, some of whom settle in Caunes permanently and others who come to holiday and enjoy popping in and out of village life.

Walking around Caunes Minervois the artistic edge is evident with art galleries, pottery studio and even a bespoke jeweller! For some reason this village inspires people to pick up a paint brush or other tool and start creating something!! Or breaking something...

a number of my clients are inspired by medieval village houses to renovate and I have certainly seen some very 'artistic' renovation projects over the years!

The mantra in real estate is location, location, location!! And.... Caunes Minervois is perfectly located , comfortably nestling in the bosom of the 'montagne noire' ( black mountains) almost on the flat but elevated enough to enjoy a special year around climate and 300 days of sunshine. As you approach from the direction of Carcassonne (20 minutes from Carcassonne Airport) the vineyards give way to rolling hillsides and you see the profile of the village gently climbing up the lower slopes of the montagne noire. It is a welcoming vista and for many of my buyers it really has been love at first sight!

'Ok Robert I love Caunes Minervois now find me the perfect house'! Now that is always a challenge but I am always up for trying......

For the BEST property for sale in Caunes Minervois visit www.robertrichardfr.com