The best traffic-free bike rides around Escales

An ancient site of Roman baths, Homps later housed a commandery of the Knights of the Order of Malta. Then, thanks to the construction of the Canal du Midi, the commune experienced considerable growth in the wine trade and transport. Today, barges make a pleasant stopover in its charming marina.

The Homps lock is a single lock on the Canal du Midi located in the commune of Homps.

Viewpoint over Azillanet ! A nice stop to enjoy a superb perspective over Azillanet, a village whose history dates back to at least the 9th century, when it was mentioned under the name of Azelanum.

The church of Saint-Baudile preserves a heritage that recalls the past importance of this parish with a beautiful altar made of marble from Caunes-Minervois. It also bears witness to a time when village life was deeply marked by religious traditions. After the turmoil of the Wars of Religion, the confraternities of Penitents played a major role in local life. The confraternity of the Blue Penitents of Siran, created in the 17th century, indeed had its own chapel and accompanied major ceremonies, while also providing aid and support to the inhabitants. For generations, the inhabitants also went in procession to the old church of Saint-Michel de Montflanès, which has now disappeared.

In the heart of Cesseras, the Saint-Geniès church surprises with its elegance and medieval character. Built in the 15th century in the southern Gothic style, it retains a single nave, a polygonal choir, and beautiful stone vaults whose sculpted keystones bear witness to the know-how of the builders of the Minervois. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1933, it succeeded a first place of worship mentioned as early as 844. By lingering for a few moments before its stones, one discovers that the history of Cesseras dates back much further than the Middle Ages: the territory has been occupied since prehistoric times, while the village developed around an old feudal castle. Another interesting detail: the name Saint-Geniès recalls Saint Genès of Rome, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century.

The Saint-Laurent church catches the eye with its sober architecture and unique location. Built in 1678, it is adjacent to the site of the former fortress of Guillaume d'Azillanet, a medieval lord whose name remains attached to the village's history. Behind its stones lie several centuries of history: once fortified, Azillanet depended on the lords linked to the abbey of Caunes-Minervois before joining the royal domain. The village subsequently experienced the great upheavals of the Minervois, between the Albigensian Crusade, the Hundred Years' War, and the Wars of Religion.

In the heart of Olonzac, the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption recalls the ancient history of this Minervois town. While the current building mainly dates from the modern era, religious presence on the site dates back several centuries: a first church dedicated to Saint-Jean du Puits already existed in 852, before a new Notre-Dame church was built to support the village's development. Rebuilt in the 19th century, it today bears witness to the many transformations that Olonzac has undergone over time. Looking up at the bell tower, one can also think of the old bell from 1677 preserved in the church. Classified as a historical monument, it still bears the mark of the White Penitents of Olonzac, a religious confraternity once very present in local life.

A landmark on the way to Minerve. You'll face a bit of a climb.