The Kings quarry - La Carrière du Roy
Caunes-Minervois

The Kings quarry - La Carrière du Roy

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You will find marble all along the circuit leading to the” Carrière du Roy” or kings quarry from where the columns of the Trianon were extracted. Very beautiful panorama on the Pyrenees on a clear day. Plunging view on the Argent-Double river and the Cros.
The city of Caunes-Minervois, known for its Abbey who’s Romanesque chevet is one of the most beautiful in Languedoc, is also known for its famous red marble. Louis XIV had enormous blocks of marble extracted from Caunes quarries, which can be admired in Versailles, the Grand Trianon and the Louvre. This quarry, which is no longer in operation, is therefore called "Carrière du Roy", in tribute to Louis XIV. Caunes-Minervois "incarnat" marble (red veined with white) can be found in churches, chapels and rich mansions in the region, but also in the Garnier opera house .

Description

Signs: Yellow markings topped with 3 yellow squares

Departure from the parking lot "esplanade de l'Europe", go up the ramp that leads to the avenue de l'Argent Double, cross the bridge and go up the avenue du Minervois.

After the lavoir, turn left on chemin du Cros, follow for about 800m/2625ft. (You can also join this point by walking throught the picturesque village streets).

At the top of the road, on the right side of the hill, there is a calvary surmounted by an iron cross.

Turn left onto the path joining the service road called "Allée des Carrières".

Turn right and continue in the direction of the parking lot of the Carrière du Roy then continue straight ahead following the signs.

There, a small undergrowth path leads to the edge of the historic quarry where the majestic columns come from.

At the bottom of the stairs, turn left towards Caunes-Minervois and Citou in the direction of a small hill in the shade of the vegetation, very appreciable in summer.

At the Capitelle, on the left, go down the track to enjoy the exceptional view of the Aude valley.

Turn right at the parking lot, then after 150m/490ft, at the level of the sculpture "La Pétale", turn left.

Take the same path going down towards the Calvary and begin the return journey towards the village of Caunes-Minervois.
  • Departure : CAUNES-MINERVOIS – Parking lot “Esplanade de l’Europe”
  • Arrival : CAUNES-MINERVOIS – Parking lot “Esplanade de l’Europe”
  • Towns crossed : Caunes-Minervois

Forecast

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

In wet weather, the floor is slippery when the marble is smooth. Do not enter the current exploitation. Respect the signs.

Transport

RTCA - Line A

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