THE CANDELA TOWER

An octagonal tower, the Candela de Minerve is believed to be a remnant of a ^13th-century keep. Together with a few stone walls, it represents the last vestiges of the castle demolished in 1636. Located at one of the corners of the old castle, it is now the landmark at the entrance to the medieval village of Minerve. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Minerve's rocky outcrop dominates the Cesse and Brian gorges. It was also the site of the first Cathar pyre after Simon de Montfort captured the fortress in 1210.