This bench is in the beautiful picturesque village of Minerve in the Languedoc region of France. The village is built on a stunning geographical phenomenon at the top of the gorge of the River Cesse in a naturally strong defensive position. Near the village the river disappears underground in a large, naturally-carved tunnel.

Minerve has been selected as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“The Most Beautiful Villages Of France”). Historically, the village has been the capital of the Minervois wine region. The main bridge leading into the village is closed to all passenger vehicles not owned by residents of Minerve. Of all of the original fortifications, only a slender octagonal tower, known locally as the Candela, survives.

This post was submitted by Steve Bradshaw.