Caunes Fête Son Marbre

Caunes-Minervois, capital of incarnate red marble

Since antiquity, the village of Caunes-Minervois has been renowned for its incarnate red marble, a noble material that has adorned Europe's finest palaces, from the Palace of Versailles to the Grand Trianon, including the Opéra Garnier and numerous cathedrals. The exploitation of the Caunes quarries, attested since Roman times, reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries under the impetus of the Kings of France. It is this exceptional heritage that the association Les Marbrières de Caunes celebrates each year through the event "Caunes Fête Son Marbre".

A "Live Sculptures" sculpture symposium

The heart of the event is the "Live Sculptures" sculpture symposium, which takes place over ten days at the Écomusée Marbre et Terroir. Three invited sculptors work the Caunes marble before the public's eyes, from 9 am to 6 pm each day, transforming raw blocks into works of art. Visitors can observe the different carving techniques, first with the chisel and then with polishing, and discuss their creative process with the artists. The works created during the symposium are then exhibited in the village.

Exhibitions, conferences, and quarry tours

In addition to the symposium, the event offers:

• Sculptor exhibitions in various locations in the village
• Conferences on the history of Caunes marble and extraction techniques
• Guided tours of the historic quarries: Carrière du Roi and Carrières de Terralbes
• European Heritage Days: special program on the central weekend
• Local producers' market on the last day

The quarry tours offer a fascinating journey into the history of marble extraction, from ancient techniques to modern methods, in spectacular geological landscapes.

A commitment to valuing heritage

The association Les Marbrières de Caunes works year-round to inventory and promote the geological and historical marble heritage of Caunes-Minervois and surrounding communities. The "Caunes Fête Son Marbre" event is the culmination of this effort, bringing together artists, historians, geologists, and the general public around a heritage unique in Europe. Admission is free for all activities.