The abbey of Caunes-Minervois presents examples of many architectural periods. Therein resides much of its originality.
       The abbey is famous for its chevet, example of primitive southern-French Romanesque art, and for its marble which decorates the abbey church. Its beautiful sculpted doorway, dating from the early 13th century, has illustrated scenes on the capitals. The nave, which has seven bays, is flanked with side chapels mostly decorated with Caunes marble. Rebuilt during the 14th century, it was vaulted with bricks in 1770. The nave is lit by wide gothic openings on the south-facing side. The apse is ornamented with stained-glass windows and 18th century wooden stalls. A carved altar-piece is devoted to the martyrs of Caunes.
        The present-day cloister was built by the Saint-Maur congregation over a former medieval cloister. Its galleries are characterized by a very restrained style. Comprehensive restoration, which will restore the cloister's two construction periods (medieval and modern) is currently taking place.
         To the south of the cloister, from 1696, the monastery's main residence building was built. The kitchen and refectory were on the ground floor, the monks' cells on the upper levels. Today the building shelters three permanent exhibitions and rooms for temporary exhibitions.
         Caunes-Minervois is also the only abbey of the « Cathar Country » to possess a crypt open to visits, where the vestiges of the first Carolingian church are visible.
        The village used to be defended by ramparts punctuated by gates which are no longer in existence. It still boasts several elements such as facades dating from the Middle-Ages to the 18th century, including the remarkable Hôtel d'Alibert. On the hills surrounding Caunes, the chapel of Notre Dame du Cros is the venue for a procession every 8 September. The ‘Carrière du Roy' (King's Quarry) was the old marble quarry which made the village of Caunes famous at Versailles. Nowadays three pink-marble quarries are still in activity.