In June 1209, the first crusade arrived at Beziers directed by the Pope's legat, Arnaud-Amaury, and the carnage resulted in some 20,000 people being killed many burnt alive in the church where they sought sanctuary. Carcassonne was next and avoided such carnage by the capitulation of Raimond-Roger. The crusaders chose their leader, a small feudal lord from the Ile-de-France, Simon de Montfort. He took control of the captured lands and the war went on against the great resistance of the Languedoc.

The Minervois resisted. Minerve was captured after a lengthy siege during the summer of 1210.

The second crusade followed and concerned more the Haut-Languedoc and it was here that the Count of Toulouse, Raimond IV, and the King of Aragon, Pierre d'Aragon, formed an alliance to combat Simon de Montfort. The battle took place at Muret, south of Toulouse, on 12 September 1213. The king of Aragon was killed and Simon de Montfort had a decisive victory which is now seen as the turning point in the north's attempt to take over the south.

The third crusade started after the death of Pope Alexander III with the return of Raimond IV at Toulouse and the death of Simon de Montfort in front of Toulouse. Louis VIII had succeeded Philippe-Auguste. Louis took the lead of a crusade in the summer of 1226 and his presence in the south facilitated the capitulation of the peoples of the Languedoc. The Minervois passed into the royal domain. The struggle was over and the north had now effectively gained control over the south.

In the Minervois, Simon de Montfort had confiscated lands and chateaux from the feudal owners who had opposed him and new owners were installed. Many villages entered directly into the royal domaine. It was the end of civilisation as we had known it. Fortunately, today there are in the Minervois many traces remaining from that more glorious past. Almost every village contains references to the past which the visitor can see, feel and appreciate. Many buildings are still functional and have been converted to modern uses and noteworthy amongst these is the Chateau de Violet at Peyriac which today is a hotel with a fine restaurant.

This chateau is said to be the last resting place of Béatrice de Grave, young wife of Raoul, son of the lord of Puichéric who rode with Simon de Montfort during the crusades against the Cathars. Legend has it that she died in mysterious circumstances the night of her wedding which was opposed by her brother. Her body is said to have been brought back to the Chateau de Violet for burial.