Origins and Etymology

The village’s name derives from the Latin capra (goat) and the suffix -ola, meaning "place where goats are raised," first recorded as Cabrairole in 11992. Its rugged terrain (elevation: 134–705 m) suggests early pastoral activity.

Medieval Era

Feudal Roots: By the 12th century, Cabrerolles was part of the Languedoc’s feudal landscape, with ruins of a castle and a 10th–11th-century Chapel of Notre Dame de la Roque attesting to its strategic role.

Locals joke that the goats were "fired" centuries ago when the wine industry took over—though a few stubborn herds still graze the hills like retired employees refusing to leave the office

The Chapel That Doubles as a Wine Cellar:

The 10th-century Chapel of Notre Dame de la Roque was built to honor the Virgin Mary, but during the French Revolution, it was temporarily repurposed to store wine barrels. Some say the walls still smell faintly of Faugères AOC.

The Phantom Winemaker:

Legend claims a medieval monk still haunts the vineyards, sampling unfinished blends. Every harvest season, a bottle is left open for him—and by dawn, it’s mysteriously half-empty

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