 With the town's only water supply cut off, the Commander of the 200-strong garrison, Viscount Guilhem of Minerve, gave in and negotiated a surrender in order to have the villagers and himself spared from death.However, 140 Cathars refused to give up their faith and convert, being burned to death at the stake on 22 July.The village is situated on top of the gorge of the River Cesse in a naturally strong defensive position.