Description:

Geography

Mirande is located in an area known as the Astarac, which was a county of Gascony.  It is midway between Auch and Tarbes and around one and a half hours west of Toulouse.

Tourism

Mirande is a pretty bastide town, built in the 13^th century with the typical grid pattern of streets all leading to an arcaded central square.

The 15^th century Sainte Marie Cathedral is interesting to look at, with a spire that is supported by a flying buttress that spans the street.

There are remnants of the original fortifications and half timbered houses making the town a nice place to wander around.  The Museum of Fine Arts is very small and has collections of paintings and ceramics.  It is open Monday to Saturday, 1000 - 1200 and 1400 - 1800.

The town has become most famous for its Country Music Festival, which has been running since 1993 and attracted a record attendance of 165,000 in 2005.

Economy

Another town where the common driving force of the economy is agriculture.

Transport

Mirande is 90 minutes from Toulouse, following the N124 Auch and from there taking the N21.  Tarbes is 45 minutes north east of Tarbes on the N21.

The nearest airport is Tarbes-Lourdes, but it is very seasonal, catering mainly for the pilgrimage flights to Lourdes.  Toulouse-Blagnac is 90 minutes to the east and offers International flights.

Mirande does not have a train station, Auch being the nearest at about 30 minutes north and Toulouse is the closest TGV station.

Have a look at our travel information pages for more details.

The Mirande tourist office has a few more details.

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