Description:

Geography

The small town of Mirepoix in the Ariege department, is situated halfway between Carcassonne in the Aude department of Languedoc-Roussillon and Foix.  The area is known as the Pays d'Olmes and is a very beautiful part of the Pyrenees.

Tourism

Mirepoix can trace its ancestry back to the 10^th century, when it is believed it was settled by celts.  Later, in 1206, there was an influx of Cathars, but this was short lived as Simon de Montfort besieged the town and the Cathars defeated in 1209.

The town then flourished and grew to around a population of 2000 with an active commercial centre under the guidance of Guy de Levis, on the right bank of the river Hers.  Misfortune again beset the town in 1279 when the Puivert barrage burst and the town was extensively flooded, leaving only the chateau standing.

Ten years later the town was rebuilt by Jean, the son of Guy de Levis, on the left bank of the river.  The typical bastide layout of a central square with streets laid at right angles to each other was constructed and is the town that we see today. 

Mirepoix's bad luck continued in 1362 when a large part of the town in the south was destroyed by fire.  Following this, the town was fortified with a stone wall and four gates, of which only the Porte d'Aval remains today.

The central square of place de Couverts is a pleasant place to while away the day, with its half timbered houses and covered arcades.  There are many cafes and bistros n the arcades to enjoy a drink or lunch and admire the buildings.  Of particular interest is the Maison de Consuls, that has a large number of carvings in the supporting timbers of the house.

Also worth a visit is the cathedral of St Maurice that has an impressive 22 metre wide nave.

During the year, the town holds a number of festivals that are typically French, from the Festival of Apples (Fete de Pommes) to celebrate the autumn apple harvest to the jazz and marionette festivals.

Within easy reach of the town is the ruined mountain chateau of Montsegur, once a Cathar stronghold and the small ski resort of Mont d'Olmes.  Of course the Pyrenees Mountains around the town offers numerous sporting activities including hiking , horse riding and cycling.  Lac Montbel is not far away and offers many watersports and swimming.

Economy

The town does rely on its tourism and in recent years has attracted a significant number of British tourists.  Many have bought houses in the area, which can be seen in the shift to provide English language newspapers and British foodstuffs in the towns shops.

Transport

Flying to the area is easy with the international airport of Toulouse only an hour away and Caracassone which is served by Ryanair is closer still.  There is a TGV station in Toulouse, giving quick access from Paris, which connects with the Eurostar service from Waterloo in London.

To really explore the area requires either a car or if hiking, plenty of time.  Have a look at our travel information pages.

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