Paris1972-Versailles2003

I go around this region sporadically over the years ,this one time went to Spain down south and passed by picturesque Mirepoix. It was a pleasant ride and a nice visit ,always wishing had more time. We came down from Toulouse and little time for more but saw a nice square for the memories of always, Did found me some pictures on my cd rom vault and they should be in my blog for you and me. Therefore, here is my take on this is Mirepoix !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I

The town of Mirepoix is ​​located in the Ariège department no. 09, in the Occitanie region of my belle France. Historically and culturally, the town is part of the Pays d’Olmes, a major site of Cathar tragedy combining landscapes of great diversity. It is located 35 km from Foix, 92 km from Toulouse, 83 km from Castres, 762 km from Versailles, and 819 km from my current city, I came here on the A10 to Orléans, then the A71 to Vierzon, then A20 to Toulouse, then A61to Montesquieu-Lauraga ,then A66 to exit/sortie 6 on the D119 to Mirepoix centre.

By this area , always in my road warrior mode came to city center Mirepoix saw its nice square and continue my journey, it really needs to be visited with more time gorgeous town, The Halle Centrale is in the Baltard style, named after the architecture of Victor Baltard. It replaces the old wooden hall that housed grain measures. An emblematic square in Mirepoix, the Halle was inaugurated in 1885, is home to the Monday and Thursday markets as well as many events. It holds the market not in my day there. The central square has retained its medieval appearance with its half-timbered houses and its covered market. The famous covered market initially dates from the 15C. At 140 meters long, they are the longest of all the bastides in the south of France. Supported by wooden pillars, the covered market houses many shops, cafés and restaurants where locals and visitors like to settle down. Above the covered market, you can admire the beautiful facades of half-timbered houses. Each covered market has a name: to the west, the St Antoine covered market; to the east, Servant; to the north, the Grands couvert; opposite, the Midy oriental and occidental covered market. The Petits couvert are outside the main square. Gorgeous area wish to had more time but will return, eventually.

Other things to see with more time are the Saint-Maurice Cathedral ,The cathedral that we know saw its first stone laid by Jean I de Lévis-Mirepoix, on May 6, 1298, the date on which the dedication stone was laid. Its construction spread over six centuries, with interruptions. The episcopal palace, located in the extension of the nave of the cathedral, dates from the 15C. The perpendicular building was built in the 18C, The house of the consuls is ​​located in the center of the city, it dates from the 15C, The Avail gate dates from 1372. It served as a lookout post. Grand Couvert, a coat of arms bears the date of 1573 The Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Michel Church is located in the cemetery, avenue Victor Hugo, With a length of 206 meters and comprising seven arches, Its construction began in 1776. The holm oak, near the bridge, is a venerable 800-year-old tree. On the outskirts, the Cordeliers fountain dates from the 17C. It was in 1272 that the Franciscans “cordeliers” settled in Mirepoix, at the request of Guy I de Lévis. The Château de Terride , the old castle, first mentioned in 960, was taken at the same time as the city, on September 22, 1209, the feast day of Saint-Maurice, by the crusaders of Simon de Montfort. The château did not take the name “Terride” until the 16C, by virtue of an agreement concluded between Jean de Lévis and Catherine-Ursule de Lomagne, who brought it as a dowry the barony of Terride in Gimois (town of Labourgade, where the Château de Terride was located, Several half-timbered house are spread around the central square very colorful.

A bit of history tell us that Mirepoix was part of the county of Foix and a local lordship family, the town was won over by Catharism at the end of the 12C. A council in 1206 brought together 600 Cathars. The town was taken in 1209 by Simon de Montfort who gave it to one of his lieutenants, Guy de Lévis, hence the Lévis-Mirepoix family. The town , ​​therefore not strictly speaking a bastide, but an old town rebuilt according to the urban planning plans in force at that time and which are typical of bastides. It was a bishopric until 1801.

The town of Mirepoix on its heritage: https://www.mairie-mirepoix.fr/visite-historique/

The Ariége dept 87 tourist office on Mirepoix: https://www.ariegepyrenees.com/en/decouvrir/incontournables/les-plus-beaux-villages/mirepoix/

The local Pyrénées Cathares tourist office on Mirepoix: https://en.pyreneescathares.com/discover/typical-villages-and-hamlets/medieval-city-of-mirepoix/

The Occitanie region tourist office on Mirepoix: https://www.tourisme-occitanie.com/fr/fiche/patrimoine-culturel/cite-medievale-de-mirepoix-mirepoix_TFOSITRA2_PCU_6231947/

There you go folks, a nice introduction to the wonderful city of Mirepoix , it is worth the detour, me think; we will be back, eventually. Again, hope you enjoy this post on this is Mirepoix !!! as I. And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!