"Perfect little medieval village" Mirepoix by Beausoleil

We first visited Mirepoix in 1996 at the recommendation of the lady who ran the campground where we were staying. We drove down and fell in love and have since returned every time we've been anywhere near.

The houses and stores are built so the second story comes out over the sidewalk and you can walk underneath. There are tables and chairs at the various restaurants and flowers at the florist. We were told people were taxed on the size of the ground floor so they made those small and then expanded above. Makes sense to me.

It gives a wonderful medieval feel to the square though.

Update 2011: We took daughter #2 to visit Mirepoix a few weeks ago and were surprised at how touristy the town has become. It is still charming and at this point was great for getting souvenir gifts for friends but it's not quite the "real" medieval town it used to be. Our favorite flower shop is gone from the square, probably couldn't afford the rent any more. On the other hand, there is now a hotel right on the square. We ate in the nearby Logis de France and it was excellent.

The square

You can walk around the entire square. There is an iron market at one point. We've never gotten there on market day but it must be fun. Once we arrived on Sunday and they had pony rides set up for the town children.

View of the Eglise St. Maurice

You can see the tower of Eglise St. Maurice from the market square. They have recently renovated the church and it is really worth a visit. Mirepoix is a small town but the church has twelve side altars. Be sure to look up and admire the painting.