Hotel Le Commerce

Charming Mirepoix

by lomi

As I now understand it Mirepoix has three entries in the virtual tourist site. People mistake them all. Thank you to VT member Beausoleil who pointed this out.

This entry is about the Mirepoix in the Ariege, Midi Pyrenees.

It is a lovely historic town in the Hers valley of the Ariège département, in the south of France, between Carcassonne and Pamiers. The inhabitants are called Mirapiciens. It is easily accessible via Toulose and Carcassonne airports.

It must rank as one of the most charming medieval town squares in France.
The square is bordered by houses dating from between the thirteenth and the fifteenth centuries.

There are cafe bars & small restaurants selling plat du jour from 8 euros a head, bookshops (in English & French) giftshops, and many small private shops.

There is a weekly (Monday) market selling everything from farm produce, boullabaise, seafood, honey, local wines, live chickens, fruit & vegetables, to clothes, jewlery, household items and antiques.

The locals are friendly, the food is wonderful and the location is in a stunning part of the Pyrenees.

Plus the area around Mirepoix is crammed with historic trails, old churches with frescos, and Cathar castles .

The focal point of the square is the medieval Maison des Consuls (council house), whose rafters are carved with 150 wooden portrayals of animals, monsters, and caricatures of medieval social groups.

The culinary term 'mirepoix' is a mixture of diced vegetables, carrots, onions and celery sauted in butter. It is used to flavor stews, soups, stocks, etc. It was created in the 18th century by a chef of the Duc de Levis-Mirepoix.