Mirepoix was disastrously flooded in 1279. In 1289, Guy de Lévis rebuilt the town on the left banks of the river, with a large central square--Place du Maréchal-Leclerc--and streets laid out in a grid pattern. he Place du Maréchal-Leclerc is one of the best and most evocative medieval squares in Europe to see, and a perfect example of people friendly architecture. The medieval buildings that line the square offer the shade of ground floor arcades held up by absolutely massive beams--those of the Maison des Consuls are carved with representations of people and animals.

To stay central in the most evocative medieval square I've seen in Europe, Place du Maréchal-Leclerc, so lucky to be able to step out next to Mirepoix's fabulous Monday morning market ( 14 meters from front door ) Easy access to all locations ! Closest ski resort Camurac (France) 32 km S Second closest ski resort Mijanes-Donezan (France) 39 km SSE Third closest ski resort Ax-les-Thermes (France) 41 km S Fourth closest ski resort Formigueres (France) 55 km SSE Fifth closest ski resort Guzet (France) 58 km SSW Mountains close to Mirepoix: Closest mountain peak Beriain (Spain) 23 km SSE Second closest mountain peak Pic de Bugarach (France) 47 km ESE Third closest mountain peak Mount Baigura (France) 53 km W Fourth closest mountain peak Peric (France) 53 km S Fifth closest mountain peak Pic de Madres (France) 54 km SSE

Mirepoix is a town in the Ariege department of the Midi-Pyrenees near the border with Languedoc-Roussillon and between Carcassonne and Foix. It is a beautiful medieval bastide town and Mirepoix should not be missed if you are in this area. Mirepoix started life on the other side of the River Hers but following a terrible flood in 1209 which wiped out many of the villages in the area the town was rebuilt on the opposite bank. Mirepoix suffered during the Hundred Years War but then became an important textile centre in the 15th century. Monday is the weekly outdoor market in the Place du Maréchal-Leclerc, and it shouldn't be missed. A beautiful medieval bastide town in Cathar country. The central square is surrounded by half-timbered houses with a wooden arcade. The cathedral dedicated to St Maurice has a nave that is the largest in France. Not far from Mirepoix is the troglodyte church at Valsand the Chateau of Largarde. The highlight of this ancient bastide town is the central square - the Place des Couverts - which is surrounded by medieval houses and arcades (the covered walkways in front of the shops).