Not far from l’Aude, Mirepoix has a Mediterranean feel to it. It’s a historic Cathare city, dominated for several centuries by the family of Guy de Levis; one of his descendants was the Marechal de France in the 18th Century. You can see the remains of their Chateau in Lagarde. The 25 sculptures in the House of the Consulate serve as a reminder that in the 10th century the inhabitants of Foix had benefited from a charter via the Count.

Less historic, but more interesting gastronomically, is the Mirepoix market, with its excellent fruit and vegetables. And in Rieucros, don’t miss the “Chemin de Croix” trail which snakes its way into the hills, punctuated by tiny chapels.

Tourist Office: +33 (0) 561488376


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