Mirepoix can conjure up two very different things. A mirepoix is a mix of diced carrots, celery and onions that serves as a base for a number of dishes. And the charming, medieval town of Mirepoix, about a 45-minute, very beautiful drive south of Carcassonne.
Mondays are the day to see Mirepoix–market day. This is convenient, since so many towns, Carcassonne included, have markets on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. If you were busy on Saturday, you can catch up in Mirepoix on Monday. (Just forget about shopping anywhere on Sundays.) Mirepoix has another market day on Thursdays, but Monday is the one to see.
The heart of Mirepoix is its central square, lined with half-timbered houses with arcades that offer shade or shelter, depending on the season. It once was a fortified town, the halfway point between Carcassonne and Foix. It sprang up in the 10th century and became a holdout for the Cathars, which led to its being captured during the last crusade (the real one, the Albigensian Crusade) in 1209 just after Carcassonne. The town was wiped out again in 1289, when a terrible flood destroyed it. The locals rebuilt, but on the other side of the river. The area once was in a forest; today a big oak at the entry to the town, classified as a historic monument in 1945, is all that’s left–the other trees went into those half-timbered houses.
Mirepoix also has some great antique shops and brocantes.
In the summer, it draws throngs–of course. Nobody makes a trip to see a mediocre town. But in winter, you can have the place to yourself.
Taste of France 
It is early. 6:00am. I am having my first cup of the day. You want to know how relieved I am to open your post and see the Mirepox, was actually a yummy food base and a gorgeous tour of the town – MirepoIx. 😉
Good Morning, and thank you for a beautiful post to start my day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you liked it. Until you can visit Mirepoix, I do recommend the edible mirepoix. It’s very subtle but adds flavor. The vegetable version actually comes from the town.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can enjoy it now. 30 years ago I was tested and found allergic to all my favorite foods. Carrots and celery were on that list. Last week I got tested again and I am told I am not allergic to any foods. ❤ 🙂 ❤
This does sound good!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love Mirepoix, was there yesterday with Aussie visitor 🙂
Just a comnent about nowhere to shop on Sundays, the Esperaza market is fab and great atmosphere. Plus the new shop I have with my friend Gill, La Vie Vintage, is open too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the reminder that Esperaza has a market on Sundays. I promise to come see your shop soon! Congratulations on getting it off the ground!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you always give us a history lesson as well. Love your posts!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
History is hard to miss around here.
LikeLike
Quite a colourful, busy place!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lively, at least on market days. It has only about 3,000 inhabitants.
LikeLike
Oh I LOVE Mirepoix. I bought some horribly overpriced linen once when I still lived in England. But I only bought it because I wanted a MEMORY, un souvenir of this magic little and so beautiful town. It is, same as Carcassonne and Foi, much too hot for me in summer but to tell you the truth, I think it would be perfect right now 🙂
I also appreciate your in-woven history tales, there is so much one forgets and it’s always so interesting to read these details. You have been told before by me and others that you live in an absolutely wonderful region, and I happily underscore that once more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I find that though it’s hot in summer, it doesn’t compare to where I grew up in the U.S. Midwest, nor to New York, where I used to live. The architecture, and, more importantly, life, have adapted to make the heat bearable here. Plus, it’s dry heat, not that stifling humidity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the architecture. As I started to read this I was curious about the history of the town. Happily, you satisfied that curiosity a few paragraphs later!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are some really cool carvings, but these photos were a jumble of many visits, and I didn’t find the ones of the carvings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so happy I found your blog. You write a super narrative to accompany your lovely photos and it’s so interesting to see these little obscure places that are now on the list of places to visit , one day! Thanks so much for the educational snippets of history and the travel tips. I think I’ll buy a map and pinpoint your charming venues. Wait…..it’s probably ALL charming!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually, yes, it’s all charming. There are tons of wonderful things to visit in the radius around Carcassonne, and it’s all a little more naïve, more authentic and down-to-earth, than in glitzy Provence, where ordinary people can no longer afford to live.
LikeLike
I have visited Mirepoix and your post served to remind me that I really must go there again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s even closer to Castelnaudary, isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
About half an hour
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous photo. We stopped there last year for about one hour. It was not really long enough…just a tease. But what a tease.
Ali
LikeLiked by 1 person
An hour is too short for sure. It’s pretty small, but it could fill most of a day.
LikeLike
I love that arcade. And although it’s been a while, I remember the church / cathedral as quite lovely, with very interesting gargoyles. It is, however, and like so many other huge monumental buildings, quietly moldering into benign neglect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the neglect has been put on hold. They are taking quite good care of the place lately.
LikeLike
What a charming little town. I had never heard of it before and now will have to add it to my long list of places that you have featured. Although I have traveled to many places in France your neck of the woods as they say was not one of them. I am fascinated by the rich history of Carcassonne and the surrounding area. Beautiful photos that capture just a small part of this charming place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
With only 3,000 inhabitants, it isn’t surprising you haven’t heard of it. I hope you get to visit! And I hope you are getting dried out from Florence.
LikeLike
I did notice how well dressed the vendor was in the first photo or two!OH DON’T YOU LOVE FRANCE!!!!!!DID YOU EVER IMAGINE YOU WOULD LIVE THERE?I as a child always thought I would live in EUROPE!Isn’t that funny!I got THREE years of that wish…….and a husband from there!TO MARKET WE SHALL GO!!!!!!NOT the same out here in CALIFORNIA!I take my AFRICAN BASKET to SAFEWAY and use that for my groceries……….XX
LikeLike
Amazing place, beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Worth a visit, for sure….
LikeLike