The 7 things to do in Mirmande

Would you like to visit Mirmande in the Drôme? Here are the 7 things to do in this beautiful village of France!

Joyau de la Vallée de la Drôme, Mirmande is a perched village. It is discovered by strolling through its numerous and picturesque medieval streets. Its authentic stone houses also house numerous workshops of artists and craftsmen, as well as pottery. The village owes its reputation to the famous painter, André Lhote . Falling in love with the village, there was created an art school in the summer, thus redundanting a new life in the village. Would you like to discover this charming village? In this article you will find the must-see places to visit Mirmande as it should be!

1. Medieval village

A former property of the Adhémar, owned by the bishop of Valencia, Mirmande is a typical medieval village. In the 12th century, its heart was located in the upper part of the village. You can still admire the vestiges of the ramparts, such as the Round Tower and the Square Tower at the foot of the hill.

From the Office of Tourism, climb up to the Sainte-Foy Church. On the way, you can admire the towers, but also various buildings dating from the Middle Ages. Among them are the old bread ovens, houses with benign windows, or former clusters, including a magnanerie. The latter was used to raise silk worms. Don’t miss the Echauguette too: this tower was occupied by a watchmaker who once watched the surrounding area.

2. The Church of Saint-Foy

If you come to visit Mirmande, you can't miss this 12th century church. Inscribed to the protection of historical monuments, it is a wonder of Romanesque architecture. The heart of the medieval village, it is today deacralised. It hosts temporary exhibitions and numerous concerts.

Located at the top of the village, it also offers stunning views of the Rhone Valley and the Central Massif.

3. La Chapelle Saint Lucie

Another religious building deserves a detour. La Chapelle Sainte-Lucie is located on the edge of the medieval village. Built in 1887 thanks to the donations of the faithful in the city, don’t miss admiring it by leaving the village. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

4. La Porte des Gaultiers

Located at the foot of the medieval village, this gate is the only rempart vestige dating from the 15th century. There is a fresco, restored in 2012, representing the faithful in procession. These remnants of ramparts recall the strategic importance of the village, several times attacked during the events in the region.

5. The Capitelle

This is it. hotel-restaurant was the first house of the painter André Lhote. Discovering the village to abandon, most of the houses being in ruins, he decides to acquire several of them. A lover of the village, he thus contributes to his rebirth and backup. It must be said that Mirmande suffered at the time of the fall of his main economy: silk production. Thanks to the painter, many artists have come to settle more or less sustainablely in the village.

Visiting Mirmande is undoubtedly going through this symbolic place!

6. Art and craft shops

Today, and long after the installation of André Lhote, Mirmande remains a haven of peace for artists and craftsmen of all kinds. If you're visiting Mirmande, you can't miss out on some of the local pottery, shops, workshops and galleries. Many craftsmen and artists open their doors to visitors.

Take a walk in the medieval village and visit these shops. You will discover treasures of creativity, know-how, talent and inventiveness. Among the recommended shops are Petite Boutique or Atelier de Mademoiselle Jane.

7. Hiking and mountain biking

Just above the Sainte-Foy Church, you will find the Mirmande-Marsanne Forest. This pine forest is the ideal playground for hiking or mountain biking. Itineraries are suitable for all and varied. If you come to visit Mirmande, don't miss discovering this beautiful natural space. Beautiful landscapes await you, as well as good efforts for the most athletic.

Before leaving, go to the Tourist Office for an up-to-date map of the routes, as well as information.

How to get to Mirmande?

Located in the Drôme, Mirmande is between the towns of Valencia to the north and Montélimar to the south. The two cities are just 30 minutes' drive from this most beautiful village of France. To reach and visit Mirmande, you will ideally need your own vehicle, car or bike. Without a car or a bike, you'll probably have to call a taxi or ride to Mirmande from one of these two cities.

By plane you can thus land in Lyon and then take a TER to Valencia or Montélimar. TER or Intercity trains will easily take you to one of its two cities from Montpellier or Marseille, obviously via Avignon. In Valencia or Montélimar, you can also rent a vehicle to visit Mirmande and its surroundings.

If you have a car, reach this most beautiful village in France will obviously be very easy:

• From Lyon, you must follow the A7 towards D104N in Loriol-sur-Drôme. Then take exit 16-Loriol, then N7 and D57 to Mirmande.
• From Montpellierfollow the A9 to Orange and then take the A7 to Exit 17 to Saulce-sur-Rhône. Follow the N7 then the D204A to Mirmande.
• De Marseille or Avignon, simply follow the A7 until exit 17. Then take the N7 and the D204A to Mirmande.
• From Grenoble, you must take the A48 and the A49. To Romans-sur-Isère / Valencia, join the A7 and go out to Loriol-sur-Drôme.

From all these destinations, Mirmande is 2 hours drive or less.

Where to stay in Mirmande?

If you plan to visit Mirmande, you will necessarily ask the question of accommodation. Fortunately, this most beautiful village in France and its surroundings does not lack places to stay. For example, you can opt to a hotel or a cottage of charm . You can also choose to stay close to nature in a flowery campsite, or to prefer accommodation at home thanks to Airbnb.