Would you like to visit Mirmande in the Drome? Here are the 7 best things to do in Mirmande, a beautiful village in France!

Jewel of the Drôme Valley, Mirmande is a hilltop village. You can discover it by strolling through its many picturesque medieval streets. Its authentic stone houses also house many artists and craftsmen and pottery workshops.

The village owes its fame to the famous Cubist painter André Lhote. Falling in love with the village, he created an art school there in the summer, giving a new life to the village.

Would you like to discover this charming Drome village? In this article, we will tell you the best tourist spots and best things to do in Mirmande as it should be!

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The 7 Best Things To Do in Mirmande (Tourist Spots)

1. The Medieval Village

Former property of the Adhémar, ceded to the bishop of Valence, Mirmande is a typical medieval village. In the twelfth century, its heart was located in the upper part of the village. You can still admire the remains of the ramparts, such as the Round Tower and the Square Tower at the foot of the hill.

From the Tourist Office, climb to the Sainte-Foy Church. Along the way, you can admire these towers and various buildings dating from the Middle Ages. We can mention the old bread ovens with floors, houses with mullioned windows, and old stalls, including a magnanerie.

The latter was used to raise silkworms. Do not miss the Échauguette: this tower was occupied by a watchman who once watched over the surroundings.

2. Sainte-Foy Church

Photo credit: Drôme Tourism Valley

If you visit Mirmande, you cannot miss this twelfth-century church. Listed for protecting historical monuments, it is a marvel of Romanesque architecture.

The heart of the medieval village is now deconsecrated. It hosts temporary exhibitions and numerous concerts. Located at the top of the village, it also offers a breathtaking view of the Rhone Valley and the Massif Central. Visiting Sainte-Foy Church is one of the best things to do in Mirmande.

3. The Chapel of Saint Lucia

Photo credit: Mirmande.org

Another religious building is worth a visit. The Chapel of Saint Lucia is located on the outskirts of the medieval village. As you leave the village, do not miss admiring this church, which faithful Mirmandes built-in 1887. You will enjoy a beautiful overview of the surrounding Drôme countryside.

4. The Porte des Gaultiers

Located at the foot of the medieval village, this Gate is the only vestige of the rampart dating from the fifteenth century. You can admire a fresco, restored in 2012, representing the faithful in procession. These remains of ramparts recall the strategic importance of the village, which was attacked several times during events in the region.

5. The Capitelle

Photo credit: La Capitelle

This hotel restaurant was the first home of the painter André Lhote. Discovering the abandoned village, most of the houses in ruins, he decides to acquire several. In love with the village, he thus contributes to its rebirth and preservation.

It must be said that Mirmande suffered at the time from the fall of his major economy: silk production. Thanks to the painter, many artists have come to settle more or less permanently in the village.

Visiting Mirmande, therefore, undeniably passes through this symbolic place!

6. Art and artisan shops

Photo credit: Mirmande’s small shop

Today, and long after André Lhote’s installation, Mirmande remains a haven of peace for artists and craftsmen. If you visit Mirmande, you cannot miss discovering some of the pottery, shops, workshops, and galleries of local talents. Many artisans and artists open their doors to visitors.

Stroll through the medieval village and do not hesitate to visit these shops. You will discover treasures of creativity, know-how, talent, and inventiveness. Recommended shops include the Petite Boutique or Mademoiselle Jane’s Atelier. Uncovering Art and artisan shops are a great thing to do in Mirmande.

7. Hiking and mountain biking

Photo credit: Flickr – jean-Louis Zimmermann

Just above the Sainte-Foy Church, you will find the forest of Mirmande-Marsanne. This pine forest is the ideal playground for hiking or mountain biking. Itineraries adapted to all and varied leave thus to this place.

If you visit Mirmande, do not miss discovering this beautiful natural area. Those who are not afraid of a little effort will find beautiful landscapes. Hiking and mountain biking is two of the great things to do in Mirmande to fulfill your fun trip.

Before leaving, take a trip to the Tourist Office for an up-to-date map of the itineraries and information.

How to get to Mirmande?

Located in the Drôme, Mirmande lies between the cities of Valence to the north and Montélimar to the south. Both towns are just a 30-minute drive from this most beautiful village in France.

To reach and visit Mirmande, you will ideally need your vehicle, car, or bike. Without a car or bike, you will surely have to use a taxi or carpool to go to Mirmande from one of these two cities.

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

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

• From Lyon, you must follow the A7 towards the D104N at Loriol-sur-Drôme. Then take exit 16-Loriol, then the N7 and D57 to Mirmande.
• From Montpellier, follow the A9 to Orange and take the A7 to exit 17 towards Saulce-sur-Rhône. Then follow the N7 and then the D204A to Mirmande.
• From Marseille or Avignon, follow the A7 to exit 17. Then take the N7 and D204A to Mirmande.
• From Grenoble, you have to take the A48 and A49. Towards Romans-sur-Isère / Valence, join the A7 and exit at Loriol-sur-Drôme.

From all these destinations, Mirmande is a 2-hour drive away or less.

Where to stay in Mirmande?

If you plan to visit Mirmande, you will inevitably ask yourself the question of housing. Fortunately, this most beautiful village in France and its surroundings have no shortage of places to stay.

For example, you can opt for a hotel or a charming cottage. Thanks to Airbnb, you can also stay close to nature at a flowery campsite or prefer homestay accommodation. Have a great trip and make sure you do all the best things to do in Mirmande that we have discussed in this article.