Village

The hill-top village of Miradoux lies in the Gers, Gascony, 15 kms from the cathedral town of Lectoure.  It is said to be the earliest of the bastides, and was an important stop on the pilgrims’ route to Compostella. But unlike many of the surrounding villages in this rolling and under-populated area of France Miradoux, though with a population of only about 600, still possesses a range of facilities which are just a couple of hundred metres from the old Halle.  The boulangerie is a stroll away; in addition to the baker there is a mini-market/butcher, bar/restaurant, hairdresser, newsagent, bank with ATM, pharmacy, Post Office and even 24 hour petrol pumps.  There’s also a doctors’ surgery, should you need it.  Though you will almost certainly want to explore the surrounding area you could in fact supply all your daily needs without going out of the village.  There are supermarkets at Lectoure and (the nearest) at Astaffort which has very fresh vegetables and a good fish counter.

Miradoux possesses 2 free tennis courts, a football pitch, many footpaths leading out from the village (we have some maps in the house), and in the locality riding and plenty of other outdoor activities. Markets operate in one village or another in the surrounding area 7 days a week (Saturday mornings in Miradoux), and round and about there are excellent restaurants ranging from simple cafe food to Michelin starred. The local specialities are goose, duck and garlic, and though we’re not in an area of famous vineyards there are decent local wines, as well as many Armagnacs from nearby. Foie gras is on sale at local producers as well as in restaurants.