Mirmande

Mirmande originates from "mirus" (admirable) and "mandare" (to dominate). Called Mirmanda in the 12th century, Castrum Mirimandae in the 13th century, Mirimanda and Miremande in the 16th century and finally Mirmande in the 17th century.

Mentioned as early as 1238, the village is a former property of the Adhémars who ceded it to the Bishop of Valence. In the middle of the 14th century, the town developed and a second rampart, still visible today, delimits it. The 17th century saw the village grow outside the walls, but it was in the 19th century that Mirmande developed with sericulture (culture of silkworms) which supported nearly 3,000 people. With the decline of this economy, the village experienced difficult times: the 20th century saw the abandonment and partial collapse of the Sainte-Foy church. In addition, a law exempting roofless houses from taxes, many owners who have left the village show the houses they still own there, so that they quickly fall into ruins. When redeemed, the price is set based on the number of tiles left on the roof. The village will be reborn thanks to the many artists who settle there more or less permanently. André Lhote (1885 - 1962), cubist painter and writer, contributed to the revival of Mirmande.

Located in a landscape of hills, Mirmande is a typical perched village of Drôme. Mirmande is one of the 150 most beautiful villages in France.