Ancienne cathédrale Saint-Maurice de Mirepoix et son labyrinthe

Mirepoix

In the heart of the bastide of Mirepoix, the former cathedral of Saint-Maurice spreads a single nave 22 metres wide, one of the widest in Europe. Jean de Lévis laid its foundation stone on 6 May 1298, and construction stretched over six centuries. More discreetly, a far more modest labyrinth hides in a former bishop's chapel. It is composed of nine glazed brick tiles of 60 centimetres per side, with white lines on a green or dark blue ground. It dates from the mid-16th century and is said to be the work of Bishop Philippe de Lévis, between 1520 and 1537. It was found in the floor of the former chapel of Sainte-Agathe, in the bishop's gallery, when the wooden floor was removed. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1966. It is presented as the last labyrinth installed in a cathedral in Europe. The chapel is in poor condition and, according to one source, closed to the public.

POP — Carrelage de sol dit « labyrinthe », ancienne cathédrale de Mirepoix ↗

Getting there: In the heart of the bastide of Mirepoix. The church (former cathedral) is freely accessible at no charge, with a collection for restoration; times vary, see the tourist office or the parish. The labyrinth is in a bishop's chapel that one of the sources describes as fragile and closed to the public; another says it is ‘installed in the floor’ without specifying whether it can be visited. Its present visibility could not be verified.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound