The village Mirabeau was founded between 1096 and 1118. Until the end of middle ages it remained very modest. Isolated in the heart of a valley, surrounded by hills, the village controlled the passage of the Durance river from its entry to the gorge of Canteperdrix.

In 1313: 200 inhabitants.
Village survived the crisis at the end of middle ages due to its port. A ferry-boat for passengers and goods was crossing the Durance river.

In 1680: 450 inhabitants.
The number of the families in the village started to decrease rapidly due to the 18th century crisis.

In 1728: 94 inhabitants.
After that, the number of inhabitants started to increase again. Sericulture contributed to this augmentation.

In 1831: 736 inhabitants.
Construction of the railway and the bridge led to destruction of the local trade and hotel industry. The rural migration was too early.

In 1896: 484 inhabitants.
In 1968: 277 inhabitants.
In 1982: 458 inhabitants.
Today : almost 1000 inhabitants.

 

The castle was built in 19th century. It was the successive property of the Riqueti family, then of Antoine Pelotier, Lucas de Montigny, the Countess of Mariel. After that, the owner was the academician Maurice Barres. Momentary, visiting the castle is not possible.

Outside of the village: Chapel Notre-Dame de la Garrigue (19th century), Chapel Ste Madeleine Roman building, old inn "du Grand Logis", cave of St Sepulchre.

In 1985, two films were shot in Mirabeau "Jean de Florette " and "Manon des Sources" based on novels of Marcel Pagnol.

    
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