Discover the charming village of Mialet!
Miallet, as it is known in the old Occitan dialect, is located in the North Dordogne (Perigord Vert) region of Southwest France.
It nestles in a forested area within the beautiful Parc Naturel Perigord/Limousin.
History of Mialet
Formally called Mellet, the village has existed since the 11th century and was first referenced as Mialet in 1598. The region was ravaged by the English and in 1380 they captured and burned down the village's defence, called Chateau Lambertie which still exists in the North of the village, but is now privately owned. Mialet's geographical position was an important stopping point for weekly agricultural and livestock markets. By 1846, the village school (one of the first in the department) and the town hall were opened where they stand today. To make way for the school, an old church and its cemetery were demolished.
This elaborate door was saved from demolition and relocated near the village square. Around 1886, the ring roads were built, and at the same time the village mayor, Doctor Pierre Millet Lascombe provided his services to the village (he lived in the chateau opposite the gite). By 1900 the population reached its peak of 2200, whereas today it's around 650, although it has recently started to expand again.
The Barrage de Mialet
Le Barrage (reservoir) de Miallet is located just 1.4 km from the village centre and features a circular walking trail of about 9 km, making it a popular spot for walkers and cyclists. It is also an important bird sanctuary with a ‘visual barrier’ where you can see the Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Grey Heron, Water Hen and Coot. The Miallet reservoir serves as a stopover for many migratory birds. During the autumn and spring migration periods, rare or accidental species may visit the reservoir. including, Osprey, Winter Teal, Common Pochard, Shovel Ducks, Pintail, and Gadwall. You can also spot mudflat species such as Redshank, Dunlin, Curlew and the Little Ringed Plover.
The area is known for the Pearl Mussel and endangered species such as The Yellow-Bellied Ringer amphibian, Mercury Agrion dragonfly, Checkerboard of the Successor butterfly, a white-clawed Crayfish and two fish species, the Sculpin and Lamprey of Planer. You can fish in the reservoir for Pike, Perch, Carp, Black Bass, Roach and Tench. A fishing licence can be obtained from the Mialet post office.
Other Points of Interest in Mialet
The beautiful church of Our Lady Mount Carmel/Notre-Dame-du-Scapulaire was built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style and stands in the square of the same name. The bell tower is the oldest section and may have been part of the original village walls. Inside is the gilded statue of Saint Roch, the village protector against epidemics, especially the plague! Outside is a lovely old flat Dolman that allows coffins to be placed on it while waiting to enter the church.
In the same square is the charming village well, and nearby stands three iron Egrets made by sculptor Roland Malin, introduced in 2022. A further two iron Cranes stand near the butcher's, as a reminder that Mialet lies in the path of migratory birds that stop at the barrage.
The Tree of Life shades the war memorial erected in 1870 to commemorate the village victims of the conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by the Kingdom of Prussia from 19th July 1870 to 18th January 1871.
Look out for the old weighing station on the road near the school; it was used when Mialet held its famous livestock fairs for potatoes, calves, piglets and Limousin beef.
Shopping in Mialet
Butcher - Perfect for meat, and own-produced sausages, pies, pates and salads.
Baker - Not only will you find bread and croissants here, but a delicious selection of cakes and in summer, ice cream.
Eco shop - Offering locally grown vegetables as well as locally sourced edibles and non-edibles such as soap.
Epicerie - Ideal for those top-up grocery items such as fresh milk and sliced bread.
Post Office - For stamps, parcels and also fishing licences.
Hairdresser - A salon for everybody, cuts, colours etc.
Market: Every Tuesday morning a small market is held in the town hall square where local producers offer fresh produce from fruit and veg to goats cheese and biscuits.
Casa O: The village brasserie, where you can have just a drink or enjoy a meal, it serves 3 course lunch specials, and evening meals Corsican style.
L'infinie Bar: Join the lovely owner Valerie and the locals for a convivial drink
PIzza: Every Tuesday and Friday evening order freshly made pizza from a van parked on the village square.
Village Events
Mialet holds several events throughout the year.
Bastille Day: held on July 14th, the annual vide grenier and food market take place throughout the day. In the evening the village gathers to dine under the stars in the main square in celebration, followed by fireworks.
Harvest Festival Horse & Farm Show: This rural event is held in early August and showcases farm vehicles at their best. Visitors can learn how horses assist farmers with wheat and threshing during harvest time. Horse riding and an equestrian show attracts large crowds.
Things to See & Do
Top 12 Attractions
There are many places to visit and things to do in this area. Here are your host's top 12 favourites.
What to See in Our Region
There are countless places to visit within a 2-hour radius of Miallet. Here are the main sites including drive time and distance.
Where & What to Eat
Eating out is a fabulous experience in this part of France and there is a huge variety of establishments to choose from.
Festivals & Events
Annual calendar of festivals & events in the Dordogne and nearby departments.
Sports & Outdoors
The North Dordogne or Perigord Vert is a perfect location for those with a great affinity to the great outdoors.