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The commune of Vieussan includes Mézeilles and several other hamlets as well as the village itself. Both Vieussan and Mézeilles are Mediterranean hill villages in spectacular positions. The old villages are mazes of narrow streets, with houses mostly built in the 18th and 19th centuries and some earlier. 

In the commune's heyday, in the mid-nineteenth century, it had a population of over 900 (mostly engaged in wine-making and other agriculture). But by the late 1950s many of the old houses were falling into disuse and the first outsiders began to restore them. 

Today the villages have cosmopolitan populations with people from all corners of Europe and beyond. The area is coming to life again. The café, Le Lézard Bleu, offers a bar, restaurant and exhibition space. It is run by Manu and Rik - who speaks excellent English. It does great tapas and other snacks, as well as offering 3-course lunches and dinners with wine for €12 (€14 weekends). Closed Tues. and Weds. except in summer.

Vieussan's tennis courts are available for hire @ €4 per hour: keys may be obtained from Mme. Donnadieu opposite. Good idea to book beforehand in the summer.  Vieussan holds a Fête des Roses in the first week of June, centred on communal rose gardens above the old village, and a fete in August. The field across from the cafe is often filled with the donkeys of L'Ane Bleu (below).