Mende

Mende, on the banks of the River Lot, has stunning architecture. Mende's Gothic cathedral towers over the historic streets and houses.

Lozère, Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France

Mende - Gateway to Cevennes

Standing between the mountains and the Causses, Mende is a town that forms the gateway to The Tarn Gorge and The Cévennes at the heart of an area of exceptional beauty. From the heights overlooking the town, you get a wonderful view of this settlement, grouped closely around its imposing Gothic cathedral, which was begun in 1369 by Pope Urban V. Aubusson tapestries tell the life of the Virgin. Also to be found there is a black Virgin, carved of olive wood and dating from the 12th century.

The looming presence of the cathedral provides a key to the history of Mende in the way that it symbolises the power of its bishops. It also tells of the origins of this pilgrimage town, which grew up around the tomb of Saint Privat. The houses which the centuries have endowed with a patina of age, the cobbled back streets, and the roofs made of schist slabs, known as ‘lauzes’, together with the region’s own heritage are a prime asset that really is not to be missed.

Mende is neither too big nor too small but offers an exceptional quality of life, a perfect balance between town and country that it is happy to share with visitors. It has an unusual situation, between Margeride to the north and the Causses to the south, and Mende is also a strategic starting point for tourism for the whole department. But to really find out everything about Mende, you really have to spend a few days in what was once the capital of the Gévaudan and is today the prefecture of the Lozère department.

Suggestions for holidays in Lozère

Discover the Aubrac Plateau, including a visit to a cheese factory and to the Laguiole cutlery works, a lunch of aligot (the Aubrac’s local dish, made with mashed potato and cheese) and a visit to the wolf reserve at Sainte Lucie. The Causse de Sauveterre including a visit to the Les Boissets farm, an information centre devoted to the Causses and the Gorges, the Pas de Souci Belvedere (with its panoramic view over the Tarn Gorge) a walk up the Jonte Gorge, the Méjean Causse with a visit to the famous cave of Aven Armand, rounded off with a tour of the medieval village of Sainte Enimie.

Things to see in Mende: - Gothic cathedral with Romanesque crypt - Gothic Notre Dame bridge over the river Lot - Ignon Fabre Museum of archaeology and pre-history - In the town hall, 18th century stairs and fireplace, and Aubusson tapestries - 14th century Penitents Tower - the former Carmelite convent, Saint Privat’s Retreat.

Nightlife & Restaurants

The cafes and bars in Mende include an Irish pub, a Viking theme pub which also includes a brasserie, and more than a dozen other nightspots from trendy cafes to stylish hotel bars. The city also has a nightclub on Zac Causse d'Auge. You’ll find a list of nightspots on the Mende Tourist Office website You can dine out in Mende for less than 10 euros at one of the friendly bistros and local restaurants. But there are also some fine dining options, both in the town centre and surrounding area, where you can eat superb cuisine in a stylish setting. There is a complete list of restaurants on the Mende Tourist Office website

INFORMATION - Tourist Office - Tel: + 33 (0)4 66 94 00 23 Website

Hotels in Mende

Campings in Mende