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Mende

Visit Mende, Languedoc-Roussillon

Mende is a town in the upper Lot Valley, at the northern edge of the Parc National de Cevennes, in the Lozère department of Languedoc-Roussillon where it is overlooked by forested hills.

Exploring Mende

Start your visit in the streets around the cathedral and the Place de la Republique, in the historical centre of Mende, where the majority of the monuments and buildings of interest are found.

Mende cathedral

Mende cathedral dominates the town centre, and was originally built for Pope Urbain V who was born close to here - his statue stands in front of the cathedral. The original 14th century cathedral had the two belltowers added in the 16th century, and then the cathedral itself was largely destroyed and a replacement cathedral built (around 1600) that retained the belltowers. The rose window in the main facade was added shortly after, and the entrances substantially altered during the 19th century.

This sequence of substantial changes means the cathedral has several different styles and architectural influences. Overall it is an interesting design, if a little imbalanced to the eye since the belltower on the left is larger and more ornate than that on the right (the larger tower also once contained the largest bell in the world, until it was melted down to make cannons in 1580).

Inside the cathedral you can see a 12th century black wooden statue of the Virgin and also a series of Aubusson tapestries relate the story of the life of the Virgin.

Other highlights

the highlight of a visit to Mende is the town itself, with its fountains and public squares, the river frontage and the narrow streets to explore, and the medieval houses such as the Maison de Mandrin.

Two notable highlights are the 14th century Penitents Tower, that once formed part of the defensive ramparts around the town (now mostly lost) and is now the belltower for the Chapel of Penitents, and the the 18th century Town Hall, with its monumental stone staircase leading to the first floor where you can see some Aubusson tapestries (next to the cathedral).

Head towards the north of the old town to see the 13th century stone bridge of Notre-Dame from where you have attractive views along the Lot River and can stroll along the river banks.

The Museum Ignon Fabre has a good number of historical items discovered in the region, dating back as far as the prehistoric occupation of the region.

Mende tourist office propose a guided route through the town which passes these and other buildings of interest - ask at the tourist office or download the guide from here.

Close to Mende

The Hermitage of Saint-Privat, a pilgrimage destination, stands in a lovely wooded position on Mont Mimat overlooking Mende.

There are also many scenic highlights in the region, with the Parc National de Cevennes, Mont Lozere, and the Gorges du Tarn all within easy reach to the south and the Aubrac plateau to the north, each offering numerous scenic highlights and small villages and towns to explore (the journey through the gorges du Tarn is our personal favourite).

Tourist classifications for Mende: Mende falls within the Pays d'art et d'histoire du Mende region

Suggested places to visit near Mende, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Castelbouc 20km; Saint-Chely-du-Tarn 22km; Florac 23km; Le Pont de Montvert 26km; Aumont Aubrac 28km; Gorges du Tarn 31km; La Garde-Guerin 32km; Severac-le-Chateau 41km; Pradelles 41km; Sainte-Eulalie-d'Olt 45km; Arlempdes 51km; Naves 52km; Saint-Come-d'Olt 54km; Banne 55km; Laguiole 55km; Millau 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Mende

Mende tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Chaos de Nimes-le-Vieux - site of natural beauty (35km) : Aven Armand (grotte) - site of natural beauty (35km) : Cascade du Déroc - site of natural beauty (37km) : Jardin du Tomple - remarkable garden (38km) : Jardin du mas de l'Abri - remarkable garden (40km) : Abîme de Bramabiau - site of natural beauty (44km) : Chaos de Montpellier-le-Vieux - site of natural beauty (49km) : Lac du Bouchet - site of natural beauty (49km) :