Nestled in the Upper Lot Valley, Mende is a historic town believed to have been inhabited since at least 200 BC. It is dominated by a uniquely designed Gothic cathedral and is on the doorstep of Cevennes National Park, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscape.
Things to do in Mende
Stroll the atmospheric streets of Mende to admire its historic residences and visit the old rampart tower of the Tour des Penitents. Take note of the 18th-century Town Hall with its tiled roof and walk across the medieval Pont Notre Dame. Spanning the Lot River, this arched stone bridge dates back to the 13th century.
In the heart of Mende is the Gothic-style Cathedral of Our Lady and St. Privatus, which is unique in having two differently-sized bell towers. Constructed from the 14th century, it houses the crypt of St. Privatus, a 12th-century black Virgin statue and beautifully carved wooden stalls. Also of note are the 18th-century Aubusson tapestries depicting scenes from the Virgin’s life.
Mende is an ideal base for visiting the Dolmen de Changefege, a megalithic tomb believed to date from between 3,500 and 2,000 BC. It’s not far from the scenic, six-hole course of the Golf de la Pommeraie and the Via Ferrata du Rocher de Moïse. Located on the western slope of the Causse de Mende, this climbing route features two courses that will appeal to all experience levels.
Getting around Mende
Mende is around 2.5 hours’ drive from Montpellier and just over three hours from Toulouse. Le Puy-Loudes Airport is 1.5 hours away while the much larger Marseille Provence Airport is 3.5 hours away. Regular trains connect to the Mende railway station and the town is small enough to explore on foot.