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FRANCE | Mende, France Travel Guide
Saturday, April 20, 2024
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Sightseeing in Mende
Sightseeing in Mende
The sites of Mende and the surrounding region are unique, and will linger in your memory long after you leave this area. There are amazing attractions, both manmade and natural, all of them well worth photographing.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Privat de Mende
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Privat de Mende ( Place Urban V) was first built by the Pope for whom the Place is named during the heyday of the French papacy in Avignon. It remains one of the most revered cathedrals in Europe, despite its location in this relatively small burg. It was once home to an astounding nine-foot, once commonly referred to as le nonpareille (without equal). Although the bell and segments of the church were destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it has been rebuilt over the centuries with a consistent Gothic styling. The cathedral serves as the psychological and physical hub of Mende, and it would be impossible to miss its imposing towers from the city center. Each Wednesday and Saturday, a market takes place under its watchful eyes at Place Urban V. Entry is free, and the cathedral is open daily.
Château de La Baume (in Prinsuéjols about 30 miles from Mende) has been called the Versaille of this territory. This glorious 18th-century mansion is open to the public, and it provides wonderful examples of décor and art.
The archeological site at Javols is the site of a former Gallo-Roman capital that was destroyed centuries ago. Excavations have revealed a tremendous number of artifacts. A Bacchus sculpture and ancient columns are among the highlights.
The Gorges du Tarn
The Gorges du Tarn are one of the most amazing attractions in Europe. Be sure to bring a camera before you venture into the gorge area (or perhaps a waterproof one if you will be on the rivers and streams winding through it). In some passes of the gorge, the surrounding cliff walls soar 1,600 above. It spans about 30 miles and passes through several villages. A nice starting point is La Malène, where there are tours by boat on offer.
Cevennes National Park
The Cevennes National Park, in Florac, is an amazing world unto its own. There are 225,000 acres in the park’s core, and another 568,000 acres make up the periphery. The park has been designated a world biosphere reserve, and the park strives to protect trees, various plants and animal life. The Cevennes span a variety of micro-climates. Thirty-three examples of France’s protected flora live inside the park’s boundaries. The park is home to 45% of the country’s animals, including otters, woodpeckers, owls and beavers. This is France’s only national park still inhabited by humans, and more than 40,000 people live here. The park is unique in that is strives to educate visitors about the pastoral life through various eco-museums in the park.
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