Discover the Lot Valley
Notre-Dame and Saint-Privat Cathedral
Stunning tapestries, exceptional wood panelling, a bell tower that once housed the “Non Pareille”, the largest bell in the whole of Christendom… Welcome to Mende, to the masterpiece commissioned by Urban V: the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and Saint-Privat.
Built from 1369 onwards on the initiative of the highly diplomatic Urban V (it is, in fact, he himself who is depicted in the statue beneath the cathedral), who served as Pope in Avignon and was a key historical figure for the Gévaudan region, Mende Cathedral, dedicated to “Notre-Dame and Saint-Privat”, was consecrated for the first time a century later.
Partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion and subsequently rebuilt “exactly as it was, but without any embellishments or ornamentation” between 1598 and 1620, the building features two bell towers: the smaller one – 65 metres (!) – and the large one, standing 84 metres tall (that’s no laughing matter!) and built in the Flamboyant Gothic style.
An exceptional bell
In fact, it was right at the top of this tall bell tower that the world’s largest bell at the time was hoisted. Weighing 25 tonnes, nearly 3 metres high and 33 cm thick… With such dimensions, it is easy to see why the people christened it the “Non Pareille”. Thanks to its exceptional size, this unique artefact was also the loudest in the whole of Christendom! A casualty of the Wars of Religion, this famous bell rang for the last time in 1579. Nowadays, only its clapper remains (a shame, as I would have loved to have given it a go!). The massive clapper, which weighs 470 kg on its own, is on display inside the building – behind the west façade.
Visits to villages
Historic alleyways, an exceptional heritage, restaurants serving local produce – visit these towns and villages during your holiday in Lozère.
What is there to do in Mende and the Lot Valley?
The Villaret Valley
Walking on water, making music with marbles, swinging across the river like Tarzan, trying to get a plane off the ground, finding your way in total darkness, skipping with a jet of water, discovering works of art in the heart of nature… The whole point is to let yourself be surprised by unique installations a world away from traditional theme parks. Wanted! I’ve lost – or deliberately misplaced – my childlike spirit at the Vallon du Villaret. If you’re passing through Lozère, could you help me find it again?
Twenty minutes from Mende and three minutes from Bagnols-les-Bains, the Vallon du Villaret theme park has been attracting visitors of all ages since 1993. I’d heard it was a unique place, unlike anywhere else in France… Its hundreds of surprises won me over. Open every day from the Easter holidays until the end of August, then at weekends until the All Saints’ Day holidays, the Vallon invites you on a poetic adventure in the Lozère. This array of experiences in an enchanting setting is available for just 12 or 13 euros (depending on the season), and free for children under one metre tall. In terms of practical details, the park is accessible by car, with free private parking, or by shuttle bus throughout the summer.
The Gévaudan Museum
Discover the fascinating history of Lozère at the Musée du Gévaudan, in the heart of Mende. Nestled within a listed building, this museum immerses you in the region’s rich heritage, from prehistory to the present day. With over 16,000 artefacts, explore the history of the Beast of Gévaudan and many other treasures through captivating exhibitions. Events, guided tours and concerts take place throughout the year at the museum. Access to the collections and activities is completely free, making culture accessible to everyone. Immerse yourself in this historical and cultural adventure at the Gévaudan Museum.
During an autumn weekend away with the family in the beautiful department of Lozère, we spent a wonderful day at the Vallon du Villaret in Bagnols-les-Bains. Nestled at an altitude of nearly 1,000 metres, in a lush green setting not far from Mende, near the source of the River Lot, this site has poetically combined contemporary art with fun activities. Over the years – and for nearly 25 years now – the Vallon has gradually expanded, taking the time to do things properly. Every year, artists come to create utterly wild and daring installations, with the aim of engaging visitors whilst sparking their curiosity.
A space for couples in Bagnols-les-Bains
On the banks of the River Lot, the benefits of the waters of Bagnols-les-Bains – a hot spring gushing at 41°C and a cold spring with therapeutic, ENT, digestive and diuretic properties – have been known since Roman times.
Reflecting the intimate and welcoming atmosphere of this mountain village, the centre is organised around an activity pool and its jacuzzi, bathed in light from a glass roof. Whilst hammams, hydro-massage showers and Scottish baths are nestled within ancient vaulted passageways, visitors can also enjoy the pleasures of an outdoor pool on the banks of the River Lot.
Hikes and walks
Must-see photo spots
PANORAMA FROM THE SUBLIME POINT
Panoramas
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Unique experiences
Make the most of your stay in the Lot Valley to set off on new adventures. Whether it’s a road trip, fine dining, exploring new places or creative pursuits, plan your stay to suit the seasons by booking unique experiences.
Are you staying in Mende and the Lot Valley?
Accommodation
Fancy a change of scenery in accommodation set in the heart of the countryside or in a village with undeniable charm? Give it a go and book your bed and breakfast, holiday cottage, self-catering accommodation, hotel room, stopover accommodation, camping pitch or room in a holiday village.
Graded campsite
CAMPING LE TIVOLI (BAGNOLS-LES-BAINS)
Graded campsite
CAMPING MUNICIPAL LES BERGES DU BRAMONT
2 stars Graded campsite
Graded campsite
Graded campsite
3 stars Graded campsite
CAMPING MUNICIPAL DE LA VALLEE**
Graded campsite
3 stars Holiday village
BLEYMARD HOLIDAY VILLAGE (10 PEOPLE)
3 stars Rental in village
BLEYMARD HOLIDAY VILLAGE – STUDIO FOR 2 PEOPLE
3 stars Rental in village
BLEYMARD HOLIDAY VILLAGE (5-7 PEOPLE)
3 stars Rental in village
3 stars Tourist residence
LES CHALETS DE L’URUGNE – FOR 4–6 PEOPLE
Rental in village
CANOURGUE HOLIDAY VILLAGE (6-8 PEOPLE)
Rental in village
CANOURGUE HOLIDAY VILLAGE (2-4 PEOPLE)
Rental in village
How do I get there?
- By car from Sainte-Enimie, Florac, La Canourgue, Villefort, Langogne, Aumont-Aubrac, Saint-Chély-d’Apcher and Meyrueis
- By car from Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier, Lyon, Marseille and Nîmes
- By train, on the Train de l’Aubrac line or the Cévenol line
- By bus with liO
- By tourist shuttle: minibuses that criss-cross Lozère in every direction during July and August
- By plane, via the nearest airports: Rodez, Clermont-Ferrand, Nîmes, Montpellier, Marseille, Lyon, Toulouse
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Lot Valley in Lozère?
In the centre of the department, the Lot Valley runs from east to west through Lozère, continuing into the Lot and Lot-et-Garonne departments.
