MENDE This is a lovely town situated between mountain and Causses, near the Gorges du Tarn and the Cévennes.

From the heights overlooking the town, you get a wonderful view of the town. It is built around an impressive Gothic cathedral, which was begun in 1369 by Pope Urban V. Also to be found there is a black Virgin, carved of olive wood and dating from the 12th century. The houses are old and full of character and many of the small streets are cobbled.

This is a fun place with several cafes and bars, including an Irish pub, a Viking theme pub and more than a dozen other nightspots from trendy cafes to stylish hotel bars. Mende also has a lively nightclub on Zac Causse d'Auge.