Relaxation & activities

The Causse de Mende

An open-air leisure area!

The Causse lies to the south of the town of Mende, which it overlooks by almost 300 metres.
This is the site of the hermitage and cave of Saint-Privat. This place is traditionally associated with the origins of the town.
In summer, when the heat is intense, the forest and altitude (1000 m) reduce the temperature. A cool paradise in which to relax!

©Ermitage Vue Ciel ©villedemende (1)

A leisure area

2 steps from the centre of Mende

The Causse de Mende is very popular with the locals and holidaymakers alike.
Here are some of the activities you can enjoy:

All year round:
* Beauty centre, spa and accommodation at the aerodrome.
* First flights in microlights and aeroplanes at the airfield.
* Panoramic views from Mont-Mimat over Mende and the Margeride.
* Marked trails for walking or mountain biking.
* Via ferrata,
* Orienteering course,
* A large free play area for children,
* Picnic areas, petanque areas and a large grassy area for all kinds of activities!

From Easter to All Saints’ Day:
* Dinopédia Parc, discover the dinosaurs!

July & August:
* A tree course for the little ones,
* Hire of electric mountain bikes, rosalies, electric scooters, etc.
* A dedicated Laser Green area,

Activities on the Causse
The trails
The panorama
The hermitage
Dead villages

Walks & hiking

Mountain bike routes

The panorama from the Mont-Mimat Cross

This 300-metre panorama overlooks the town of Mende from the south.
On a clear day, the scenery is superb.
You can not only see the town from above, but also the Margeride mountains to the north, and in particular the“Truc” de Fortunio, with its relay aerial, which can be recognised from afar.

+ More about the panorama from the Croix du Mont-Mimat

The grotto and chapel of Saint-Privat

According to tradition, the martyrdom of Saint-Privat took place in this cave.
The site is located on the edge of a ridge on the northern flank of the Causse de Mende.

It was the increasingly important pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint-Privat that led to the birth and development of the town at this site.
The grotto, chapel and hermitage are currently closed to visitors out of season and only partially open in July and August (for more information, contact the Mende parish: 04 66 49 13 99).

Find out more about the hermitage

The dead villages of the Causse de Mende

La Chaumette and Le Gerbal are two hamlets nicknamed “dead villages” because they were gradually abandoned.
Victims of the rural exodus, they saw their population disappear throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Find out more about dead villages