Its inhabitants are called the Mendois. The city, including the first traces of dwellings date back to BC, [ 3 ] was originally named Mimata , [ citation needed ] probably in reference to the mountains that surround it. In addition, it is the city-centre of the unique urban area of this department.
It is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mende. The city is overlooked on the left bank of the Lot by Mont Mimat [ fr ] and its black pine forest [ fr ].
On the right bank, residential areas extend over different causses , including the Causse d'Auge. Located on the axis of Lyon - Toulouse , the city has long been a commercial crossroads between the Auvergne , Rhone and the Languedoc. The city is nestled in the middle of different Causses which form as natural barriers. However, over the 20th century, urbanisation began to extend beyond these limits.
Of the Causses, Mont Mimat [ fr ] is the most significant. The causse is overhung by the Cross of Saint Privat [ fr ]. A first wooden cross was planted in [ 9 ] or Until , this cross was the place of large gatherings in honour of Mendois soldiers.
This cross has been illuminated since the summer of At its foot lies the area of Vabre where can be found the first remains of houses in the city. Opposite this is the Causse d'Auge northeast and the Causse du Crouzet northwest , and the Margeride mountains beyond. The geology of the city of Mende is very dependent on the surrounding causses and streams that pass through them.
