Located in the former province of Gévaudan, Mende is the administrative center of the Lozère department. In the 12th century, it was an integral part of the County of Barcelona. In 1161, the Bishop of Mende directed the Diocese of Gevaudan and paid homage to King Louis VII of France. A royal edict granted him the title of Count of Gévaudan, with all prerogatives and powers. The bishop had ramparts built in Mende to assert his status. The boulevard that surrounds the historic center of the city today follows their lines.