Lozère, situated in the south of France, is a department in the
Occitanie region. It is named after Mont Lozère and is bordered by five departments across two regions: Cantal, Haute-Loire, and Ardèche in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and Gard and Aveyron in Occitanie. With department number 48, Lozère is known for its rugged geography, which includes four distinct mountain ranges. To the northwest, the basalt plateau of Aubrac ascends between 1,000 and 1,450 metres. In the north and northeast, the granite-formed Margeride mountains have peaks between 1,000 and 1,550 metres. The Causses are a series of arid limestone plateaux in the south-west, while the south-east features the Cévennes, home to the highest point in the department, the granite Mont Lozère at 1,702 metres.
Discover Lozère - Houses & Lifestyle in Lozère
Lozère, situated in the south of France, is a department in the
Occitanie region. It is named after Mont Lozère and is bordered by five departments across two regions: Cantal, Haute-Loire, and Ardèche in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and Gard and Aveyron in Occitanie. With department number 48, Lozère is known for its rugged geography, which includes four distinct mountain ranges. To the northwest, the basalt plateau of Aubrac ascends between 1,000 and 1,450 metres. In the north and northeast, the granite-formed Margeride mountains have peaks between 1,000 and 1,550 metres. The Causses are a series of arid limestone plateaux in the south-west, while the south-east features the Cévennes, home to the highest point in the department, the granite Mont Lozère at 1,702 metres.
Rural Economy and Farming
Lozère is a rural department with relatively little land taken up by roads and buildings. The main activities are cattle farming and tourism, as there is little agricultural activity in Lozère due to poor soil quality. The hardy Aubrac is the most commonly farmed breed of cattle in this area.
The Town of Mende
Mende is the only significant town in Lozère, with a population of 12,464 as of 2023. Despite its rural setting, Lozère has one of the lowest unemployment rates in France, which may be attributed to the enforced long-standing tradition of young people moving to cities when they reach working age.
Outdoor Activities and Tourism
Tourist activities in Lozère include caving and various sports such as skiing and kayaking. The department covers part of the Cévennes National Park and is regarded as one of France's top areas for trout fishing. Rivers like the Lot,
Tarn, and Truyère are especially known for their trout populations.
Key Information about the Lozère (48)
- Main City/Prefecture: Mende
- Nearest Airport: Rodez-Aveyron Airport or Toulouse
- Population: Around 77,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 5,167 sq. kilometres and 1,995 sq. miles
- Landmark: Gorges du Tarn, a spectacular canyon offering hiking, kayaking, and dramatic views.
- Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 700,000, attracted by its pristine nature, small villages, and outdoor adventures.
Property Prices in Lozère in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,311 (April 2026)
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €1,377 (April 2026)
- Price trends: 0% over the last 12 months, +18% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Lozère in 2026
- Average House Price in Mende: €1,666 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Marvejols: €1,313 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Saint‑Chély‑d’Apcher: €1,100 per sq. metre (April 2026)
(source:
Le Figaro)
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