Mens, Isère

Mens is a commune with 1370 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Isère, in the Rhône -Alpes. It belongs to the community association Communauté de communes de Mens.

Geography

Mens is 55 kilometers south of Grenoble and 34 kilometers south of Le Pont -de- Claix between the massifs of Vercors and Dévoluy to the streets department D66, D526 and D34.

History

Mens lies on the Roman road from Grenoble to Briançon. In Gallo -Roman period (52 BC to the 5th century ) existed before place a marketplace called Forum Neronis. In the 5th century, the relic of the Holy Mens reached the town, which was called then until the 16th century Saint- mens, but then lost her Saint. Around 1150, the Templars established himself in Mens. In the 13th century mens was the capital of the Trièves. In the 16th century mens became a center of Calvinism. In 1561, a Calvinist church was built. The population grew, there were about 1200 inhabitants of which 90% were Protestants.

Incorporations

1972 Saint- Genis was incorporated.

Personalities

Antoine Froment (* 1509 in Mens, † 1581 in Geneva ) was a Reformed clergyman and chronicler.

Culture and sights

The church of Notre -Dame was built in the 11th century. The bell tower dates from the 12th century. The transept dates from the 14th century. The church was rebuilt in the 19th century, the date 1833 is found on the southern external wall.

The partially covered place de la Halle ( marketplace ) dates from the 15th century.

There are three identical fountains from the 18th century in Mens, including one on the marketplace, one in the square at the town hall and a place on the Paul- Brachet.

In August every year the music festival takes place Mens Alors! instead.

Economy

A large part of Mensois works in agriculture and timber industry. Pastures and orchards dominate the landscape. It is cultivated cereals and operated livestock.