Les Mées ( or ; Occitan: Lei Mès) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.
History The name Les Mées derives from the Latin metae, meaning 'cones' or 'pyramids', or the Occitan Lei Mèas, meaning 'millstone of wheat', referring to the shape of the rock formations that rise above the village, known as the Penitents of Les Mées. According to legend, the Penitents are monks from the Montagne de Lure who were petrified by Saint Donatus as punishment for falling in love with Moorish women brought back from a crusade. The hooded shapes of the rocks resemble a procession of monks in penance.
Geography The Bléone forms the commune's northern border, then flows into the Durance, which forms the commune's western border.
Population
See also Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department
References