© seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
© Seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
© seeprovence.com
Peaceful village in Provence with wonderful views down to the coast
At 814m, Mons is likely the most elevated village in the department of the Var. Some 50km north-east of Draguignan, and close to the border of the Alpes Maritime (Riviera) it sits high up in splendid isolation looking down on nearby Fayence or farther to the south, to the Mediterranean coast. On a good day you can even spot Corsica, roughly 200km away.
Apart from such splendid views, why would you want to make the trip over narrow winding mountain roads to tiny Mons, which has just over 680 inhabitants, no weekly market, no fancy boutiques, no starred restaurants, no supermarkets and just one or two cafés? The answer is that Mons is an oasis of calm, at even the peak of the highest season, and is such a quiet and charming village.
The reason why it's so laid back and blessedly free from lines of tourist buses may have something to do with the access road. The easiest way to reach Mons is by way of Fayence and the D563 road. Even then you need to keep constant vigilance as you approach each bend in the narrow road that passes in between rocks and ravines.
An even better, but yet more challenging access is by way of Callian and the D37 and D56. This one-car-wide route leads through the spectacular Gorges de la Siagne, with its limestone rocks, deeply carved canyons and refreshing streams and waterfalls. Even during a drought, the Siagne still runs, though at a trickle. The road also passes the Roche Taillée, a (small) Roman Aqueduct that transports to this day the waters around Mons to the coast town of Fréjus.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
Within the village, there is a small municipal museum in one of the old houses - check at the tourist office for opening times. There is a token entry fee.
The village church dates back to the 13th century, with additions made between the 15th - 17th centuries. You may come across the Musée Marine and Montagne, which has a collection of matchstick model ships on display - opening hours are at the discretion of the owner.
There are one or two shops and delis - honey seems to be one of the main local products. A couple of artisan workshops can be found in the village - pottery, glass blowing and painting.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
The Musee des Tapisseries houses a rich collection of 17th and 18th Century tapestries, including a collection called 'Grotesques' - theatrical taspestrie made in Beauvais cir. 1689, and also 'L'histoire de Don Quichotte' of 1735 unique in the world.
There are a handful of cafés and restaurants where you can sit and enjoy the peace and the relaxed pace of life that exists here.
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
With a very impressive selection of over 100 cheeses and 200 different wines there will be something for nearly every palette at this well presented establishment.
Big tasty burgers, great home cooked meals and enticing deserts. This hidden gem is a must for anyone visiting the old town.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
Once you have reached the village you will find parking easy to come by, most likely on the Place St. Sébastien at the end of the plateau, where you can visit the tourist office and, above all, the orientation table from where you can have the spectacular views earlier described. The building beyond the tourist office is a school.
The countryside around Mons offers hiking trails - the Grand Randonee GR49 passes directly through Mons and takes you either to Rougon in the north, or Saint Raphael on the coast. The tourist office can advise on guided nature walking tours throughout the Var, they can also advise on canyoning, potholing, horse riding, rock climbing and via ferrata.
Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
This pyramidal peak features in over 60 of Paul Cezannes paintings. The light and the colours are a dream for artists, and non-artists can also enjoy the scenery via the lattice of walking trails that cross the mountain slopes.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
Plenty of clay tennis courts are available at the Aix Country Club. It provide lessons and coaching, and there is a pro shop too. Other facilities include a pool and a gym.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
Tour Designer in Provence provide tailor made tours of the best of Provence with day trips and walking tours on offer.
Following the Calavon river, this 28km long path was previously a railway track and is a great way to explore the hilltop villages around the area.
This half-day circuit takes you away from the bustle of the city and into the countryside, passing some historical landmarks along the way.
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
This ride is bursting with colour and vibrant views; starting off in the pretty little village of Roussillon it passes through the vivid landscape of the Ochre region, an area characterised by its deep red soil and golden wheat fields.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
Regarded as one of the more difficult trails of the Verdon region, the l'Imbut trail is perfectly manageable for the competent hiker with the use of the fixed cables and ladders.
An interesting site not to be missed whilst in Provence. The wonderful views of the Villecroze caves and impressive scenery will take your breath away.
A 5-7 day walk leaving near the coast and making its way up the Verdon Gorge through the heart of the Verdon natural park.
This walking route is for strong walkers or hikers, and can be completed in anywhere from 8-10 days.
An great easy walk for the days after rain fall to avoid the mud. Passing by the Chapel Toutes Aures, nestled in an olive grove.
A lovely natural lake surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Var. The lake is perfect for a pedaloe trip rather than an adrenaline filled water sport, but it means it is perfect for families!
Range of water sports and outdoor activities proposed by a professional guiding company.
Cable park on Lake Rabinon (5 hectares) where you can water ski, knee board, and wake board.
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
There is nowhere to stay actually in the village of Mons and the surrounding area is pretty sparse for accommodations. However, in a 10 mile radius there are enough hotels, chambre d'hôtes, gites and villa and apartment rentals to choose from, of varying quality.
The Capitaine is an apartment located on the 2nd floor, its exposure is ideal for holidays in Provence, beautiful atmosphere.
Former 17th century farmhouse in Bonnieux, fully restored by a renowned architect.
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Come and discover this house with large swimming pool, near Bonnieux, for a holiday in the heart of nature.
Beautiful holiday villa with swimming pool for rent in the South of France, near the village of Bonnieux in Provence.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
House for rent in Provence with swimming pool, terrace and garden.
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
Holiday house with pool located in the heart of the Luberon.
Wonderful holiday rental farmhouse in Bonnieux, in the Luberon’s golden triangle, with swimming pool and a lovely, unobstructed view of the countryside.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Ideally situated between Aix en Provence and Avignon,this traditional mas has been renovated and the owners now invite you to enjoy the pleasures of Provence in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere. The Domaine de Mejeans has five independent bedrooms situated on the first floor; they are theme furnished and decorated individually. Each room has an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, TV and hair dryer. Towels and bath robes are provided. Room service is available on request: snacks,drinks etc. and outside, there is a lovely pool for relaxing or taking a cooling drink.
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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