Mons
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.
Jump to
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
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.
Sights in Provence
See all Sights in Provence-
Musee des tapisseries Tapestry
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.
-
The Temple of Diana, Nimes
This Roman monument may not have the grandure and scale of some of the other Roman buildings in Nimes, but is interesting and worth a visit nonetheless.
-
Collection Lambert
The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.
-
Emperi Museum in the Chateau d'Emperi
An opportunity to discover Salon's heritage and view the work of contemporary artists in the regular exhibitions held at the Château.
-
Musee Extraordinaire de Georges Mazoyer, Ansouis
Georges Mazoyer was an accomplished diver and a talented artists. In 1975 he was inspired to create a museum full of his most treasured souvenirs from the sea and as a gallery for his own art.
-
Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas
This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
Dining in [locality]
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.
Restaurants in Provence
See all Restaurants in Provence-
La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
-
Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
-
Mickael Feval Restaurant
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.
-
L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
-
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
-
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
Things to do in [locality]
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.
Things To Do in Provence
See all Things To Do in Provence-
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
-
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
-
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Where to stay in [locality]
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.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
See all Hotels in Provence-
Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €915
-
B Design & Spa Hotel, Maussane les Alpilles
A family run spa retreat in the heart of Provence offering visitors the chance to savor the best in French cuisine.
-
Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
-
Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa, Mane
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
-
Villa Gallici Hotel
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
-
Nord-Pinus Grand Hotel
Set in the heart of Arles, the Nord-Pinus was once the place of choice for artists, writers and bullfighters.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
See all Transfers for Provence-
Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
-
Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
-
Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
-
Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
-
Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
-
Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
See all Property for Sale in Provence-
-
Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
-
-
Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
-
Villa for Sale
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
Price: €5,490,000
-
New development for Sale, Val d'Isere
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Price: €4,150,000