
Maison de la Truffe, Aups
The truffle has a long history here in Aups; for many years now they have been grown, harvested, retailed, shared and eaten.
© 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.
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.
The truffle has a long history here in Aups; for many years now they have been grown, harvested, retailed, shared and eaten.
This 12th century Cistercian monastery is an iconic scene of Provence. With fields of rows of lavender in an isolated valley leading to a beautifully solumn sanctuary, the Abbey Notre Dame de Senanque provides a glimpse back in time - if you can ignore the crowds of tourists that invariably will share the moment with you.
The Petit Palais museum owes its name to the familiar name of the Archbishops Palace in which it is installed, name that it was given by reference to the great neighbouring palace: the Palais des Papes.
Not only is this modern building home to the museum of contemporary art, but it also houses Nimes central library.
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.
Guided tours of the facilities via the stages of fabrication and an walk through the history of the brand.
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 wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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.
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.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
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.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
The Nimes Metroppole Jazz Festival brings together the best of traditional jazz right up to the more modern and contemporary styles.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
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).
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.
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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.
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.
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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.
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.
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.
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
Jet-ski, waterskiing, wakeboard, wakesurf, parachute, canoe and paddleboard, Glisse Paradise have it all!
Sun Force is located on the famous Pampelonne beach. Its owner, Pierre Tourneq, has been running this business for over 30 years, surrounded by a fully qualified team.
Bonde Lake is situated in the heart of the Luberon and offers activities and relaxation for all the family.
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
This company offers a range of outdoor activities mostly based around canyoning and rafting white water, as well as via ferrata and mountain biking experiences and snowshoe walks in the winter.
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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.
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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.
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
Discover this superb property in Provence, completely renovated, with swimming pool for a dream holiday.
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
Le Clos Jasmin is a traditional stone house located in the heart of the village, close to all amenities.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
Beautiful villa with swimming pool for seasonal rental in Grimaud - Villa Lou
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
18th century stone farmhouse on a landscaped park of approximately 1 hectare with panoramic views of the Luberon.
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
Lovely single-storey holiday house with large heated pool, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom for 4 people. In a landscaped, fenced garden (6.035m²), overlooking a field of olive trees, an authentic Borie and in a Luberion atmosphere. The house gives you an at home feeling! Tasteful decorated with all modern comfort.
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
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.
Gorgeous hotel in the centre of the Roman town of Arles. Designed to within an inch of it's life, this 18th century country house has 13 rooms decked out in white billowing fabrics and French country furniture. Think Ibiza-esque.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
This luxurious property has been lavishly renovated to overcome its austere background, whilst still retaining its sense of history.
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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.
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Set on a 2,090 m² plot in the heart of a peaceful hamlet surrounded by nature, this character-filled stone property is a true haven of tranquillity.
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Villa in the heart of the countryside - uninterrupted view of the village
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
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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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