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.
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
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Les Arenes, Nimes
The Nimes Roman Arena is an amphitheatre that dates back to the end of the first century AD. It is an impressive sight, with two levels of 60 superposed arches.
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Apt Cathedral
This cathedral, also known as Sainte Anne d'Apt, is believed to be built on the site where Saint Auspice was buried.
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Monastere de Saorge Monastery
Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
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Calisson Museum
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
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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.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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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.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
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.
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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.
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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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
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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: €1,243
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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.
Price: €5,640
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Nord-Pinus Grand Hotel
Set in the heart of Arles, the Nord-Pinus was once the place of choice for artists, writers and bullfighters.
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Le Mas de Peint Hotel
This 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.
Price: €2,380
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Baumaniere Hotel, Les Baux
This charming 5 star hotel offers guests the best in luxury accommodation and services whilst still retaining an air of simple, classic style.
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Terre Blanche Spa & Golf Resort Hotel, Tourrettes
This hotel is set in 300 hectares and has 115 rooms plus independent suites and villas. On site you'll find a golf academy with two 18 hole courses, and a luxury spa.
Price: €5,754