At m, 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 km away. 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 D 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 D 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. 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.
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. Once you have reached the village you will find parking easy to come by, most likely on the Place St.
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.
