Mons
Last update on
Oct 13, 2026
Leaving Fayence, take a narrow winding road (D563) and you will discover Mons. At an altitude of 800 m, it's one of the highest villages in the Var.
Discover the hilltop village of Mons in the Var
Mons emerges from a forest of oak and pine trees, perched on a rocky outcrop. The village of Mons sits at an elevation of 814 meters. It is one of the highest hilltop villages in the Var, right in the heart of the Pays de Fayence.
A visit to Mons begins with a trip to Place Saint-Sébastien. Its orientation table offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes, the Estérel Mountains, and the entire French Riviera. On a clear day, you can even see Corsica in the distance.
Designated a “village of character,” Mons in the Var has preserved its historic center and stone houses. Must-sees in Mons include a Roman aqueduct, chapels, and, to the north, Mount Lachens. This viewpoint at 1,715 meters is the highest point in the Var region of Provence.
The village’s History
Historically, Mons was built on a site occupied since prehistoric times, where the Romans constructed an aqueduct (still visible in Rochetaillée). It later belonged to the Principality of Callian in the 11th century before becoming a fief of the Villeneuve family until the Revolution.
A very pleasant village
Far from the crowds, noise, and pollution, Mons is a peaceful haven with fresh air, where it is a real pleasure to stroll through the picturesque narrow streets and admire the sturdy old stone houses, some of which still bear traces of the Middle Ages.
The entire village is charming, well-maintained, and largely restored, as evidenced by the population, which has been steadily growing since the 1960s.
Place Saint Sébastien
In the summer, the terraces of Place Saint Sébastien, cooled by their beautiful fountains, come alive. This vast square captivates visitors with its panoramic view; an orientation map allows for a detailed exploration of the landscape, taking in Cannes and Mount Faron, the Lérins Islands and the Estérel, and as far as Saint-Tropez or Corsica on a clear day.
Mont Lachens
The highest peak in the Var department, Mont Lachens, rises to an elevation of 1,715 meters within the town’s boundaries—a must-see for hiking enthusiasts in Provence!
What to see
Notre-Dame church, 13th-17th century (altarpieces listed in the inventory of historical monuments and two processional crosses, also listed).
Chapel of Saint-Sebastien des Pénitents Blancs (17th century), part of which houses the mayor's office: Penitents triptych and furniture.
The saracen gate.
The Marine et montagne museum (scale models of ships made by an artist from Mons, Robert Audibert).
In the surrounding area: The gorges of the Siagne and the Siagnole Rochetaillée, dolmens, hill fort, Beauregard castle.
Things to do
Hiking, horse riding, mountain biking (pony club at Beauregard castle).
Fishing (trout rivers), water sports at lake St Cassien.
ULM Center (20 km).
Delta Plane at Lachens (25 km).
Hotels
Discover hotels in this Provençal town and the surrounding area: prices, reviews, and availability. Whether you're looking for charming hotels or convenient options, compare and choose on Expedia.
Airbnb
A villa perched at an elevation of 700 m in the Chesnaye estate, between Fayence and Mons, offering panoramic views of the hilltop villages of the Fayence region and cooler nights than on the coast.
Four bedrooms for eight people, a 10 × 4.5 m heated pool installed in 2025, a 60 m² terrace, a covered terrace for dining, a barbecue, and a ping-pong table—shops are ten minutes away, with hiking trails and golf courses nearby.
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Your questions about the village of Mons
You've sent us several questions about this hilltop village in the Var. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
How to visit the village of Mons?
To visit Mons, start at the tourist office on Place Saint-Sébastien. There you can pick up a village map and the official heritage trail. The walk starts from the free parking lot on the square.
The trail leads you from the old center through the cobbled lanes. Along the way, 35 wrought-iron signs recall the village's former trades. Every Friday morning, a local guide leads a tour of Mons, by reservation.
To explore the countryside, hiking is the top activity. The Riens megalith trail starts from the square and suits families. In summer, check whether the forest areas are open before you set out.
What are the main attractions in Mons?
The church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption tops the list of things to see in Mons. Construction began in 1260, and its bells are among the oldest in the Var. Nearby, the Chapel of the White Penitents dates from 1604 and now houses the town hall.
This "village de caractère" has no museum. The Maison Monsoise, however, serves as a home for local heritage and memory. Outside the village, the Saint-Pierre chapel leads to the Riens dolmen, more than 4,000 years old.
This Neolithic monument has a rare pointed-arch entrance. On the road to Fayence, the Roche Taillée Roman aqueduct rounds out the visit. For the panorama, nothing beats the viewpoint on Place Saint-Sébastien.
Where is Mons in the Var?
Mons lies in the Var department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, within the Pays de Fayence. On a map, the town borders the Alpes-Maritimes department. The hilltop village sits at an altitude of 814 meters (2,671 feet).
Fayence is 14 kilometers (9 miles) away. Draguignan lies about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the southwest. For an overnight stay, the village mainly offers vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts with views.
What practical information should you know about Mons?
The Mons town hall is on Rue Jean Vadon. For any inquiry, call +33 4 94 39 22 39 or email mairie-mons83@wanadoo.fr. Opening hours are posted on the website mairie-mons83.fr.
The population is just over 800 residents, known as the Monsois. The village still has a bakery, a grocery store, restaurants, and a media library. Free parking lots are less than a five-minute walk from the pedestrian center.
What is the climate like in Mons?
Mons has a warm temperate climate with dry summers. The altitude keeps temperatures cooler, even in peak season. Wind often sweeps across the rocky spur.
Winters are harsher than on the coast, with about forty days of frost a year. This is also the season of clear skies, when Corsica appears on the horizon. Before you go, check the Mons weather forecast for current conditions.
How to get to Mons?
By car, the easiest route is the A8 highway. Take exit 39 toward Fayence, then drive through town. The D563 road then climbs through the forest up to the village.
By public transportation, a regional bus line connects Mons to Fayence. The nearest train stations are in Cannes and Les Arcs-Draguignan. For a camping trip, the Pays de Fayence tourist office can point you in the right direction.
What events take place in Mons?
In mid-August, the village festival fills Place Saint-Sébastien for three days. A procession, an aioli lunch, pétanque, and dances set the pace. During the festival, park outside the village.
In summer, the Irréductibles Monsois association also hosts its own events. On the program: the Fiero Largado, a pottery market, and a shared banquet under the stars. For the calendar and local news, follow the tourist office or the town's PanneauPocket app.
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