On the edge of the Randan Forest and on the banks of the Allier lies Mons. Two circular walks offer different perspectives on the landscape: a shorter route with views of several mountain ranges and a longer trail through the Limagne plain. The area also has a layered architectural history and traces of its former milling and craft industries.
Circular Walks and Countryside
The easy “Autour de Mons” circular walk is 4.5 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 80 metres and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. At the starting point near the town hall, there is a signpost and parking. Points along the route include a fountain; there are also views of Livradois-Forez and the Chaîne des Puys. The trail passes through flower-filled meadows and by oak trees watered by the Le Buron stream.
The also-easy “De Mons à l’Allier” circular walk starts in Mons and is longer, at 12 kilometres, with an elevation gain of 165 metres and a walking time of about 3 hours and 30 minutes. It crosses the Limagne plain and offers views of the Monts du Forez and Château de Périgères. Near Port de Ris, outside Mons, the route approaches the Allier.
For day planning, the walking times can be compared directly: about 1 hour and 15 minutes for “Autour de Mons” versus around 3 hours and 30 minutes for “De Mons à l’Allier”. Both routes are rated easy, but differ considerably in length, elevation gain and time required.
Castles and Architectural History
Château de Périgères dates from the 17th century; its interior fittings also date from the 17th and 18th centuries. The château was enlarged around 1582, and construction work continued in 1660. The gatehouse also dates from the 17th century and is topped with an imperial-style roof. Under the decree of 10 February 1997, the 17th-century wing and the gatehouse have been listed as historic monuments.
Another architectural ensemble is Villa de la Presle. Built around 1880, it served both as an imposing country residence and as a model farm; the estate includes an English landscape garden. The villa is eclectic in style, combining contrasting materials with a variety of decorative elements. Its interior features include painted ceilings, stained-glass windows, fireplaces and wallpaper. The protected area covers the entire estate: decorated interiors, outbuildings, park, driveway, boundary walls, hydraulic system and park structures.
The parish church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité is also in Mons. Together with the two country estates, it adds a religious building to the picture of the town’s architectural history.
History and Local Production
Until 1537, Mons was a royal prévôté. In the 19th century, six mills operated here, supplying the entire canton with flour made from wheat, oats and rye. The local history also includes a tannery and leather goods workshop founded by Adelaïde d’Orléans. An earlier connection to Château de Périgères goes back even further: the fiefdom of Limons, which included Périgères, is mentioned as early as 1276.
Today’s food production in Mons includes the À Deux Pains d'ici bakery in Les Rigodanches. There, hand-kneaded organic sourdough bread is baked in a wood-fired oven; the bakery also makes biscuits and brioche specialities. Product selection and business operations may change.
Discover more destinations: Corent, Châteauneuf-Les-Bains, Charbonnières-Les-Vieilles, Singles, Pont-Du-Château, Saint-Beauzire, Mazaye, Égliseneuve-près-Billom.
For the broader travel overview: Puy-De-Dôme.
