Mons: Hiking Trails, the Allier and Heritage

Mons lies on the banks of the Allier and at the edge of the Randan Forest. Explore the surrounding area on two circular routes of different lengths, while local buildings and history tell the story of different eras. Plan your stay around the landscape, hiking and heritage.

Hiking Trails Around Mons

The easy “Autour de Mons” circular trail is 4.5 kilometres long, has 80 metres of elevation gain and takes about one hour and 15 minutes. There is a signpost and parking near the starting point by the town hall. The route passes through flowering meadows and oak trees watered by the Le Buron stream. A fountain and views of Livradois-Forez and the Chaîne des Puys are among its other highlights.

For a longer walk, “De Mons à l’Allier” is another option. This easy circular trail starts in Mons, is 12 kilometres long and has 165 metres of elevation gain; it takes about three 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, the route approaches the Allier.

The differences in distance and time help with planning your day: “Autour de Mons” is the shorter loop, while “De Mons à l’Allier” takes considerably longer. Both duration estimates are approximate. The trails also offer different landscapes: meadows, oak trees and a fountain on one route, and the Limagne plain and views of the Monts du Forez on the other.

Cultural History and Buildings

Until 1537, Mons was a royal prévôté (administrative district). In the 19th century, the town had six mills that supplied the entire canton with flour made from wheat, oats and rye. Local history also includes a tannery and leather goods workshop founded by Adelaïde d’Orléans. These chapters link the history of local administration with the former processing of grain and leather.

Château de Périgères is a 17th-century château, with interiors dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The château was extended around 1582, and construction resumed in 1660. The gatehouse also dates from the 17th century and is topped with an imperial roof. The protection order of 10 February 1997 covers the 17th-century wing and the gatehouse. The former fief of Limons, to which Périgères belonged, is also mentioned as early as 1276.

The Villa de la Presle offers a different perspective on architectural and landscape history. Built around 1880, it served both as a grand country residence and as a model farm; the estate includes an English-style landscape park. The villa features an eclectic architectural style, with contrasting materials and varied decorative details. Inside are painted ceilings, stained-glass windows, fireplaces and wallpaper.

The villa’s protection covers the entire estate: this includes the decorated interiors, outbuildings and park, as well as the access avenue, enclosures, hydraulic system and park structures. The protected area therefore extends beyond the main building. Mons is also home to the parish church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité.

Local Production

Artisan food production is also part of the local scene. À Deux Pains d'ici makes organic sourdough bread at its bakery in Les Rigodanches, Mons, kneading it by hand and baking it in a wood-fired oven. The range also includes biscuits and brioche specialities. Products and business operations may change, so if you are interested, check what is currently available before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Orcival, Naves, Champeix, Vernet-La-Varenne, Saint-Beauzire, Le Monestier, Pontaumur, Tauves.

For the broader travel guide: Puy-De-Dôme.