The Local Facilities

There are small hotels in the region which service the tourism industry, generally from March to October only. In addition to providing economic accommodation if required, some have good restaurants.

There are many local bars and restaurants within a short drive of Mons. Although some are seasonal they all service the local market in addition to the seasonal tourist market; in effect they are local facilities and therefore have a genuine provincial atmosphere.

The range of quality and therefore prices is wide. As a guide and indication of the menus available, the Hotel Des Deux Rocs in Seillans has a fine á la carte choice, with a three course meal typically in the range of 40 euros per head. The restaurant seats around 20 - although in Summer months dining is also available on the terrace outside the restaurant, providing a beautiful setting for al fresco meals. The kitchen and preparation area has been completely refurbished and provides an open view of chefs working, adding to the drama of dining in the restaurant. The proprietors interact with guests, particularly in choice of wine, which is extensive and can easily double the cost of a meal.

Dinner for two at the Hotel Des Deux Rocs will be in the region of 100 euros, including wine.

In contrast, two minutes walk from Des Deux Rocs is a small, local restaurant called La Chirane. This restaurant has been a local feature for many years and provides dining facilities for around a dozen covers - with at least one table always occupied by a group of local farm workers for several hours each evening who intersperse eating and drinking with singing!

A three course meal at La Chirane, including two glasses of wine - and free entertainment! - will cost around 30 euros per head.

Other recommended local restaurants are:

• Le Provencale, Fayence: around 30 euros per head including wine.
• Restaurant L’Olivier, Fayence: meals under 20 euros, excluding wine.
• Restaurant Moulin de Camadoule, near Fayence: meals around 40 euros, excluding wine.

There are many restaurants in the region, with local bars also often serving basic food. There are prices to suit every pocket from gourmet to rustic and countless opportunities to sample the local food and atmosphere. A favourite drive is to Bargeme, about half an hour from Mons. Bargeme is a tiny mountain top village with spectacular views across the valley. And a short distance from Bargeme in Chateauvieux is Restaurant la Gruppi. Robert, the proprietor, runs this rustic restaurant with his mother waiting on tables. For true Provence atmosphere and excellent fare La Gruppi is not to be missed. For around 30 euros, excluding wine, the home grown, home prepared and home cooked food is second to none. Robert, his mum and our lunch are shown in this section! Well worth a visit and to make a reservation telephone 04 94 76 81 26.

The region also boasts a Michelin 5 star restaurant in Le Castelliaras, which is half way between Fayence and Seillans.

Skiing and swimming

There are several ski resorts within an hour to an hour and a half drive from Mons. And half an hour back down the valley towards Cannes and Nice is a favourite recreation place for children: Lac de St. Cassien, where swimming, pedalos and a water park intersperse beautiful walks around the lake.

Golf

There is also access to a large number of golf courses in the area.

• Golf de Beauvallon-Grimaud: 04 94 96 16 98
• Golf Estérel-Latitudes: 04 94 52 68 30
• Golf de Roquebrune-s-Argens: 04 94 19 60 35
• Golf de Saint-Endréol: 04 94 51 89 89
• Golf de Sainte-Maxime: 04 94 55 02 02
• Gold de Taulane: 04 93 60 31 30
• Golf de Terre Blanche: 04 94 39 90 00
• Golf de Valescure: 04 94 82 40 46