Mens

Visit Mens, Rhone-Alpes

The town of Mens is about 50 kilometres south of Grenoble and to the south of the Isere department in the Rhone-Alpes region of south-east France. Mens was once capital of the historical region known as Trièves (along with neighbouring Clelles and Monestier-de-Clermont).

Exploring Mens

A small town, Mens is in a quiet, reasonably unvisited location (it is quite isolated). The town has a picturesque centre that merits exploration, centred around the open square in the centre that contains a traditional market hall (note the impressive carpentry work in the roof).

There is also a fountain in the square, and the Church of Notre-Dame stands in one corner, with a large 19th century sundial on one wall. See also the temple and its square belltower, and stroll around enjoying the very traditonal houses of the Isere / Rhone-Alps region.

There is also an art-deco cafe with some unusual wall paintings,

While here be sure to find time to try the local speciality -  called a bouffette, it consists of two local speciality biscuits sandwiched together with a sweet creamy filling.

The history of the Trièves region is explained in a small museum in the town.

Local activities

The ecologically minded will also enjoy a visit to the Ecology Centre called Terre Vivante just outside Mens, to learn more about protecting the environment, using renewable energy sources and biological gardening techniques.

There is a great deal of unspoiled countryside and scenery to be discovered in the mountains and valleys nearby, and Mens is popular with those wishing to explore the Trieves region. Hiking, cycling and watersports are among the most popular ways to explore, with rockclimbing and paragliding for the more adventurous - or bungee jumping from the bridge at Ponsonnas.

See Rhone-Alpes and Isere (the region and department for Mens) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Mens, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Pont-en-Royans 42km; Ecrins National Park 49km;

Mens tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Cirque d'Archiane - site of natural beauty (21km) : Poligny - town of art and history (27km) : Vercors - regional natural parc (28km) : Parc du château de Vizille - remarkable garden (29km) : Domaine de Charance - remarkable garden (36km) : Grottes de Choranche - site of natural beauty (40km) : Jardin du musée Hébert - remarkable garden (43km) : Saint-Gervais - ville fleurie 4* (48km) :

See more places and a map at places near Mens