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).
Explore Mens
France This Way review: Mens is a small town and a stroll around the centre to see the traditional houses and market hall will not take you long - the highlights are very close together - but is a pleasant detour if you are passing
A small town, Mens is in a quiet, reasonably unvisited location (it is quite isolated). The town has a picturesque centre, centred around an open square that contains a traditional market hall (note the impressive carpentry work in the roof). The weekly market is held under the hall each saturday morning.
There is 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.
All photos by M Latreille (see 1 2 3 for copyright).
Attractions nearby
The ecologically minded will 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.
In the mountains not far from Mens you can visit the important pilgrimage centre at Notre-Dame-de-Salette.
You can find more travel ideas in the Isere guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
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Hotels in Mens
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Map of Mens and places nearby
Visit near Mens with France This Way reviews
Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette
The church and mountainous setting of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette are the second most important pilgrimage destination in France
Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette guide
Vizille
Most visitors to Vizille are attracted by the Chateau de Vizille and its associated gardens
Vizille guide
Alpe-d'Huez
The well known ski station of Alpe d'Huez is also famous for the Tour de France mountain climb that takes place here
Alpe-d'Huez guide
Valgaudemar Valley
The valley of Valgaudemar is one of many picturesque natural highlughts in the high Alps region
Valgaudemar Valley guide
Deux-Alpes
Les DeuxAlpes is one of the longest established and most popular Alpine ski resorts
Deux-Alpes guide
Gap
Not a major tourist destination, in Gap we suggest you take a stroll around the attractive Place Jean-Marcellin
Gap guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Isere
Address: Mens, Grenoble, Rhone-Alpes, 38710, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.817778, longitude 5.751111
Plan your visit to Mens, Isere
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Mont Aiguille: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Cirque d'Archiane: site of natural beauty (21 km)
- Poligny: town of art and history (27 km)
- Ruines de Séchilienne: site of natural beauty (27 km)
- Vercors: regional natural parc (28 km)
- Parc du château de Vizille: remarkable garden (29 km)
- Domaine de Charance: remarkable garden (36 km)
- Cascade du Moulin-Marquis: site of natural beauty (36 km)
- Gorges de la Bourne: site of natural beauty (37 km)
- Grottes de Choranche: site of natural beauty (40 km)
- Grenoble: town of art and history (41 km)
- Mont Jalla: site of natural beauty (43 km)
The French version of this page is at Mens (Francais)