Attractions and Places To See around Montfort - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Montfort include a variety of natural monuments, scenic viewpoints, and historical sites. This region, situated in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, offers diverse landscapes from dramatic rock formations to mountain passes. Visitors can explore unique geological features and discover historical architecture, making it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in cultural heritage. The area provides opportunities for hiking and exploring significant landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Montfort
- The most popular attractions…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Col d'Espinouse
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The Penitents of Les Mées
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Abbey Church of Cruis
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À Pas de la Graille (1597m)
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View over Les Mées
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Tips from the Community
Very beautiful views while climbing the Espinouse. However, on the way down from the Col de l'Orme, when you take the road on the left, the road is very dangerous; you have to be very careful; we pass through the middle of farms, among other things.
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The spectacular Pénitents were sculpted by erosion in the pudding, a rock made up of pebbles torn from the Alps during their elevation and dumped here by rivers over a period ranging from 2 to 12 million years. Legend has it that these are monks who were petrified because they turned around when beautiful Moorish women passed by...
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Very spectacular hike above the cliffs of Les Mees, with great views. However, good sure-footedness (sturdy shoes) and a head for heights are absolutely necessary!
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The Col d'Espinouse culminates at 838m. From Bras d'Asse, the longest side is available to you with a 10.5 km climb. This pass is relatively easy with an average slope of barely 3.5%, only its length can tire you. The last km is the most sustained with an average of 6% which can hurt your thighs after 9 km of ascent
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The Pas de la Graille is the name of the pass that climbs the Montagne de Lure, so dear to Jean Giono. Lighthouse of the Provençal hinterland, this mountain is the discreet little sister of Mont Ventoux and culminates at 1826 meters. It is a great playground for lovers of outdoor activities. The climb is a regular feature on the program of the Paris-Nice cycling races or the Tour de Provence. On the south side, departing from Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues, corresponding to this segment, you will have to face 1082 meters of elevation over a distance of 18 kilometers, i.e. an average gradient of 6% with a fairly regular climb. On the north side, from Valbelle, the road is generally longer and the climb seems less steep on paper when considered as a whole. It is however characterized by a significant irregularity, and offers steeper passages that can climb up to 10% slope.
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Nestled at an altitude of 711m at the foot of the Montagne de Lure, classified among the "Cities and villages of character", this small town was built around an abbey founded in the 11th century. All that remains of this abbey now is the cloister and an elegant Romanesque church with a slate roof and richly endowed furniture for such a small village. From the 16th to the 19th century, Cruis was an important center for peddlers and druggists whose activity consisted of traveling the mountains to pick aromatic or medicinal plants and resell them on the market. Thanks to this rich past, the village has retained a certain cachet offering a network of small flowery streets, squares with fountains or washhouses, and old houses with stone facades and roofs in harmonious colors.
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With nearly 80,000 olive trees, Les Mées is the largest olive-growing commune in the Alpes de Haute-Provence. From up there we have a beautiful view of the old town and its wild surroundings.
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Very nice climb with a superb panorama!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Montfort?
The region around Montfort, specifically in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, is rich in natural beauty. A must-see is The Penitents of Les Mées, spectacular rock formations sculpted by erosion, offering breathtaking views across the Durance River valley. Another notable spot is Col d'Espinouse, a mountain pass providing panoramic views of the French Maritime Alps.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks near Montfort?
Yes, the area offers several historical and cultural sites. The Abbey Church of Cruis, nestled at 711m, is a significant Romanesque church with a rich history as a former center for peddlers and druggists. Beyond Montfort, you can explore the impressive citadel of Sisteron, the historic monuments of Forcalquier, or the 5th-century baptistery in Riez.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Montfort area is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, running, and cycling. For instance, there are challenging gravel biking routes like the 'Les Mées Mountains – Les Mées loop' or easier running loops directly from Montfort. You can explore more options on the Gravel biking around Montfort, Running Trails around Montfort, and Cycling around Montfort guide pages.
Are there any good viewpoints to appreciate the landscape?
Absolutely. Besides the panoramic views from Col d'Espinouse, the View over Les Mées offers beautiful perspectives of the old town and its extensive olive groves. The hike around The Penitents of Les Mées also provides breathtaking vistas of the Durance River valley.
What are the best hiking trails around Montfort?
For hikers, the area around The Penitents of Les Mées offers spectacular trails, though they require sturdy hiking shoes, good sure-footedness, and a head for heights due to narrow paths and rolling stones. For a different experience, the Montagne de Lure, accessible via passes like À Pas de la Graille (1597m), provides a great playground for outdoor enthusiasts with varying terrain.
When is the best time to visit Montfort and its surroundings?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring historical sites. If you wish to see the famous lavender fields of Valensole, located about 25 km south, they are especially picturesque during their blooming season, typically in late June and early July.
Are there any family-friendly activities or places to visit?
While specific 'family-friendly' categories aren't highlighted, many natural sites and villages offer enjoyable experiences for families. Exploring the unique rock formations at The Penitents of Les Mées can be an adventurous outing for older children, and walks through charming villages like Lurs or Forcalquier provide a relaxed atmosphere for all ages.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Montfort?
Visitors frequently praise the spectacular natural landscapes and panoramic views. The unique geological formations of The Penitents of Les Mées and the expansive vistas from Col d'Espinouse are often highlighted. The tranquility and beauty of the less-traveled passes like À Pas de la Graille (1597m) also receive positive feedback for their uncrowded climbs and magnificent views.
Can I find cycling routes that include some of these attractions?
Yes, the region is popular for cycling. The Montagne de Lure, which includes passes like À Pas de la Graille (1597m), is a regular feature in professional cycling races like Paris-Nice or the Tour de Provence. You can find various cycling routes, including challenging ones like the 'Field of Yellow Flowers loop from Montfort', on the Cycling around Montfort guide page.
Are there any charming towns or villages to visit nearby?
Yes, several charming towns and villages are within easy reach of Montfort. Lurs is a small village with significant character, while Sisteron is known for its impressive citadel. Forcalquier offers interesting historic monuments, and Digne-les-Bains is a spa town with a medieval center worth exploring. Manosque is a bustling town recommended for a stroll through its streets.
What are some lesser-known gems or unique experiences in the Montfort area?
Beyond the main highlights, the Abbey Church of Cruis is a beautiful, historically rich site often considered a hidden gem. Its setting at the foot of the Montagne de Lure and its network of small, flowery streets offer a unique glimpse into the region's past as a center for plant gatherers. Exploring the less-traveled roads and passes, such as À Pas de la Graille (1597m), also provides a sense of discovery away from the crowds.
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