In Mens’s historic district, the Musée du Trièves brings together local and landscape history in exhibitions spanning from prehistory to the present day. Outdoor activities offer a different focus: the Tour de Villette leads through wheat fields, marshes and pine forests; other options range from a flat forest trail to orienteering courses. This lets you choose between different focuses, from local history and trail conditions to nature themes.
History in the historic district
The Musée du Trièves is located in Mens’s historic district and presents permanent and temporary exhibitions. Topics include the landscapes of the Trièves, early human settlements, rural heritage and village life. Artists who spent time in the area are also featured: Jean Giono, Edith Berger and Emile Gilioli. The exhibitions span from prehistory to the present day, offering different perspectives on the region across time.
Les Amis du Musée offer a guided tour of Mens’s historic center. If you would like to explore the town on a walking tour, this is an option to consider; the Musée du Trièves, by contrast, focuses on permanent and temporary exhibitions. The two offerings therefore differ in format: a guided tour of the center on the one hand, and exhibitions exploring regional themes on the other.
Trails and orienteering
The Tour de Villette is a family hike through wheat fields, marshes and pine forests. It starts at Place Paul Brachet in the center of Mens and is marked with yellow PR signs. This gives you both the starting point and the route markings to note when planning your hike.
The Sentier de la Ronde du Chatel offers a different kind of trail: it is wide, flat and safe, and accessible to families with strollers, seniors and people with limited mobility. In the forest, the route offers huts, land art and opportunities to observe wildlife. These features can help you choose between a family hike through varied landscapes and a flat forest trail with activities along the way.
For trips on bus route T95, Place Robert Brachet is relevant: its terminus is located there. Schedules may change, so check the timetable before traveling. The Tour de Villette starts separately, at Place Paul Brachet in the center of Mens.
Nature trails and orienteering courses
The Centre écologique Terre vivante combines a natural setting with ecological gardens in a 50-hectare woodland. The Centre includes the 2 km Sentier du 6ème sens, a family experience through cool, shaded woodland. Another activity there is La Visite dont vous êtes le héros: a fun family trail where you solve a puzzle. The nature trail and puzzle course offer different experiences—one focuses on the woodland setting and trail length, while the other centers on solving a puzzle together.
The Parcours d'orientation découverte de Mens offers three formats: an orienteering course for adults exploring the village of Mens, a fun family course through the village, and a course focused on the natural heritage of Etang du Marais. You can then choose whether to explore Mens through orienteering, take a family course in the village, or focus on the natural heritage of Etang du Marais.
Local products and events
Le Raccourci is a shop selling local food from producers and craft businesses in the Trièves. The direct-sales outlet is at Place de la Mairie in Mens. The Foire du 1er Mai features regional products, agricultural equipment, farm animals, plants and flowers, textiles, crafts from around the world, sweets and attractions for children. Check the fair’s annual program before traveling. It combines a wide range of goods with other market attractions, while Le Raccourci focuses on direct sales of local food.
If you plan to visit Le Raccourci, check its opening hours beforehand. Also check the T95 timetable before traveling.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: La Terrasse, Pommiers-La-Placette, Thodure, Allemond, Saint-Martin-Le-Vinoux, Chozeau, Châtelus, Saint-Nizier-Du-Moucherotte.
Go to the main travel overview: Isere.
