Attractions and Places To See around Aups - Top 20

Aups is a gateway to the stunning Verdon Natural Park. You can visit the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, often called the 'European Grand Canyon,' for activities like hiking, rafting, and canyoning. Just a few kilometers away is the Lac de Sainte-Croix, France's third-largest artificial lake, perfect for swimming, pedal boating, and canoeing. Don't miss the spectacular Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans, a 42-meter waterfall nestled in a green setting, offering refreshing walks and views from a dedicated platform.

Aups boasts a rich history. Explore the Historic Centre of Aups with its medieval streets, ancient fountains, and the Gothic Collegiate Church of Saint-Pancrace. You can also see remnants of medieval ramparts and the 16th-century Clock Tower with its distinctive wrought-iron campanile. For art and history, visit the Simon Segal Museum of Contemporary Art and the Musée de la Résistance, both housed in the former Ursuline convent.

The region around Aups offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and running. For instance, explore the 'Sainte-Madeleine Cave – Historic Centre of Aups loop' for hiking or the 'Les Barrages du Verdon Loop' for a challenging MTB ride. You can find more details on routes like these in the Hiking around Aups, MTB Trails around Aups, and Running Trails around Aups guides.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans offers an easy, refreshing walk to a viewing platform. The village of Cotignac, with its unique rock dwellings, is also considered family-friendly. The Lac de Sainte-Croix provides various water sports like swimming and pedal boating that families can enjoy together. Exploring the medieval streets of the Historic Centre of Aups can also be an engaging experience for children.

For stunning panoramic views, visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde Chapel in Baudinard. Located atop the Haute Eouvière hill, it offers an incredible vista of Lake Sainte-Croix. The Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans also has a viewing platform that provides excellent perspectives of the waterfall and its surroundings.

Aups is renowned as the 'Truffle Capital' of Provence. You can delve into the world of truffles at the Maison de la Truffe, located in the former 17th-century Hospice Saint-Jacques. During winter, Aups hosts a famous black truffle market every Thursday morning from mid-November to mid-March. Beyond truffles, the village offers traditional Provençal markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, featuring local produce, artisanal crafts, and fresh flowers.

Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and historical charm. The refreshing mist at the Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans and the incredible views of Lac de Sainte-Croix from the Notre-Dame de la Garde Chapel are highly appreciated. Many also enjoy strolling through the beautiful, medieval-looking Historic Centre of Aups, noting its unique Gothic church and charming streets.

Yes, Aups itself preserves remnants of its medieval ramparts and ruins of a fortified castle dating from the 11th to 16th centuries, including the Saracen Tower (Porte des Aires). A short distance away, you can visit Entrecasteaux Castle, a private château from the 11th and 17th centuries with a French-style garden, offering a glimpse into historical architecture and richly furnished interiors.

While the Gorges du Verdon can be popular, you can find quieter spots by exploring some of the smaller villages and natural areas surrounding Aups. Consider visiting the Sainte-Madeleine Cave via hiking loops around Aups for a blend of history and nature. The region's numerous olive groves and vineyards also offer peaceful opportunities for tasting local products away from the main tourist hubs.

The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for exploring the natural and historical sites around Aups, with fewer crowds than the peak summer season. If you are interested in the famous truffle market, plan your visit between mid-November and mid-March. Summer is ideal for water activities at Lac de Sainte-Croix and enjoying the refreshing air near the Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans, though attractions can be more crowded.

Absolutely. In Aups, the Simon Segal Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in the chapel of the former Ursuline convent, features a significant collection of contemporary paintings, including works by Russian painter Simon Segal. Additionally, the Musée de Faykod offers a unique experience with over fifty sculptures in white Carrara marble by artist Maria de Faykod, set within a lush green sculpture park that is open year-round.