Aups | Tourism 04 Alpes Haute Provence

The Aups truffle

Famous for its black diamond, Aups plunges you into the world of truffles, a true Provencal treasure! Try the unique experience offered by this charming village, where truffles perfume every alleyway, inviting you on a delicious gastronomic adventure in the heart of Provence.

The fountains and washhouses circuit

Discover the history and authenticity of Provence by exploring the Aups fountain and washhouse circuit, a refreshing stroll through the heart of the local heritage.

Faykod Museum

Let yourself be transported into the captivating world of contemporary art, with its innovative and stimulating exhibitions. A unique cultural experience that celebrates creativity and offers an inspiring look at modern artistic expression.

Intense Verdon

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Visit the village of Aups

Where Napoleon left his mark

To explore Aups is to sail through the ages, where every street corner sheds light on a new chapter in history. This village of character has preserved some remarkable historical remains dating from the 11th to 16th centuries, including ramparts, castle ruins, a clock tower and a Gothic collegiate church. As you stroll through the village’s old, picturesque streets, you’ll admire magnificent period doorways such as the medieval gateway surmounted by the Tour Sarrasine, finely crafted lintels, medieval houses and ancient fountains adorning charming little squares. If you’re curious about heritage when you travel, we’ll guide you to the Collégiale Saint Pancrace. Adorned with the noble title of “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”, this edifice resonates with the echoes of the separation of Church and State in 1905. Listed as a “bâtiment de France”, it houses a museum of religious art and a sanctuary where Provence’s oldest processional cross, dating from the 14th century, stands as a timeless testimony to devotion.

Aups’ heritage gems extend beyond its walls, with treasures such as the listed sundial in Rue Voltaire, which weaves a link between past and present. If you’re interested in history, immerse yourself in the epic Mausolée aux insurgés, erected to commemorate the victims of Prince Bonaparte’s coup d’état in 1851. Witness to the battle of Aups, where the Bonapartists triumphed over the Republicans, the monument was transformed during the last war to honor the Aups resistance fighters who fell in the face of German oppression. Each engraved name tells a story of courage and freedom, inviting you to immerse yourself in this eternal chronicle of resistance, where every stone and every name carries the weight of a memory. As you can see, every corner of Aups is a living page in a book that every visitor has the chance to leaf through.

Take a heritage walk

Aups Fountains and Washhouses Trail

Discover the Circuit des Fontaines et Lavoirs in Aups, a charming heritage walk that blends past and present through 17 fountains and 3 washhouses. Testifying to human ingenuity in water management since antiquity, the circuit reveals the history of the village, including the Rue des Tanneurs, fed by the Vallauris spring, which once housed several tanneries. For further information, please contact the Aups tourist office.

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Aups museums

Enter the captivating world of village art

If you’re an art lover, Aups has two different museums for you to visit. The first is the Simon SegalMuseum of Contemporary Art, housed in the chapel of the former Ursuline convent. Restored successively by the Augustinians, Ursulines and Trinitarians in the 19th century, this museum houses three schools of painting (Toulon, Bourges and Paris), presenting an impressive collection of over 280 canvases, 58 of which are dedicated exclusively to the Segal Museum. If you come to the Verdon in summer, you’ll be one of the lucky ones to enjoy the exceptional exhibitions of paintings and sculptures that the museum hosts in July and August.

The museum also houses a permanent exhibition of the Musée de la Résistance. A privileged opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating and heroic history of the Resistance, discovering the poignant testimonies and precious artifacts that bear witness to the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom.

Good to know: The Musée d’Art Contemporain Simon Segal and the Musée de la Résistance are open from June to September.

The second outstanding site is the Musée de Faykod, an open-air museum set in the heart of a Mediterranean landscape that offers a “True Oasis of Beauty”. It is here that the talented sculptor Maria de Faykod exhibits her fifty or so works and sculptures in white marble. Her love of art and the principles that guide her creation, which she expresses so well, will enchant you as much as her works and the park that houses them. The sculptures are harmoniously arranged in this extensive natural space, allowing you to move freely within this “inhabited” environment where art and natural elements coexist in perfect harmony. The Faykod Museum continues to grow, its collection continually enriched by the artist’s endless creativity.

Discover a part of Aups craftsmanship

At Les Pots de Sophie

Welcome to Les Pots de Sophie, a veritable treasure trove of craftsmanship nestled in Aups. Here, the art of pottery comes to life under the deft fingers of Sophie, a passionate craftswoman dedicated to creating unique, authentic pieces. In Sophie’s workshop, the magic happens as each piece of pottery takes shape in her expert hands. You’ll have the privilege of watching the potter’s wheel turn, seeing the clay come to life and contemplating the emergence of unique, modern designs on traditional/classical forms. Each visit is an artistic adventure, an immersion in the captivating world of artisan pottery, where every pot, every plate, every piece of jewelry tells a unique story of Provence. Come and discover the soul of local craftsmanship, and take home a piece that evokes the timeless charm of our sunny region.

Good to know: Les Pots de Sophie is also based in Salernes. Don’t hesitate to stop by on the way.

The House of Truffles

Aups, a village where truffles reign supreme

Welcome to Aups, the pearl of the Haut Var Verdon, where Provence’s black gold reigns supreme! In the heart of this village, discover the Maison de la Truffe, an emblematic place dedicated to the world of Aups’ black diamond. Housed in the former 17th-century Hospice Saint-Jacques, this 180 m² house offers a fascinating immersion in the “Adventure of the Truffle”. The history of the truffle, from biology and geology to cultivation and harvesting, is revealed through four captivating worlds of experience. Explore the many facets of this tasty mushroom, Tuber Mélanosporum, and delve into its secrets, from planting to tasting. Whether you choose to enjoy this fun experience alone, as a couple or with your family, prepare yourself for an unforgettable awakening of the senses and total immersion in the world of truffles. A dive into the heart of French gastronomy, where mystery meets delight. Join us for an exceptional moment, because in this corner of Provence, truffles reveal all their secrets.

Good to know: Aups comes alive every Thursday morning from mid-November to mid-March with its famous black truffle market, the biggest in the Var. You’ll discover a tradition that makes every meeting between gourmets and truffle growers a moment of delight and conviviality, transforming the town into a tableau vivant of exquisite aromas and epicurean effervescence.

Domaine de Taurenne

For its top-quality olive oil

Château de Taurenne, a true vestige of the Middle Ages, stands as one of the most beautiful buildings in the Var. Located mainly in the commune of Aups, the estate stretches across the sunny slopes of a landscape shaped by the Grand Plan de Canjuers and the crests of the Grand Margès. Visit the Moulin de Taurenne, witness the historic charm of the château and explore the surroundings, meticulously laid out like a structured garden. Be intoxicated by the scents emanating from the aromatic plants in the garden and take home a fragrant souvenir in the palm of your hand. Here, the harmonious marriage of southern sunshine and quality farmland creates an ideal environment for growing olive trees. Taurenne distinguishes itself by producing both single-variety oils and a Provence PDO, the result of a judicious blend of the year’s best varieties. These oils, all with the “extra virgin” label, represent a true natural fruit juice, capturing the very essence of Taurenne’s terroir. Each drop bears witness to the harmony between the generous sun, the quality of the land and the craftsmanship that characterizes this estate. Welcome to Taurenne, where the authentic taste of Provence is fully expressed in every oil produced here. Come and see for yourself with a tasting of the estate’s olive oil.

Good to know: As a private property, Château de Taurenne cannot be visited. However, you can admire the surroundings, the view over the Haut-Var and the oil mill, which is an integral part of the estate.

Witness the richness of the Aups terroir

Olive-growing village

Immerse yourself in the olive-growing world of Aups, with its 60,000 olive trees, the jewel of the PACA region. The harvest, combining modernity and tradition, gives life to 500 to 600 tons of olives every year. Olive oil, the fruit of exceptional know-how, is distinguished by its bitter taste and fruity character, with shades of green, ripe and black. Like an exceptional wine, AOC-labeled oils, witnesses of authenticity, reveal themselves as treasures from passionate lands. Explore with us this olive odyssey, where every drop tells the unique story of Provence.

Oliveraie Domaine De Taurenne Aups Ph.murtas

Aups olive oil mills

The Gervasoni Mill

Start your exploration of the Moulins d’Aups with the Gervasoni Oil Mill, the last remaining olive mill in Aups, founded in 1748. The uniqueness of this mill lies in its old-fashioned operation, once activated by the force of water, and which has preserved its old press system equipped with a stone press and millstone. Proudly carrying on the heritage of three generations, the Gervasoni Mill maintains its commitment to tradition while embracing the advances of modernity. In constant operation and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, it ensures the production of olive oil of exceptional quality, renowned as AOC Provence, as well as French olive oils. This precious oil, cherished by its customers, has won numerous awards in regional and national competitions. What are you waiting for, then, to discover the living history of olive oil production at the Gervasoni Oil Mill? A place where tradition and innovation merge to offer an unforgettable experience, imbued with the authentic taste of the Provencal terroir.

Good to know: The Gervasoni Oil Mill boutique is open from April to the end of September, allowing you to discover their products. During this period, access to the olive oil production facilities is not possible. From the beginning of October to the end of December, the store closes and is transformed into a workshop for the annual production of olive oil. In April, the equipment is put away to make way for the boutique once again.

Château de Taurenne

Discover the charm of the Château de Taurenne oil mill, a witness to the history of the Knights Templar in the Haut Var. The 11,000 robust olive trees grown on this estate preserve a centuries-old agricultural tradition. The olive oil, bearing the A.O.P. Provence label, is the fruit of the passionate know-how of owner Yann Fernandez, a fervent advocate of “Découverte des Terroirs”. During your visit, explore the olive grove, modern mill and winery, and taste exceptional olive oils such as A.O.P. PROVENCE Vierge extra, Olives Maturées, Aglandau, Bouteillan, Petit-Ribier, Frantoïo and Huile au citron. Yann’s genuine welcome promises a unique sensory experience, where history and modernity come together to celebrate the passion of the terroir.

Coopérative oléicole l’Aupsoise

Created in 1925 in a former sawmill, probably of hydraulic origin, the olive cooperative was born. From the outset, this electrically-powered mill has favored a traditional production process, using a stone millstone. Its modernization is illustrated by the mechanization of most stages of the process. The resulting oil is highly esteemed for its quality and authentic “old-fashioned” taste.

Good to know: Please note that visits are only possible outside the crushing season and by appointment. For further information, please contact the Aups tourist office.

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Local products to discover or rediscover

A holiday with a thousand and one flavours

Immerse yourself in the delights of the Aups region, a veritable treasure trove between the vineyards and the banks of the Verdon. Aups, a charming village nestled among olive groves and renowned as the capital of the black truffle, also known as the “black diamond”, invites you on a sensory exploration of the thousand and one flavors that have forged its reputation.

Let yourself be seduced by the authenticity of its emblematic products. In winter, the black truffle, France’s culinary jewel, reveals its inimitable taste, sublimating every dish it touches. Virgin olive oil, with its bright green hue and fruity fragrance, offers a delicious taste experience while promoting good health. Local vineyards produce wines with characteristic notes, while honey, with its multiple therapeutic virtues, invites you to enjoy a sweet tasting experience.

Goat’s cheese, whether strong, fresh, dry or flavored, reveals its many facets, a taste experience to be savored in a thousand ways. Saffron, a true taste bud enchanter, completes this palette of exquisite flavors.

In Aups, the taste of the Real and the Good reign supreme, inviting you to explore a world where quality and tradition combine to offer an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re a lover of truffles, olive oil, wine, honey, goat’s cheese or saffron, the Aups terroir reveals a symphony of flavors just waiting to be tasted and enjoyed.

Good to know

Aups is renowned throughout the region for its famous and eagerly-awaited black truffle market. It takes place every Thursday from November to February. If you’re in the area during this period, make sure you don’t miss it – it’s the real thing.

Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Gorges du Verdon nearby

At the gateway to Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Gorges du Verdon

On the outskirts of Aups, Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Gorges du Verdon open up to exploration and adventure, offering experiences to delight sports enthusiasts. If you prefer water sports, such as canoeing, fishing, electric boating and paddle-boarding, the peaceful lake of Sainte-Croix offers total immersion in the serenity of the surroundings. If you prefer thrills and spills, take to the mountain bike trails around the lake, try your hand at rafting or try your hand at canyoning in the Gorges du Verdon. Hiking trails offer magnificent panoramas of the surrounding countryside, while climbing in the Gorges du Verdon, a geological masterpiece, promises an adrenalin-filled experience with challenges to suit everyone.

Whatever your preference in terms of sporting activities, the area around the village of Aups is sure to provide you with intense moments and unforgettable memories. Here you’ll find a harmonious blend between the delights of Aups’ gourmet terroir and the sporting challenges of the surrounding countryside. A balanced and unforgettable experience for adventure lovers.