Discover Aups | A Visitor's Introduction to Aups

Why is Aups Worth a Visit?

Aups is worth visiting for its authentic Provençal atmosphere, vibrant market life, and unique position as both a gateway to the Verdon Gorges and a celebrated truffle-hunting hub. While many towns in Provence have embraced tourism heavily, Aups retains a relaxed, lived-in charm. It’s a place where locals greet each other by name at the bakery, where the clink of pétanque balls echoes through shady squares, and where seasonal produce dominates both the menus and the market stalls.

Its history stretches back to Roman times, with remnants of medieval fortifications still visible. The surrounding landscape offers olive groves, vineyards, and oak forests, as well as dramatic mountain scenery just a short drive away. Whether you want to explore narrow lanes lined with pastel-shuttered houses, savour fresh produce under the shade of plane trees, or use Aups as a base for outdoor adventures, the village offers the perfect mix of tranquillity and activity.

Aups Highlights: Things to See and Do in Aups

Explore the Weekly Markets

Aups is famous for its markets, especially the black truffle market held every Thursday morning in winter (November to March). This is the place to see truffle hunters and restaurateurs bargaining over the “black diamonds” of Provence. The regular Wednesday and Saturday markets are just as appealing, filled with colourful stalls selling cheese, honey, olives, seasonal fruit, and Provençal textiles. The atmosphere is lively, especially in summer, and the surrounding cafés are perfect for people-watching with a coffee or a glass of rosé.

Visit the Collegiate Church of Saint-Pancrace

This 15th-century Gothic church dominates the village skyline with its impressive bell tower. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained-glass windows, a richly decorated altar, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for a quiet moment away from the busy market square. The church’s location offers a lovely vantage point for photographs of the village rooftops and surrounding hills.

Wander the Medieval Streets

Aups’ centre is a delightful maze of cobblestone alleys, stone archways, and flower-filled balconies. Keep an eye out for the remains of the old ramparts and the Porte des Aires, one of the original gates to the medieval village. The small squares are dotted with fountains, many dating back centuries, and shady café terraces invite you to linger.

Musée Simon Segal

Dedicated to the Russian-born painter Simon Segal, who spent much of his life in France, this small museum houses works that reflect both local Provençal scenes and more modernist influences. It’s an unexpected artistic gem in such a small town and a nice change of pace from outdoor exploring.

Olive Oil and Vineyard Tours

The hills around Aups are lined with olive groves and vineyards. Several local producers offer tastings and tours, allowing you to sample high-quality olive oil, rosé wine, and other regional specialities. Many are family-run and happy to share their knowledge of traditional cultivation methods.

The Verdon Gorges

Only about a 30-minute drive from Aups, the Verdon Gorges are one of Europe’s most spectacular natural wonders. Whether you want to hike, kayak, or simply take in the views from the clifftop roads, the turquoise river winding through towering limestone cliffs is unforgettable. Aups makes a great base for a day trip here.

Chapel Notre-Dame de la Délivrance

Perched above the village, this 19th-century chapel offers panoramic views over Aups and the surrounding countryside. The short walk up is rewarded by sweeping vistas that are especially magical at sunset.

Local Festivals

If you visit in January, don’t miss the annual Fête de la Truffe, celebrating the region’s prized black truffles with tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live music. Summer brings evening markets, outdoor concerts, and the Fête de la Saint-Pancrace, honouring the village’s patron saint.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Aups is best reached by car, as public transport is limited in rural Provence. The nearest larger towns are Draguignan (about 35 minutes away) and Brignoles (about 40 minutes). From Marseille, it’s roughly a 1 hour 45-minute drive, and from Nice, about 2 hours. The roads into Aups are scenic, winding through vineyards and olive groves.

Parking

There are several free and paid parking areas on the edges of the old town, including spaces near the market square and around the church. On busy market days, arrive early to secure a spot, as the village fills quickly.

Dining

Aups has a good selection of restaurants and cafés serving Provençal cuisine. For a refined meal, try La Truffe, which specialises in dishes featuring the local black truffle. For something more casual, many bistros offer classics like daube provençale (beef stew) and pissaladière (onion tart). Don’t miss the chance to sample local goat’s cheese and lavender honey, often served with fresh bread from the village bakery.

Shopping

Aside from the markets, Aups has several small boutiques selling pottery, linens, olive oil, and lavender products. In winter, specialist truffle shops offer everything from whole truffles to truffle-infused oils and pâtés. Art galleries and craft shops are scattered through the side streets, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.

When to Visit

The best time to visit depends on your interests. For truffle lovers, winter (November–March) is the peak season. Spring (April–May) brings mild weather and blooming wildflowers, ideal for hiking. Summer (June–August) is warm, lively, and full of outdoor events, while autumn (September–October) offers pleasant temperatures and grape harvest activities.

Local Events

Aside from the Fête de la Truffe in January, Aups hosts a variety of Provençal festivals, including summer night markets, art exhibitions, and pétanque tournaments. Religious processions and celebrations for Saint-Pancrace in May add a traditional flavour to village life.

Exploring Beyond Aups

Nearby villages worth visiting include Tourtour (known as the “village in the sky” for its incredible views) just 10 minutes away, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, a beautiful pottery-producing village at the entrance to the Verdon Gorges. The Lac de Sainte-Croix, with its turquoise waters perfect for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, is about 25 minutes away. The lavender fields of Valensole are also within an hour’s drive in late June and early July.