Local Information and Things To Do
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We are located in the Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon in the Var Department, which is situated between the Cote d’Azur and the Vaucluse. All of our properties are within a 10-15km radius, as we think we can give you a better service if they are close together. Both Aups and Régusse have an altitude of between 500 and 600m, making the climate dry with a pure air. Therefore the area is ideal for people with respiratory problems.
The nearest airports are Nice, Toulon and Marseille, all of which are about 1.5 hours drive, with the closest TGV railway station being Les Arcs at around 50km. A car is essential here, as there are many places to explore and visit, in particular the Gorges du Verdon and the Lac St. Croix, which should not be missed.
Aups
Has 2200 inhabitants, and is a small market town. There are many facilities in Aups, including a reasonably sized Intermarche, a pharmacy, lots of other shops plus a good twice weekly (Wednesday and Saturday mornings) market selling local produce and other touristy bits. In the winter months, a truffle market is normally held on a Thursday morning. Further still for a more cosmopolitan selection is Draguignan which has several large Carrefour supermarkets and many other stores.
Restaurants/Cafes/Bars
In Aups there are quite a few restaurants, St Marc, for traditional Provencal food and pizza, and the Provencal Hotel Restaurant are just two located in the town. For grander choices, there is the Calalou in Moissac Bellevue and the Bastide de Tourtour, both within a short drive.
Régusse
Régusse is approximately 9km from Aups, and has around 1300 inhabitants. The village has a number of facilities, which include a small supermarket, butcher, baker, café/bar, restaurant, hairdresser, library, doctor and dentist. Since May 2007, a larger supermarket has opened just outside the village on the route towards Montmeyan. This can cater for all of your needs, and there is also a petrol station. For leisure there are tennis courts (available all year) and a swimming pool which is open in July and August. Also close to the village there is a horse riding centre offering treks through the countryside. The area around is also ideal for cycling and bicycles can be hired in Aups.
Moissac Bellevue
Moissac Bellevue is a small village between Aups and Regusse. It is a hilltop village with an altitude of 600m. From the village you have magnificent views of the valley surrounding the village.
The village has kept its true Provençal atmosphere with cobblestone streets, steep stairways, and vaulted ochre houses. There is a local bar in the centre of the village, which also serves meals. Also within Moissac there is a campanile, a magnificent fountain and a 12th century chapel.
What to see
Within a 20 minute drive, you are in the Gorges du Verdon. Even if you see little else on your trip here, this should be first on your list.
In the Verdon Gorges it is possible to take part in all of the following (mainly in July and August) activities:-
- Water sports: sailing, water skiing, and fishing.
- Aerial sports: paragliding, free flight, gliding.
- Also possible are climbing, hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
Situated at the end of the Gorges is the Lac St. Croix, an 11km lake. The water is turquoise blue, and there are many places for sun bathing and swimming.
There are many small villages situated around the Lac St Croix, one of which being Moustiers St. Marie. Moustiers is a small attractive town perched on the edge of a ravine. The town is famous for its faience pottery, and the narrow village streets are crammed with shops and studios.
There are so many different things to see here, it is difficult to mention them all. There are many books written on the area, so it is better to gather information from one of them or just come and explore.
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