What to do in and around Saint-Auban?

A gigantic 700-meter deep gorge carved by water and time in the limestone of the platforms of the Provence. The Gorges du Verdon are one of the main tourist sites in the Var, France and even Europe. This unique and spectacular natural wonder can be discovered from the heights by following the ledge road that offers sublime and breathtaking views. Or follow the bed of the river and canoe down the aquamarine waters of these magnificent Gorges in the Verdon.

Aiguines is a renowned tourist destination for its authenticity and its panorama of the lake of Ste Croix. However, woodturning remains the major attraction with the manufacture of "studded balls" that you can discover in a museum dedicated to it in the village center. Additional visits include the chapel of St Pierre and its orientation table, the place of the Fountain and its belfry, as well as St Jean parish church sheltering a christ in cross classified as a historical monument.

Peace and serenity reign around the crystal clear waters of the lakes of St Auban. The ecotourism park of the commune of Saint Auban offers a leisure area (children’s games, tree climbing, picnic area,…) that will appeal to the whole family in summer and winter and will  delight the anglers. It is also possible to taste the local products in a relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant located close to the water.

Located at the foot of Chiron, Gréolières watches over the Loup Valley at an altitude of 800 meters, like a jewel in the grandiose setting of the Pre-Alps. A medieval village with its two castels still visible, with its narrow streets and typical houses of the Mountains of Provence, its shaded terraces and its craftsmen. Gréolières is the starting point for wonderful excursions.

The Gorges du Loup is an elevated spot in the hinterland of Grasse and the Côte d’Azur, ideal if you are looking to cool down. Hiking enthusiasts but also swimmers will get their money’s worth here, as well as lovers of beautiful landscapes and nature reserves. In the heart of lush vegetation and varied fauna, thanks to the waterfalls, you can go canyoning or aqua hiking.

This peaceful lake of emerald water is a true source of freshness and a real oasis of tranquility for lovers of nature and mountains. Easily accessible thanks to its large equipped and supervised beaches, Lake Castillon is the ideal place to spend beautiful summer days. Located at an altitude of almost 900m, it borders the villages of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon and Saint-André-les-Alpes. You can swim, sail, navigate and water ski.

The Gorges du Verdon are considered as the most beautiful canyon in Europe ! The walls dug by water and time in the limestone plateaus of Provence can reach 700m and offer you breathtaking landscapes. This unique and spectacular site can be discovered from the heights, along the cornice or from the bed of the Verdon by canoeing down the Gorges. At the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon, Castellane is dominated by the Roc, an imposing limestone cliff. Privileged village for natural sports, it is a Provencal town with a rich heritage that can be discover by strolling through its narrow streets.

The Monts d’Azur reserve in Thorenc is a beautiful 700 hectare nature reserve with over 500 species of wildlife. These wild animals find freedom in this oasis of tranquility with his natural living conditions. Better yet, you can approach deer, hinds, bison, moose, Przewalski-horses, wild boars, birds and many other animals with your family.

The infamous landscapes of Gorges de Verdon will be sure to delight lovers of nature and open spaces. Several Tikayan campsites are located in the heart of Verdon and near the gorges.

A tourist hotspot in the High Alps, the gorges are recognized as the largest canyon in Europe. It is full of provencal villages, the main one being Moustiers Ste Marie (a famous provencal village specializing in earthenware and pottery), lakes (the largest being Sainte Croix where you’ll find the entrances to the gorges), hiking trails and unusual landscapes.

If an adventure and a change of scenery is what you’re searching for, look no further !

A dozen villages located around the Valensole plateau have been awarded and praised for their architectural heritage, their environment and the many crafts they have to offer.

Riez is located on the side of the hill Saint Maxime overlooking the confluence of the 3 valleys. It provides a medieval atmosphere mixed with architectural curiosites and provencal craftsmanship (art, pottery and earthenware).

Dauphin is one of the most beautiful villages for it’s limestone architecture. Panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see and many local producers and craftmen offer their many quality products (pottery, ceramics, ironwork, etc.).

Mane and it’s feudal citadel is lined with remains of aquaducts and necropolises. The « pointed cabins » in dry stone are this village’s curiosity.

Lurs is perched above the Durance and surrounded by one of the five most beautiful olive groves in Provence. A hiking itinerary from this village is a perfect example of history and heritage and is also part of the famous « Saint Jacques de Compostelle » way.