Is Aups a good place to stay if I want a beach holiday?
Aups is a charming Provençal village ideal for exploring the Verdon region and enjoying local culture. While not a coastal town, it can be a good base for day trips to nearby lake beaches like those at Lac de Sainte-Croix (about 30-40 minutes drive) or to Mediterranean beaches (over an hour's drive). It's best suited for a mixed holiday rather than a purely beach-focused one.
How far is Aups from the nearest beach?
The closest beaches to Aups are around Lac de Sainte-Croix, approximately a 30 to 40-minute drive (e.g., beaches at Bauduen, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon, Les Salles-sur-Verdon). The nearest Mediterranean coastal beaches are further, generally requiring a drive of 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes to towns like Fréjus, Sainte-Maxime, or Hyères.
Should I go to Lac de Sainte-Croix or the Mediterranean coast for beaches from Aups?
It depends on your preference. Lac de Sainte-Croix offers freshwater beaches, often calmer waters ideal for families, and stunning scenery with the Gorges du Verdon nearby. You can also rent kayaks or pedalos. The Mediterranean coast provides classic sandy sea beaches, a wider variety of beach clubs and restaurants, but can be more crowded and involves a longer drive from Aups.
What are the best beaches at Lac de Sainte-Croix accessible from Aups?
Popular choices include the beaches at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon village (Plage de Sainte-Croix), Les Salles-sur-Verdon (Plages des Salles), and Bauduen. These offer amenities, boat rentals, and beautiful views. For quieter spots, explore smaller coves around the lake.
Are the beaches near Aups suitable for families with children?
Yes, the beaches at Lac de Sainte-Croix are particularly family-friendly. The water is generally calm, fresh, and supervised in designated areas during peak season. Many have gentle slopes into the water and offer activities like pedal boat rentals. Mediterranean beaches can also be family-friendly, but require more travel and can be wavier.
Do I need a car to visit beaches from Aups?
Yes, a car is highly recommended, if not essential, to reach both Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Mediterranean beaches from Aups. Public transport options to these beach areas are limited and infrequent from Aups, making a car the most practical way to explore.
Can you swim comfortably at Lac de Sainte-Croix? What's the water like?
Yes, swimming is very popular at Lac de Sainte-Croix. The water is fresh, generally clear, and warms up nicely in the summer, often reaching pleasant temperatures from June to September. It's known for its beautiful turquoise color.
When is the best time to visit beaches near Aups for swimming?
The best time for swimming at both Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Mediterranean coast is typically from late May/early June to September, when water temperatures are warmest. July and August are the peak months, offering the warmest water but also the biggest crowds. June and September can offer a good balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer people.
Are there any river swimming spots near Aups as an alternative to lake or sea beaches?
While Lac de Sainte-Croix is the main freshwater swimming destination, the Verdon region has some river spots. However, access can be tricky, and conditions vary. It's best to seek local advice for safe and accessible river swimming areas. The Gorges du Verdon itself offers spectacular scenery, but direct swimming access in the deep gorge is limited and often restricted to specific activity providers or calmer entry points.
What kind of facilities can I expect at the beaches near Aups (e.g., Lac de Sainte-Croix)?
Beaches at Lac de Sainte-Croix, like those at Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon or Les Salles-sur-Verdon, typically have amenities such as toilets, snack bars or restaurants, supervised swimming areas in season, and boat/pedalo rentals. Mediterranean beaches offer a wider range, from public beaches with basic facilities to private beach clubs with full service.
How crowded are the beaches near Aups, especially in summer?
Both Lac de Sainte-Croix and the Mediterranean beaches can get very crowded in July and August. For Lac de Sainte-Croix, arriving early or exploring smaller, less accessible coves can help find quieter spots. Mediterranean beaches, particularly popular ones, will be busy. Consider visiting in June or September for fewer crowds.
Which Mediterranean beaches are most recommended for a day trip from Aups?
For a day trip from Aups to the Mediterranean, popular choices include the beaches around Fréjus (e.g., Plage de Saint-Aygulf), Sainte-Maxime, or a bit further, Cavalaire-sur-Mer or La Londe-les-Maures. These offer sandy beaches and good facilities. Saint-Tropez is iconic but can be very crowded and involve more traffic.
Is parking difficult at Lac de Sainte-Croix or Mediterranean beaches?
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak season (July and August) at popular beaches around Lac de Sainte-Croix and on the Mediterranean coast. It's advisable to arrive early in the day to secure a spot. Some areas may have paid parking.
What else is there to do at Lac de Sainte-Croix besides swimming?
Lac de Sainte-Croix is a hub for water sports. You can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards, and electric boats to explore the lake and the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. There are also walking trails around the lake and charming villages to visit.
What's the general vibe of Aups itself? Is it a lively tourist town?
Aups is known for its authentic Provençal charm, historic streets, and famous truffle market. It's more of a traditional, relatively quiet village than a bustling tourist resort. While it has cafes, restaurants, and shops catering to visitors, its atmosphere is relaxed and focused on local life and culture, making it a peaceful base for exploring the region.
