2 Bedroom Apartment in Aups

La Cascade takes its name from the small mill stream that tumbles down, right opposite the front door. It's part of an 18th century water-powered olive mill, Le Moulin de la Montre (spot the remains of the old sundial), and a small bridge leads to your private patio with wild fig and vines. You're only 10 mins walk under the plane trees from the unspoilt village with its Wednesday and Saturday markets, bakeries, cafes and numerous exceptional restaurants. 
 
With 2 double bedrooms, a traditional kitchen, bathroom, separate wc and lounge (with an extra double sofa-bed), La Cascade enjoys a panoramic view over Aups towards the mountain ranges of Provence to the south. With many local festivals, a wide range of activities and delightful hill villages nearby it is ideally situated for exploring the beautiful, turquoise Lac St Croix (20 mins by car) and the spectacular Gorge du Verdon (30 mins). Parking at the Moulin for 2 or 4 wheels. 
 
Notes on accommodation: 
 
Any heating for cooler days is by wall-mounted electric heaters. There are ceiling fans in each room with extra, portable fans available for the height of the summer. The plashing of the channeled millstream is a refreshing background to your stay and the stream is small enough to be no danger for children. From the kitchen you look out onto a field on one side and on the other, over the back courtyard with its disused aqueduct to fields and the wooded hillside above. 
 
Further details: 
 
Known as a "village de charactere", Aups, dating from the 12th century, has a long and fascinating history marked by many ancient chapels, convents, fortifications, wrought iron bell cages, street fountains and communal lavoirs (laundries). Amply provided with village shops there is a good-sized supermarket (Intermarche) on the outskirts of town. The year-round Wednesday and Saturday markets are supplemented (in late Nov-Feb) by a Thursday truffle market, rated as the third most important in France, and the black, winter truffles are a feature of the local 'menus gastronomiques'. 
 
In season Aups is an area renowned for its hunting (chasse), particularly wild boar, and fishing (peche) and permits can be obtained in the village. It is wonderful walking, riding and cycling country. There is cricket played on the ground behind the chateau at Entrecasteaux (18km). Immediately below Le Moulin de Montre is the working, and award-winning, Gervasoni olive mill and olive oil museum. Most summer weeks feature visits from a fair or circus or outside concert under the plane trees in the main square which are also where you'll find the inevitable boule games. There are tennis courts in the village though the village swimming pool is due/undergoing restoration at the moment.

Hob/stove, Oven, Fridge/freezer, Iron & board, Telephone, Internet Access, Room Fans, Cot, Barbecue Living Rooms: Lounge with large sofa (converts to double sofa-bed), fold-out card table, chairs, coffee table, bookshelf with local reference books, maps, recipes and "holiday reading". Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: All linen and towels for 4 guests are included in the rental price. Cleaning of the apartment before and after your stay is included. Additional linen/cleaning is available at an extra charge. Launderette in village. Outside: While you have private use of the rear garden patio, you can also access (at your own risk) the panoramic terrace to the front, as well as the rear courtyard with its aqueduct that once carried the millstream. Patio furniture and a gas BBQ are provided. Parking is available in or alongside the large garage to the front.

Coast/Beach: 
 
Lac St Croix, a magnificent 12 mile freshwater lake is 20 mins away with beaches and coves, boating, canoes, pedaloes and windsurfing all available during the summer. Safe swimming and perfect for children. 
 
At the end of the lake (30 mins) is the spectacular canyon of the Gorge du Verdon with all sorts of adventure activities from canyoning, climbing abseiling, white-water-rafting, paragliding and bungy jumping! 
 
Golf: 
 
There is a magnificent course at Barbaroux near Brignoles some 25 mins away. Also St Endreol at La Motte which features a fabulous spa for the ladies. Golf and spa packages are available. 

• Nearest Airport : Nice or Marseilles at 90 kilometers distance;
• Nearest Train Station : Les Arcs at 40 kilometers distance
• Nearest Town : Draguinan at 26 kilometers distance
• Travel Info: Airports at Nice, 90mins; Marseilles (MP2) and Toulon-Hyeres (90 mins). Rail to Les Arcs (37km). Eurostar/TGV 8 hours London to Aix en Provence. (Sparse but possible connection by local buses from Aix TGV and Marseille MP2 via Brignoles). Eurotunnel/Ferry and drive, 12 or 13 hours from arrival in France. Nearest car hire is in Draguignan 35 mins away. A vehicle is pretty much essential in this area.