Top 7 Castles around Aups

While Aups does not have a fully intact grand castle, you can explore the significant historical remnants of its medieval past. These include the foundations of the fortified castle of the Dukes of Blacas, which stood since the 12th century, and vestiges of 12th and 16th-century ramparts, such as the Porte des Aires. There's also a distinctive 13th-century tower with a worked balcony, part of the castle's second wall, offering a tangible connection to its history.

For a more preserved experience, visit Entrecasteaux Castle. This private château, dating from the 11th and 17th centuries, features beautiful French-style gardens and is richly furnished with paintings, tapestries, and historical documents. It's considered one of the most important castles in the Var region.

Yes, the Château de Salernes Ruins offer a beautiful view of the historic city center of Salernes and the surrounding countryside. You can explore two oval towers and the remains of the ground floor of this medieval castle, which are situated on a hill overlooking the town.

Beyond traditional castles, you can visit Le Moulin du Piquet and Feudal Castle Ruins in Cotignac. This historical site combines feudal castle ruins with a practical old grinding or pressing device hewn into the rock, offering a unique insight into past rural life and fortifications.

Absolutely. The Cotignac Towers are built at the top of a magnificent tuff cliff, dominating the village. These 11th-century towers, including a watchtower and part of a feudal castle, offer expansive views over the plain towards Entrecasteaux and Carcès. One tower even has a 'secret passage' connecting to a troglodytic cave.

The region around Aups offers various outdoor activities. You can find excellent gravel biking routes, such as the 'Cotignac – Correns loop' or the 'Tourtour – Tourtour Village loop'. For mountain biking, consider routes like 'Les Barrages du Verdon Loop' or 'Château de Salernes – View of Tourtour loop'. There are also running trails, including loops around the 'Historic Centre of Aups' and to the 'Sainte-Madeleine Cave'. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Aups, MTB Trails around Aups, and Running Trails around Aups guides.

Yes, Entrecasteaux Castle is categorized as family-friendly. Its beautiful French-style gardens and richly furnished interiors can be engaging for visitors of all ages. Exploring the ruins and ramparts in Aups itself can also be an interesting historical adventure for families.

The spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months are generally ideal. The weather is pleasant for exploring ruins and walking around villages, and the natural scenery is beautiful. Summers can be very hot, which might make extensive outdoor exploration less comfortable.

Visitors appreciate the deep historical significance of these sites, offering a compelling glimpse into Aups' medieval past as a fortified village. The architectural details, even in ruins, and the atmosphere of exploring picturesque old streets alongside ancient fortifications are highly valued. The combination of historical exploration with the natural beauty of the Var department is a major draw.

Yes, the Château de Salernes Ruins offer a great viewpoint over Salernes and the surrounding countryside. Similarly, the Cotignac Towers provide expansive views embracing the entire plain to the south, extending as far as Entrecasteaux and Carcès, due to their strategic cliff-top location.

Many of the castle ruins and historical sites are integrated into or near charming villages, making them perfect for combining with a walk. For instance, exploring the ruins in Aups can be part of a stroll through its medieval streets. The Château de Salernes Ruins are accessible via a walk up a hill, offering views. For more structured hikes, consider the various running and mountain biking trails that pass by or near historical points in the region, as detailed in the komoot guides for Running Trails around Aups and MTB Trails around Aups.