Aups (83630)

La Font de l’Auruou, also known in Provençal as Fontaine du Loriot, is a character stone farmhouse set in unspoilt nature, in the heart of the Haut Verdon Regional Park.

This former olive mill dates back to the 17th century.
Once in ruins, it was completely rebuilt about thirty years ago using modern techniques and traditional local materials, restoring both its structure and its soul.

Long ago, it was a communal farm, sometimes called a moulin banal.
Local villagers came here to thresh their wheat on the open area in front of the house, press their grapes (the original tiled grape press is still visible in the utility room), bake bread in the old communal oven (remains visible in today’s kitchen), and press olives in the oil mill, which is still in perfect working condition at the back of the living room.

The property sits on a private estate of 12 hectares (about 30 acres) of woodland, with holm oaks, white oaks, maritime, black and Aleppo pines, cedars and strawberry trees, dotted with wild thyme, lavender and rosemary.

Set high above the middle Var valley, the house enjoys breathtaking panoramic views stretching as far as the hills of Cassis and Marseille, over 70 km away (around 45 miles), and the Maures massif nearly 80 km away (about 50 miles).

The house has been fully renovated and is laid out over two levels.
It can comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests.
Thick original stone walls keep the interior naturally cool in summer, without air conditioning, while the elevated position provides constant natural airflow.

Great care has been taken to preserve the character of the house.
Original period tiles cover the floors, bedroom walls are painted in soft traditional tones, and the bathrooms and kitchen are finished with terracotta tiles from Salernes, crafted by the renowned local ceramicist.

The house is furnished with genuine antiques, many sourced locally, along with carefully chosen decorative pieces collected over time.

The living and dining rooms offer shaded, comfortable spaces to relax or enjoy meals indoors.
In the cooler months, you can light the open fireplace while still enjoying the southern view.
A 55‑inch TV with satellite TNT provides all standard channels.
Wi‑Fi is available, with the router centrally located in the large upstairs bedroom.

The former olive press, carved into the rock nearly 200 years ago (dated 1836, engraved in stone), has been converted into a quiet reading corner and is the most recent extension of the house.
The kitchen is located in the former bread oven, whose original opening now serves as a serving hatch. It is fully equipped with two sinks, a dishwasher, a four‑burner ceramic hob, built‑in BOSCH oven, extractor hood, two refrigerators with freezer compartments, a LIEBHERR freezer, microwave, and all usual small appliances (toaster, kettle, electric coffee maker, Nespresso machine, etc.).
Crockery and kitchenware are provided in generous quantities.
An additional refrigerator is available in the cellar if needed.

On the ground floor there is also a separate WC with hand basin, next to a small laundry room with a washing machine.

Outside, a large terrace directly in front of the house is ideal for meals while enjoying the view. Parasols are available for shade when needed.

For even cooler shade, a second terrace with tables is located beneath a large holm oak tree, beside the swimming pool.

The heated swimming pool (10 × 5 metres, approximately 33 × 16 feet) is lined with mosaic tiles and overlooks the Aups valley, offering spectacular views. It is just below the house and surrounded by a spacious L‑shaped terrace, partly shaded by the oak tree.

This is a favourite spot for lunch, a refreshing break before aperitifs, afternoon siestas, pétanque games, or sunbathing on the comfortable loungers by the pool.
An adjacent pool house with a small kitchen includes a worktop, gas cooktop, electric barbecue and refrigerator, making it easy to prepare meals or keep drinks cool close to the pool.
The bedrooms are arranged over two levels.

On the garden level, the bright and comfortable yellow bedroom, known as the Cherry Tree Room (a cherry tree stood here when the house was restored), opens directly onto the garden, formerly the old threshing area. It features a double bed (160 cm / 5 ft 3 in) and a low‑ceiling mezzanine with two single beds (90 cm). It has its own shower in Salernes terracotta tiles and a washbasin.
A short internal staircase connects it to the main living areas.
Upstairs are the remaining bedrooms.

The spacious red bedroom, known as the Master Bedroom, faces directly onto the view. From the 180 cm (6 ft) double bed, you can watch the sun rise over the countryside. It has an en‑suite bathroom with two washbasins and a large hexagonal bathtub, all finished in Salernes terracotta tiles, plus a separate WC behind a partition.

The blue bedroom, known as the Dormouse Room, also enjoys open views and is full of charm.
It has a double bed (160 cm), a shower in Salernes terracotta tiles and a washbasin.

The stone bedroom, known as the Map Room, was once the office of the previous owner, whose walls were covered with topographic maps of the region. It contains two single beds (90 cm) and two bunk beds (2 × 90 cm), along with a shower and washbasin. It is ideal for children and particularly popular with them.

Bed linen and towels are not provided, unless you choose to rent them on site from the house caretaker.
This must be arranged well in advance, at least two weeks before arrival.

Upstairs you will also find a large hall with a small card‑playing lounge, and a separate WC with hand basin.
There is space here to store suitcases, which can otherwise be kept in the cellar during your stay.
As for things to do nearby, highlights include a long‑distance hiking trail (GR) passing just a few hundred metres from the property, the charming medieval village of Aups with all shops and services and its lively Wednesday and Saturday markets, and the picturesque hilltop village of Tourtour with exceptional viewpoints.
A little further away, Cotignac, with its troglodyte houses and Tuesday market, is also well worth a visit.

The Lac de Sainte‑Croix and the Gorges du Verdon are just a short drive away and offer swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, climbing, paragliding and fishing. The beautiful village of Moustiers‑Sainte‑Marie lies slightly further on.

The Mediterranean coast is about an hour’s drive from Aups.
While places such as Saint‑Tropez are stunning, they are far busier in summer — a striking contrast with the peace and quiet of La Font de l’Auruou.

Additional costs:
End‑of‑stay cleaning: €200
Electricity consumption charged by meter reading (€0.25/kWh; approximately €100 per week on average, depending on usage and pool heating)
Swimming pool heated by electric heat pump
Bed linen and towels: €15 per person
Tourist tax: €1.90 per person per night
Security deposit: €500