Var Holiday Apartment in Aups, Provence, France Reviews

This apartment is unique and wonderful, and feels like a charmed cottage. The accommodations are rustic, but clean and comfortable. What i like the best was the brightness of the main bedroom - the window looks out over the countryside towards Aups and the sun fills the room. With the window open, you hear the stream going through the property, and sounds of the birds, dogs barking....very rural and lovely. There are 3 different patios you can sit on, with differing exposure, depending on whether you want heat or shade. The private, exclusive patio, is a wonderful retreat - the stream running through it, the partial shade created by the figs and grapes hanging overhead. The location is amazing.....it is very close to Aups (truly a 5-10 minute walk and you are at the plaza) and yet out of the main centre enough to feel rural. Michael, the owner, was very quick and responsive to emails before our arrival, and when we were there, went out of his way to make us feel welcome, informed, and enchanted with the area. Our car had broken down on the way to staying here, so we arrived late and tired. But Michael always ensures that basic supplies are on hand for an emergency meal, including a bottle of Rose - so we were able to relax, and have a little to eat and drink at the end of a hard day. This kind of thoughtfulness pervaded the stay here: the kitchen was well equipped, the basics well stocked (e.g., toilet paper, soap, garbage bags). For part of our stay, we overlapped with Michael who was in the adjacent apartment, and he was generous enough to host us for a Provencal BBQ. He is a warm and fascinating host. We stayed here for 5 nights after a week in the Luberon region. We found this part of Provence much less touristy, much less expensive, and in many ways more beautiful than the Luberon. We would highly recommend this apartment, and this region, to anyone travelling to France. You do have to be prepared to enjoy a rustic, cottage-y feel though!