La Cascade: A delightful apartment in an old olive mill in Aups, Provence

This lovely old former olive mill is an excellent retreat if you’re looking for a relaxing break in the beautiful Provençal countryside. The location, in a gently rising cul de sac where 4 olive mills originally stood, is ideal for getting away from it all without being more than five minutes’ walk from the heart of the village with its medieval streets, shops and restaurants (our particular favourite was the Auberge de la Tour). The gîte is well equipped, and furnished throughout in the local style. The owner, Michael, whether in residence next door or on the telephone from England (all landline calls are free of charge from La Cascade), is helpful and friendly and is a mine of information about the local area. In addition there are stacks of leaflets and books to help you plan your itinerary. There are one or two things which we would recommend to enhance any future stay in this otherwise beautiful house and, having spoken with Michael, we know he has these ‘on the radar’. The provision of a washing machine would help hugely when planning which clothes to bring. Trips to the local launderette are not something which everyone would wish to include in one’s holiday. The TV (complete with a multitude of French and English satellite channels) could perhaps be moved out of the kitchen-diner and into the living room to enable one to watch in greater comfort. Finally, accessibility to two of the property’s three patio areas could be improved. However, our overall impression of the property and its situation is positive and we thank Michael for his much-appreciated contribution to the success and pleasure of our stay.

We enjoyed our stay in the old mill in Aups very much. The patio outside is just delightful, and we were picking grapes and figs for our breakfast. The mill stream runs along the patio, giving it a refreshing feel and sound. The old mill is in the town of Aups, picturesque, but not just a tourist town, but somewhere where locals have their morning coffee in the square and go about their business. The views from the property are very lovely, and Michael the owner could not be more helpful. If you are lucky to be there when he is, he is the most delightful person, and we had a BBQ on his terrace, ate the most delicious food and talked into the night. The mill is incredibly good value compared to other properties in the area. It is very well equipped, Michael always makes sure that there is enough in the cupboard for a first meal. Herbs, spices, aluminium foil, things you do not expect from a holiday cottage. Inside, the rooms are quite small, and a little over well furnished, so expect quaint and traditional, not super sleek and stylish. It is close to the Verdon Gorge, and there is lots to do in the area, from swimming in the lakes to adventure activities. We did Aquatrecking, Aquafoil and Kayaking which our kids (14 and 15) loved. There are places you can jump of rocks into the Verdon, places you can walk and hike, markets to visit or the coast is about 2 hrs away. Most of the tourists we came across were French, hardly any British people at all. I would definitely recommend this simple place for a holiday in France.

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!

The property was exactly as described and very clean and well resources. Michael provided a very good service ensuring that we were settled and informed of the the area. We very much enjoyed the courtyard garden with the running stream, grapes and figs. The 10 min walk to the town to get our croissants every morning, have a coffee and enjoy Aups was a highlight of the holiday. The restaurants are also very good. We would very much recommend this property.

La Cascade is easily found by following the signs to the Olive Mill which is sited just below it, and sells olive oil and associated products. The door lock with a keypad is very handy as it saves hunting for keys Basic supplies of soap, condiments, coffee etc are provided, so if you arrive late an urgent shopping trip is not needed. The whole place was very clean and tidy. There is ample space in all rooms, and the kitchen is very well equipped, although mostly we ate at on of the many restaurants in Aups or the surrounding area. Aups itself is very pleasant, only a few minutes walk away, and has all the shopping facilities likely to be needed, and a very vibrant market. It has the feel of a proper old settlement, and has many beautiful buildings. It is not too touristy, and we found the locals very friendly. The Gorge du Verdon is a must visit site, very impressive yet not widely known by many Brits. The trendy places on the coast are also easily accessible if a change of atmosphere is desired, St Tropez best visited by a short ferry trip from St Maxime, where parking is easy. After such expeditions, it was great to relax on the patio at La Cascade and see the distant mountain views as well as the swifts and kites flying around. The mill is pleasantly cool inside with massive stone walls, and we both slept very well there.

We absolutely loved our stay at La Cascade in Aups. The apartment was perfect for our family of four. Our children loved playing on the patio and we all adored exploring the nearby caves and forest. The apartment was larger than we expected, with a living room and full kitchen as well as the two bedrooms. The view from the master bedroom was magnificent. La Cascades is extremely well located. It is literally a few minutes' walk into the wonderful town of Aups with its big markets and delicious bakeries. The nearby grocery store was excellent as well. We took a day trip to Lac St Croix and the Gorges de Verdon- both less than 20 minutes by car and absolutely stunning. The apartment was clean and well maintained with everything we need and more! Although it was cold and rainy for a few days we were warm and comfortable inside. The beds were comfortable and it was nice to find some games and books as well as lots of travel information. We especially appreciated the free WiFi. I would definitely recommend this rental to friends and family. Thanks to Michael for making us feel so welcome.

If you're looking for a rustic apartment where a fig-fringed patio sits above a rushing waterfall, then come here. If you want to read a book in a window bay overlooking Provencal peaks, hills and villages before wandering to a host of character-filled restaurants (£13 three courses), then come here. If you want to make a day of touring the Cote D'Azur but enjoy the charm of the hills in the evening, then come here. If you want to leave London at breakfast and fly for lunch, enjoying the fact that towels, linen and loo rolls are already stocked, then come here. If you want to marvel at Europe's Grand Canyon, enjoy an entrancing azur lake and 30 minutes later be on the terrace enjoying a sundowner, then come here. La Cascade's description is completely accurate in terms of what is provided both on a functional and aesthetic level. Unlike many holiday lets describing a 'five minute walk' which takes half an hour, it really does take five minutes to stroll into a village which has a very real character. There's an ironing board, a cot, French and English television, games, books, wifi, etc. The sound of the waterfall may take a day to get used to but is instrumental in allowing visitors to forget work stress and to appreciate this building's former role as a mill. Michael was in Aups when we visited (couple in our 30s, car hired from Marseille airport 100 minutes away) and was a very generous and knowledgeable host. He has left a comprehensive set of instructions to allow visitors to make the most of the flat and the area. It is true that the apartment adjoins another (being re-furbished but not constantly and not noisily) but there is more than enough room for four adults in La Cascade, more than enough window space from which to admire the countryside and in the patio a unique private space meaning you will not feel overlooked or stifled. Since returning we have been waxing lyrical about the tranquility and typical French atmosphere La Cascade provides, which is ideal for working couples seeking a break, for friends on a re-union or for a small family. The only item which was mentioned in the guest book was the softness of the main bedroom mattress, but Michael has installed (removeable) boarding which resolved this. The highlights are the lake (20 mins), the boats/canoes into the gorge (30 mins), a high waterfall and series of clear pools (10 mins), hilltop villages (1hr up to full day trip) and the Cote D'Azur is 70 minutes away.

Just completed a delightful 2 and a half weeks holiday in France, The first week we stayed at La Cascade and thoroughly enjoyed our visit- The Owner was extremely helpful and attentive and quickly sorted out any little problems, the Garden Patio just opposite the Front door was a wonderful place to sit and relax or have Lunch on - it only took 10 minutes to walk into the Village where we found some good Restaurants,Shops and Cafes.and the whole area around Aups had many attractive and interesting Towns and Villages.All in all an excellent holiday venue.

Die Lage ist gut. Man ist zu Fuß schnell in Aups. Man kann mit dem Auto in der Gegend viel entdecken. Lac de St Croix, Gorges de Verdon, reizende Dörfer. Die Unterkunft entspricht nicht ganz der Beschreibung. Das Schlafzimmer ist ordentlich und sauber. Die Küche ist gut ausgestattet. Manche Fenster lassen sich nicht schließen. Es gab wohl mal einen Wasserschaden. Da sind jetzt nackte Wände. Der Patio ist soweit i.O. Man hat halt keine Aussicht, weil zugewuchert und kein Licht um abends noch zu lesen oder zu spielen. Es gibt noch eine größere Terrasse. Diese ist leider nicht hergerichtet. Kaputter Stuhl. Diverse Müllbeutel, kaputte Tontöpfe (Scherben). Sehr schade, da könnte man ein schönes Fleckchen draus machen. In der Beschreibung steht eine Waschmaschine. Die nächste Waschmaschine ist beim Intermarché. Dann gehört sie nicht zur Ausstattung! Ich habe auch keine Klimaanlage gesehen. Aber es gibt Ventilatoren. Alles in allem eine gute Lagefür ein paar Tage um sich die Umgebung anzusehen. Im aktuellen Zustand aber meiner Meinung nach zu teuer.

Michael bietet hier eine wunderbare Wohnung im Haus einer alten Olivenmühle an. Er war bereits in der Vorbereitung äußerst hilfsbereit und gab viele Tips zu Unternehmungen in der Gegend. Die Wohnung ist komplett ausgestattet , selbst einige Lebensmittel (und ein wunderbarer Rosé) waren vorhanden, so dass man nicht gleich zum Supermarkt musste - der aber in wenigen Minuten mit dem Auto erreichbar ist und wirklich alles bietet. Wir wollten mit unseren Kindern vor allem schwimmen und haben Ausflüge zum Lac de StCroix, der Verdon Schlucht, Sillans-la-Cascade und in die Jabron-Schlucht gemacht. Mit dem lokalen Touranbieter Vertigo (aus Aups) haben wir dort eine Canyoning-Tour gemacht, die wirklich empfehlenswert ist! Wir haben den Aufenthalt sehr genossen, leider war es nur eine Woche!

The resident has lots of character and has everything you need. It really makes you feel like you're a local. On the terrace you have a delightful sunset over de valley. We were lucky to see the fireworks on 14th of July. The old village of Aups is a 5 minutes walk with coasy streets and nice restaurants and cafe's. It gave us a typical Provence experience. Michael is an excellent host providing us with the best places (e.g. places to go canoeing, lakes, old castles, markets, etc.) to visit in the area. This was very helpful for us. All with all we were very satisfied with our stay in La Cascade. Thanks again Michael! :)