Ampus Vacation Rentals
Tips on renting in Ampus
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Ampus, nestled in the sun-drenched hills of Provence’s Var region, invites your family to discover the authentic charm of a French village escape. Begin your day at Place de la Mairie, the lively heart of Ampus, where you can sip a warm coffee at Café de la Place as the village stirs to life. Wander cobbled streets to the 12th-century Église Saint-Michel, then let the kids marvel at the ancient Lavoir and the gentle trickle of the Fontaine Vieille, each corner echoing with local stories and Provençal history.
Outdoor adventure awaits on the Sentier du Défens, a family-friendly hiking trail offering sweeping views over olive groves and the rolling countryside of Provence. Join a guided walk with Provence Verte Excursions and uncover hidden chapels or picnic beneath olive trees at Domaine de la Source, where you can taste fresh, golden olive oil. For a memorable treat, children can enjoy pony rides at Les Écuries d’Ampus while adults relax with a glass of rosé at Château d’Ampus.
Ampus is perfect for families seeking both relaxation and exploration in Provence. Enjoy lakeside afternoons at the nearby Lac de Sainte-Croix, where calm waters welcome swimmers and paddlers. As the sun sets, gather at Auberge des Lavandes for a hearty Provençal dinner, savoring local specialties that bring everyone together. In every season, Ampus offers a warm embrace, making it an unforgettable destination for your next family adventure.
Nearby cities
Châteaudouble
Discover Châteaudouble in Provence—where your family can picnic by sunlit rivers, hike wildflower trails, and savor fresh air in a peaceful village setting.
Flayosc
Discover Flayosc in Provence—explore sunlit trails, picnic under olive trees, and splash in clear rivers. Family adventures await in every season!
Draguignan
Discover Draguignan in Provence—a family paradise with sunny parks, gentle rivers, lively markets, and easy trails perfect for kids and outdoor fun together.
Callas
Discover Callas in Provence—where your family can picnic by sunlit streams, explore green hills, and enjoy outdoor fun in a charming French village setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Ampus has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Ampus, a charming village in the Var department of Provence, offers a gateway to exhilarating outdoor adventures. Meander along the dramatic trails of the Gorges de Pennafort, where limestone cliffs tower above turquoise streams, or hike to the panoramic summit of the Montagne de Malay. For kayaking enthusiasts, the nearby Verdon Gorge dazzles with emerald waters and sheer canyon walls, while cyclists can wind through fragrant lavender fields and vineyards on scenic country roads surrounding the village.
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Getting around Ampus with kids is quite manageable, especially if you enjoy exploring on foot. The village is compact, with charming stone alleys leading to highlights like the Église Saint-Michel and the scenic Place de la Mairie. While biking is possible, the hilly terrain may be challenging for younger children. Public transit options are limited, so families often rely on walking to soak in the authentic Provençal atmosphere and discover local boulangeries and picturesque viewpoints.
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Ampus, a picturesque village in the Var region of Provence, offers a tranquil escape with charming accommodations near Lac de Sainte-Croix, about a 30-minute drive away. While Ampus itself is surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves rather than directly on a lake, visitors can find rustic lodges and cozy cottages in the nearby countryside, providing easy access to the lake’s turquoise waters and the stunning Verdon Gorge, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and scenic picnics.
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To truly experience the charm of Ampus, plan to spend at least two days in this picturesque Provençal village. This allows you to wander the narrow medieval streets, visit the historic Saint-Michel Church, and enjoy panoramic views from the old ramparts. You can also savor local cuisine at a traditional bistro and explore the scenic hiking trails leading to the Gorges de Pennafort. A weekend stay ensures you soak up the authentic southern French atmosphere.
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Ampus, located in the heart of Provence, is not directly on the coast, but visitors seeking sun-drenched relaxation can easily reach the stunning Lac de Sainte-Croix, just a short drive away. The lake’s beaches, like Plage de Bauduen, are renowned for their clear turquoise waters and open, sunlit shores, making them perfect for sunbathing throughout the day. Surrounded by the scenic Verdon Regional Natural Park, these spots offer both ample sunlight and breathtaking views.
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Absolutely, Ampus is surrounded by charming winter lodges and rustic cabins, especially toward the foothills of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. These accommodations offer a warm, inviting atmosphere with fireplaces and panoramic views of the snow-dusted Provençal countryside. Guests can easily reach snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing routes in the nearby Gorges du Verdon area, while the picturesque village of Ampus itself provides a tranquil setting after a day of winter adventures.
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In Ampus, a charming hilltop village in the Var department of Provence, public transportation is generally more affordable than renting a car. The local bus network connects Ampus to nearby towns like Draguignan and offers scenic rides through the Provençal countryside. Renting a car may provide more flexibility for exploring remote vineyards or the Gorges du Verdon, but it comes with higher costs for fuel and parking, making public transport the budget-friendly choice for most visitors.