The region around Bauduen
Explore
The Var · Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Plenty to do, and always time to do nothing
Bauduen combines the natural simplicity of rural France with many of the pleasures of the Côte d'Azur — just without the crowds. The lake, the gorges, the ancient villages and the Provençal markets provide a near-perfect setting for a family holiday at any pace.
5 min walk
Lac de Sainte-Croix
The lake sits right at the edge of the village — one of France's most beautiful stretches of fresh water. Safe beaches for swimming and sunbathing, with sailing dinghies, windsurfers, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes for hire from the Club Nautique. Electric and pedal boats are available elsewhere in the village. No petrol or diesel boats are allowed — just clear, turquoise water and warm Provençal sunshine.
40 min drive
Gorges du Verdon
Europe's grandest canyon — the turquoise Verdon river cuts its dramatic path through limestone gorges up to 700 metres deep. The gorges are notably spectacular and relatively uncrowded compared to their fame. Rock climbing, bungee jumping and white water rafting are all available nearby, while more gentle pursuits include the classic Sentier Martel walk along the canyon floor.
A one-and-a-half hour drive will also take you to the Mediterranean coast: Nice, Cannes, Antibes, St. Raphaël, St. Tropez, Toulon or Marseille — a world away by any other measure.
On the water & in the hills
Activities
Sailing
Windsurfing
Kayaking & Canoeing
Paddle Boarding
Horse Riding
Rock Climbing
Canyoning
Paragliding
Bungee Jumping
White Water Rafting
Forest Adventure
Ballooning
Ancient towns
Villages worth lingering in
Bauduen is surrounded by small ancient towns that bask in warm sunshine just as they did in medieval times — their cafés and markets colouring the streets, nobody in a hurry, everybody with time.
Aups
A lively market town with twice-weekly Provençal markets throughout the year — a wonderful selection of local farm produce and wines. The truffle market in January is legendary.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
One of the most celebrated villages in France, perched beneath a star suspended on a chain between two clifftops. Famous for its faïence pottery and a fine restaurant in the village square.
Riez
A quiet, unspoiled town with Roman columns still standing in a meadow outside the old walls. The Saturday market is a local favourite for cheese, lavender honey, and olive oil.
Tourtour
Dubbed 'the village in the sky', Tourtour sits at 650 metres with panoramic views stretching to the sea. Beautiful stone streets and a lovely shaded square with tall plane trees.
Draguignan
The regional market town with the full range of shops, supermarkets, and services. A good base for provisioning and home to a fine Saturday market.
Abbaye du Thoronet
One of the three great Cistercian abbeys of Provence — austere, beautiful and wonderfully preserved. The acoustics inside the church are remarkable.
Wine & gastronomy
Vines & vineyards
The Var produces some of Provence's finest rosés — the perfect companion to a long lunch on the terrace. Several local domaines welcome visitors for tastings and cellar tours.
Culture
Museums & heritage
Musée de Préhistoire de Quinson
One of Europe's largest prehistoric museums, set in an extraordinary building by Norman Foster on the banks of the Verdon. Impressive.
Musée de Faykod — Parc de Sculptures
An outdoor sculpture park in the Var hills, with works by the Hungarian sculptor Faykod set among oak and pine trees.
Abbaye du Thoronet
The finest of Provence's three Cistercian abbeys — austere Romanesque architecture in a forested valley, remarkably unchanged since the 12th century.
Distances from Bauduen