At the entrance to the Verdon gorges, Aiguines overlooks Lake Sainte-Croix. A walk climbs through the lanes towards Saint-Pierre Chapel, while the château and the village’s woodturning heritage provide its best-known landmarks.
Visit in Aiguines
Aiguines overlooks the Lake St. Croix from a height of 823 meters. The village of Haut-Var is located at the entrance to the Verdon Gorges on the left bank. The village stands on the forward part of the Grand Massif Margès, guarding the canyon. Many vacationers on the road of the Gorges get through the Grand Rue of Aiguines dominated by its belfry clock surmounted by a bell, and happy are those who stop there.
A climb through the lanes and stairways leads to Saint-Pierre Chapel and the orientation table above the village, overlooking Lake Sainte-Croix and the Valensole plateau. Below, the château is recognisable by its towers and glazed roof tiles. Of medieval origin, restored in 1606 and later altered, it remains a private residence closed to visitors.
The village’s woodturning heritage
From the 16th century wood turnerss brought prosperity to of the village which had more than 1,000 inhabitants in the mid 19th century. The surrounding forests abound with boxwood, a hardwood often used in turnery. In Aiguines were studded pétanque balls were made that until the mid 20th century delighted pétanque players throughout Provence. They were cut and turned from boxwood roots collected in the Gorges du Verdon. Women hammered in wrought-iron nails, more than 450 were required per ball.
Aiguines’ surroundings changed profoundly during the twentieth century with the creation of the Canjuers military camp, closed to the public, and the filling of Lake Sainte-Croix in 1973–1974. The D71 follows the gorges’ left bank and is known as the Corniche Sublime; it is distinct from the Route des Crêtes on the opposite bank. The museum and woodturning school show that the craft remains part of village life.
Photos of Aiguines : slideshow
Aiguines village of the Verdon
Aiguines village of the Verdon
Château d'Aiguines
Aiguines Provencal village
Aiguines village of the Verdon
St-Pierre Chapel in Aiguines
The traditional nailed petanque ball of Aiguines
Planning your visit
The château is private; exploring the village and visiting the museum are separate activities. Check museum hours and access conditions for Verdon routes. Activities on the lake and hikes into the gorges require different preparation.
Accommodation in Aiguines
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Sights and activities
Aiguines official web site : www.aiguines.com
- Picturesque village
- Private château, not open to visitors
- Chapel of Saint-Pierre
- St. John's Church
- Gorges du Verdon (hiking, boating, rock climbing)
- Lake St. Croix (swimming, boating) - Votive Feast early August
- "Days Turned wood" in August - Weekly market on Monday
Coming to Aiguines
GPS coordinates N 43°46'29'' - E 6°14'35''
Aiguines is in the Var department in the Regional Natural Park of Verdon and near the Gorges du Verdon and Lake Sainte-Croix.
Location of Aiguines : altitude 823 meters, 255 inhabitants, at the entrance of the Gorges du Verdon, and bordering the Lac de Sainte Croix, 15 km from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, 20 km from Aups, 22 km from Bauduen, 21 miles from Trigance, 45 km from Draguignan, 61 km from Digne-les-bains, 65 km from Manosque