Aups

The troglodytic caves nestle in the heart of the sun-drenched tufa cliffs. Occupied since prehistoric times, they have belonged successively to Benedictine monks, to the local lord who fortified them, and then to the commune.

On 5 levels, you'll discover mullioned windows, loopholes, a passage behind the waterfall, two small basins, generous concretions and stalactites that have become columns. You'll enjoy a remarkable view over the park.

They once belonged to the Benedictines, who took refuge here during the Saracen invasions. Vigilant, they may have lived here, defended themselves and escaped from time to time, no doubt through the enormous opening of a monumental chimney that opened onto the top of the grotto.

It was around this time, in the 9th century, that the caves, of natural origin, were used to protect against invaders, and were transformed into underground fortresses with loopholes and bars to protect the exits.
From the 12th century onwards, Villecroze prospered, vigilance waned, and the caves seem to have been abandoned, deprived of any human presence and subject to the wear and tear of time.

Listed as a Natural Site and Monument since 1924, they combine history and geology.

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This washhouse dates from 1868.

Many housewives went there, but first and foremost were the professional washerwomen, or bugadières, who were given laundry to wash.
The word "bugado" comes from the Old French word "buer", meaning to wash, which in modern French means "laundry".

There used to be a bar above the wash-house to hang out the washing and drain it, and traces of the bar's insertion can still be seen.

Ideally located on Place de la Mairie, right next to painter Christel Leleu's studio and La Vigne Vincent restaurant, the stone-walled showroom welcomes artists and craftspeople on a temporary basis all year round.

The Tourrettes Exhibition Hall offers an interesting setting
between arcades and old stones, with natural light thanks to its three windows, and a lovely view over the village square.
The rental conditions are attractive:
rent is €50 per week.
Bookings can be made with Mr Bernard Montagne, elected member of the Tourrettes Town Council's Culture Committee, and the Town Council's Service Accueil.

An ideal family tour to discover the picturesque village of Saint-Martin-de-Pallières and the surrounding area.

1. Go up towards the village, past the town hall, then turn left into rue du Four. Go up towards the château, pass under the porch and turn left onto the small road leading uphill. Go straight on and follow the Les Pallières track.

2. Leave the GR and continue along the ridge. The track begins to descend.

3. Leave it to take a track on the right. This path descends and joins another track.

4. Turn right and follow the GR, which becomes a footpath and climbs through the woods. The path crosses a field and joins the Les Pallières track. Turn left and head downhill towards the village.

5. After the water tower, take the path on the left which passes an old wheat threshing floor. This joins the GR, which you must take on the right to return to the village.

VISITORS ALERT

Caution: this section is shared with another trail, also marked in blue. Turn left after the underground cathedral.

HISTORY, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

To discover along the way:
- Saint-Martin-de-Pallière: 12th-century château and park, church (1688), viewpoint, Clock Tower and Campanile, heritage trail
- Panoramic view of the plain and surrounding villages, the Gorges du Verdon, the Canjuers plateau, the Mont de Lure and Mont Ventoux.
- former threshing floor