Fox Amphoux
Last update on
Nov 2, 2026
36km. from Saint-Maximin, take route D560 (north), then turn right onto D32 after Tavernes.
Discover the charming village of Fox-Amphoux in the Haut Var
Fox-Amphoux comes into view at the end of a road that winds its way up through pine and oak trees.
This old hilltop village overlooks the Haut-Var region at an elevation of 540 meters. From the small, shaded square, the view stretches out over forest-covered hills.
You are here in Provence Verte Verdon, between Tavernes, Montmeyan, and Barjols. The Verdon Gorges and Lake Quinson are just a short drive away. The town was formed by the merger of two medieval villages: Fox on the hilltop and Amphoux in the valley.
The subsoil has yielded dinosaur fossils. Get ready for a getaway filled with tranquility, hiking, and history.
Old Fox, a village steeped in history
Old Fox refers to the historic village perched on the hill above the new town center and the hamlet of Amphoux. It still preserves the remains of its ramparts and the Château des Blacas, first mentioned in 1200. In 1233, the Count of Provence ceded Fox to this prominent Provençal family.
You’ll walk up narrow streets, often with steps. Houses from the 16th and 17th centuries line the route. In the town square, the Church of Saint-Blaise overlooks the panoramic view. At the entrance to the village, the small Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours is worth a stop.
Fox-Amphoux is also the birthplace of Paul Barras, who was born here in 1755. A leading figure of the French Revolution, he played a dominant role in politics during the Directory. His birthplace can be recognized by its beautiful old door.
The area’s heritage, however, dates back much further. The town is home to a dolmen, a prehistoric site, and even dinosaur fossils.
The Dinosaur Museum
The DinoFox Museo is a must-see during a visit to Fox-Amphoux. Housed in the former wine cooperative cellar, it was renovated and opened in June 2025.
Admission is free. The first fossils were discovered here as early as the 1840s. Two dinosaurs take center stage: Rhabdodon, a sturdy herbivore, and Variraptor, an agile carnivore described based on fossils found in the town. Life-size reconstructions and skeletons take visitors of all ages back 75 million years.
What to see
St. Blaise church.
The Barras house.
Notre Dame du Bon Secours Chapel.
Ruins of the ramparts.
Prehistoric ruins, a dolmen.
Roman temple.
Things to do
Hiking.
Cyclo-tourism.
Hotels
Discover hotels in this Provençal town and the surrounding area: prices, reviews, and availability. Whether you're looking for charming hotels or convenient options, compare and choose on Expedia.
Airbnb
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Your questions about Fox-Amphoux
You’ve sent us several questions about this hilltop village in the Var. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
What are the best things to do in Fox-Amphoux?
Fox-Amphoux is best explored on foot. Start with the hilltop village and its panoramic view over the forests of the Haut-Var. Keep your camera handy on the church square.
Nature lovers will find several hiking loops. The Fox-Amphoux forest trail covers about 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) and takes 1 hour 40 minutes. With kids, step inside the DinoFox Museo to discover the dinosaurs of Provence. Admission is free.
What is the heritage of Fox-Amphoux?
The historic heritage is concentrated in Vieux Fox, the old hilltop village. The ruins of the medieval Blacas castle and the remains of the ramparts overlook the village. The Saint-Blaise church and the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours chapel complete the visit.
The cultural heritage goes hand in hand with a rare natural heritage. The ground has yielded dinosaur fossils dating back 75 million years. All around, the landscape alternates between pines, oaks, and old farmland.
How do you get to Fox-Amphoux?
Fox-Amphoux is located in the Var department, in the heart of Provence Verte. From Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, take the D560 north, then the D32 after Tavernes. The drive is about 36 kilometers (22 miles).
To reach the old village, follow the D232. The road climbs for about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile). Public transportation is limited, so a car is essential. Check the map at the bottom of the page for the exact location.
Where to eat in Fox-Amphoux?
Restaurant options are limited in the village itself. For a good meal, head to the nearby villages. In Barjols, the Logis Hôtel du Pont d'Or serves local, traditional cuisine. Tavernes, known for its olive oil and its mill, offers fine local products.
For accommodations, the village mainly offers vacation rentals, often with a pool. The closest hotels are in Cotignac and Barjols. Check recent reviews before you book.
What is the climate like in Fox-Amphoux?
The climate is Mediterranean, moderated by an elevation of 540 meters (1,770 feet). Summer brings plenty of sunshine and hot days. Evenings stay cooler than on the coast.
Rain falls mostly in the fall and spring. The wind can blow hard on the hilltops. Spring and early fall are the best seasons for hiking. Check the weather forecast before you go.
What attractions are near Fox-Amphoux?
The surrounding area is full of sights. Just 8 kilometers (5 miles) away, Sillans-la-Cascade reveals its famous waterfall. Montmeyan, Pontevès, and Barjols are all within 10 kilometers (6 miles). Cotignac, with its village nestled at the foot of a cliff, is 14 kilometers (9 miles) away.
For a full day out, head to Quinson and its Museum of Prehistory. The lower Verdon Gorge begins right next door. In Varages, the Faience Museum is also well worth a visit.
Nearby towns and villages
