Saorge

Visit Saorge, Provence

Saorge is a perched village inland from the French Riviera region of Provence, towards Tende and in the mountains close to the border with Italy. The village is towards the east of the Mercantour National Parc and overlooks the Roya Valley.

Exploring Saorge

Above all it is perhaps the picturesque setting of Saorge that will attract you. In the Roya Valley it is in a very pretty location on the steep wooded side of a mountain, and is known as one of the 'perched villages' of Provence because of its impressive location above the valley.

Exploring is straightforward as the village is pedestrianised and mostly follows along one long street that climbs the hill through Saorge, with lots of smaller alleys to either side.

A traditional 15th century village of the region, there are lots of fascinating and ornate details to be seen on the crowded medieval houses, such as in the decorative lintels above the doorways.

The tall solid stone houses date from the 15th-17th centuries and line the narrow steep cobbled street that climbs up through the village, and permit numerous impressive views and photo opportunities across the village with the mountains and valley as backdrop.

Along the way be sure to stop and look at the organ in the baroque style Church of Saint Sauveur which is highly reputed. The organ is also used for giving occasional performances for visitors. Other features of interest in Saorge include the Franciscan convent and several small chapels.

One of the best views of the town and its setting is from the terrace of the Franciscan monastery above Saorge - continue to climb the steep street to reach the monastery!

The 17th century monastery is itself a classified historic French national monument and has some fine carved woodwork and frescoes in the interior - see Saorge Monastery visitor information for details

Attractions nearby

Saorge is a stop on the small tourist train route that runs from Nice to Tende and the Valley of Marvels.

Numerous hiking trails are accessible from the town, which is a good base for exploring the surrounding region and the eastern regions of the Mercantour National Parc.

Suggested places to visit near Saorge, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Gorbio 24km; Menton 24km; Coaraze 25km; Roquebrune-Cap-Martin 26km; Peillon 27km; Monaco 29km; La Turbie 30km; Villefranche-sur-Mer 37km; Cap Ferrat 38km; Nice 39km; Mercantour National Park 42km; Vence 46km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 47km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 48km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 50km; Biot 54km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Saorge

Saorge tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Cirque du Gelas - site of natural beauty (20km) : Caires de Cougourde - site of natural beauty (23km) : La citronneraie - remarkable garden (24km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (24km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (24km) : Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (31km) : Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild - remarkable garden (37km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (39km) :

French version: see Saorge (Francais)