Saorge In The Alpes-maritimes: One Of The Most Beautiful Villages In France.
In September 2023, the village of Saorge in the Alpes-Maritimes obtained the highly coveted label of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). With its terraced houses and monastery overlooking the Roya Valley, it is one of the most picturesque villages in the Mercantour. Its very homogeneous architecture has preserved its medieval allure and old-world charm. We invite you to discover the attractions of this former stronghold on the salt route.
A magnificent setting
The village of Saorge in the Alpes-Maritimes benefits from a unique geographical location at the intersection of two valleys: the Bendola valley and the Caïros valley. It is located 30 km north of Vintimille near Breil-sur-roya and Pigna (in the province of Imperia, Italy).
But above all, this village perched at an altitude of 500 m overlooks the gorges of the Roya and its houses seem to cling to the steep slopes of the municipality. Formerly, this stronghold located on the old salt route was reputed to be impregnable, just like the view it offers of the rooftops and surrounding mountains.
Even though the relief of the Alpes-Maritimes is more modest than the foothills of the Himalayas, its houses clinging to the mountainside and staggered in terraces have earned it the nickname of "Tibetan village".
Very picturesque alleyways
In addition to its geographical location, Saorge stands out for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Its narrow and vaulted streets wind through tall houses, sometimes reaching five stories!
Take the time to wander through this maze of alleys and stairs to admire these beautiful houses dating back to the 15th century, decorated doors, and flowered windows.
Lovers of old stones can also discover in the town some remains of the fortifications that once protected the village, as well as the ruins of the Saint-Georges fort, the medieval castle that guarded the Roya Valley.
A rich religious heritage.
Finally, this commune in the Alpes-Maritimes owes its label as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France to the richness of its religious heritage.
The Saorge Monastery, a former convent of the Franciscans, is a jewel of the Baroque period. Built overlooking the village between 1660 and 1680, it is now classified as a Historical Monument. Its terrace offers a breathtaking view of the village and the Roya Gorges.
This beautiful building, with its bulbous bell tower with polychrome tiles and vaulted cloister galleries, now serves as a residence for artists and writers who come here to seek peace and inspiration during writing retreats. Numerous cultural events are organized there.
The Saint-Sauveur Church, originally a Romanesque church from the 15th century, was ravaged by a fire and rebuilt in a partially Baroque style in the 18th century. It was then adorned with gold and highly colorful paintings.
The village is also a stop on the Route of Baroque and Historic Organs of the Roya Valley, as it houses a 17th-century organ in the Saint-Sauveur Church. This remarkable instrument was brought from Pavie by boat before being transported from Nice to Saorge on mules. It is still in perfect working condition today.
The Chapel of Madone del Poggio, located slightly away from the village, is one of the oldest Lombard buildings in the region. It has a magnificent seven-story Romanesque bell tower and 15th-century frescoes. This chapel, which is now privately owned, is open for visits on certain days of the year, particularly during Heritage Days.
