Saignon is a small village sitting on a cliff band not far from Apt, at the very heart of the Luberon.
Perched on the edges of a rocky promontory, this small village used to be a lookout point for Apt.
A few of the buildings in the village are actually built into the rocks and you can see these as you wander around its little streets.
Try the local goat's cheese and honey whilst you're here.
History & Culture in [locality]
Saignon is believed to have been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, between 200,000 to 35,000 years ago, again probably because of its great vantage point over the surrounding countryside.
Saint Mary of Saignon church draws many visitors to the village, and has been a place of pilgrimage since as early as the middle ages.
Although the church isn't always open to visitors you can peep in through the grill on the doorway to admire the interior.
The castle chapel, which is built into the rock is worth taking a wander around too, as is the fountain at the end of the main street and the clock tower, which was built in 1584.
This museum was founded in 1821 and the collection was originally housed in the Maison Carree, moving to its current location in 1907.
Musee Granet
Located in Aix-en-Provence
This is Aix's fine art gallery, housed in the 17th century Palais de Malte. The collections includes works by a variety of European painters, including two by Rubens and a small selection of Paul Cezanne.
Maison de la Truffe, Aups
The truffle has a long history here in Aups; for many years now they have been grown, harvested, retailed, shared and eaten.
Collection Lambert
Located in Avignon
The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.
Site Memorial des Milles
Located in Aix-en-Provence
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
Shan-Art Gallery
Located in Aix-en-Provence
A small gallery with a good collection of contemporary and modern art.
Things to do in [locality]
Take a walk up to the viewpoint at the top of the village (477m) and admire the impressive views of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located in Avignon
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
A house for rent in Saignon, in the Vaucluse, with a swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday.
La Villa Saint Vincent Villa, Bonnieux
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
23 Aug 20257 Nights1-6 peopleSelf-catered
Price: €1,999
La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
4 Oct 20257 Nights1-9 peopleSelf-catered
Price: €3,133
Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
Paradou Villa, Paradou
Located in Les Baux-de-Provence
Beautiful 250m2 modern villa just a stone’s throw away from the center of Maussane-les-Alpilles.
Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
La Bastide De Maubec Villa, Maubec
Superb farmhouse for rent in Provence in the Luberon for 2 to 4 people. It enjoys a heated swimming pool, a beautiful interior courtyard and a large covered terrace with a magnificent summer kitchen.
11 Oct 20257 Nights1-4 peopleSelf-catered
Price: €2,360
Provence Country Club - 2 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
La Vie Joly Villa, Gordes
Located in Gordes
Beautiful stone villa for rent for quiet holidays near Gordes and Joucas.
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
19 July 20257 Nights
Price: €1,195
Jules Cesar Hotel
This luxurious property has been lavishly renovated to overcome its austere background, whilst still retaining its sense of history.
Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
Chateau de Massillan Hotel, Uchaux
Chateau de Massillan is a small luxury hotel with a gourmet restaurant located in Uchaux.
Europe Hotel
Located in Avignon
The former residence of the Marquis of Graveson, the Hotel d'Europe is a luxury residence in the centre of Avignon.
La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
19 July 20257 Nights
Price: €16,940
Directions
Saignon lies north of Pertuis around 50 minutes by car. To the west you can reach Cavaillon in around 45 minutes along the D900. From Apt it's only 10 minutes drive along the D48.