Saorge is a wonderful medieval village perched high on a rock overlooking the magnificent Gorges de Saorge and the Vallée de la Roya; it's classed as one of the 40 most beautiful villages in France.
Saorge
Ancient hilltop village in the heart of the Vallée de la Roya
It sits in the concave face of a steep mountainside, looking out as if from the seats of an amphitheatre. It was in a perfect defensive position during turbulent times and was considered to be an unassailable stronghold, guarded by no less than three castles.
Many of the houses are from the 15th - 17th century and tower as many as five stories over the tiny courtyards. They are mostly ochre with some blue stone and red slate roofs; look out for the intricate details such as carved lintels, painted murals, sundials and engravings.
A stroll round the streets will reveal some beautiful gardens and vegetable patches on impressively steep ground, mostly tended by elderly people with a remarkable resistance to gravity.
Events in [locality]
Saturday is market day and is a great opportunity to buy some local produce such as cheese, honey, olives and wine as well as various crafts that make lovely souvenirs.
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in [locality]
Saorge was first recorded in the 10th century as Saurgio and you can find Roman inscriptions on many of the buildings.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The narrow cobbled streets twist their way up to the top of the village, passing through tunnels and old vaulted passages to get to the ancient Franciscan Monastery.
The trompe-l'oeil facade and frescoed cloisters are worth the walk, as is the fantastic view down over the village with its slate roofs and tiled bell towers. Look down below the village and you’ll see the Romanesque bell tower of Madona del Poggio, an 11th century church that was built by Cistercian monks from the Iles de Lérins just off the coast of Cannes.
Sights in Provence
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Hotel de Ville 
Hotel de Ville
The town hall for Aix with a nice square, fountain and granary
The town hall or 'Hotel de Ville' in Aix en Provence originally dates back to the fourteenth century, with two subsequent building phases taking place in 1655 and 1678.
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Carriere de Bibemus 
Carriere de Bibemus
The quarry that inspired Cezanne in many of his paintings
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
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Lavender farm & conservation garden, Sault
A garden & nursery with over 200 varieties of lavender
The lavender collection is certified by French National Conservatory for specialist plant collections, and is located on family land on the Route du Mont Ventoux, near the village.
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Fondation Vasarely
Abstract art & architecture from the Hungarian artist
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
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Museum d'Histoire Naturelle
Great collection of dinosaurs and plant fossils
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
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Chateau d'Ansouis, Ansouis
Grandoise castle in a pretty Provencal village
The Chateau d'Ansouis was originally a fortress back in the 12th century and become one of the grandest mansions in Provence during the Renaissance.
Dining in [locality]
Tucked away amongst the maze of streets and alleyways are a few little shops and cafés; the square at the entrance to the village is the hub with a couple of little shops and bars where the locals like to gather for a pastis or two.
Restaurants & Dining in Provence
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant 
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
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.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Small friendly restaurant with a great selection wines & cheese dishes
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
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L'Autruche Restaurant 
L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux 
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Good value small restaurant with great food for non fussy eaters
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Ajmi Jazz Club 
Ajmi Jazz Club
One of France's top Jazz venues playing live music in the heart if the city
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
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Le Scat Nightclub 
Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar 
Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
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Bokao's Nighclub
For dance, electro and retro sounds and a non-stop party atmosphere
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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La Cave des Pas Sages 
La Cave des Pas Sages
Popular wine bar with live music, 15 mins form the Palais des Papes
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue 
Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Popular riverside spot for a drink and a bite to eat
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
Read more about Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Things to do in [locality]
The GR52 “Grande Randonée” hiking trail passes right through Saorge and climbs up to the monastery and into the mountains on the way to La Brigue.
There are various other routes offering endless possibilities and adventures in the Roya valley; routes are marked on the map IGN (1/25,000) #3841 OT "Vallée de la Roya", or look out for the many signposts around the village.
Saorge is home to Bendola, the biggest canyon in the Alpes Maritimes, where you can go abseiling down waterfalls and plunging into swirling torrents. Other local activities include mountain biking, rock climbing and trout fishing.
Things To Do in Provence
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of 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.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
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.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
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.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
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.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
Aquatic leisure park within a 5star campsite close to 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.
Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
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Baby Magic Superyacht - 23m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Baby Magic is a beautiful 23 metre Aikon yacht for charter in France. She was first constructed in 2006 by the renowned Italian shipyard Aikon Yachts. Then in 2018 she underwent an extensive refit, including a new painted hull. Thanks to said refit, she is in great condition and certainly has a quality design. Baby Magic is based in Frejus, making her the ideal choice for cruising around the sunny South of France and the West Mediterranean waters.
Read more about Baby Magic Superyacht - 23m Yacht Charter for up to 12 people
Watersports in [locality]
Watersports in Provence
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Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The best way to explore the Verdon Gorge!
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
Read more about Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
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Aquadomia Scuba Diving, Marseille
An opportunity to enhance your skills with quality diving courses
No matter what your level is, Aquadomia offers you the chance to enhance your skills with quality diving courses... and to discover underwater splendors from the archipelago of Riou to the islands around the bay of Marseille.
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Mistral Kite Passion Watersports, nr Salon de Provence
Kite surfing school in the Camargue
If you're looking to try out kitesurfing for the first time, this company can help you get to grips with the basics from professional instruction.
Read more about Mistral Kite Passion Watersports, nr Salon de Provence
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Plan d’eau des Ferreols, Digne-les-Bains
Watersports lake and a separate swimming lake
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
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Les Guides Action and Aventure, Aiguines
A passion for adventure with many outdoor activities
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
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Le lac de Monteux, Monteux 
Le lac de Monteux, Monteux
Leisure centre with plenty of water based fun & activities
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
Holiday Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Château Les Trois Tours Villa, Villedieu
Superb castle for rent in Villedieu, in the quiet countryside, with swimming pool and tennis court, for a dream holiday.
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La Borie Villa, Menerbes
Lovely single-storey holiday house with large heated pool, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom for 4 people. In a landscaped, fenced garden (6.035m²), overlooking a field of olive trees, an authentic Borie and in a Luberion atmosphere. The house gives you an at home feeling! Tasteful decorated with all modern comfort.
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La Colline Villa
Welcome to La Colline, a stunning villa built from honey-colored local stone, nestled among Provençal vineyards with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the distant hilltop villages. The villa offers a peaceful setting, perfect for spending a summer day by the swimming pool, accompanied only by the gentle song of the cicadas.
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Le Paon Blanc Villa, Laudun-l'Ardoise
Not far from the village Laudun l’Ardoise and 25km from Uzès, first Dukedom of France and town of art and history, you can discover this unique holiday house, with a swimming pool and jacuzzi.
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La Carte Postale Villa, Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Luxury holiday rental in Saint Rémy de Provence - La Carte Postale
Read more about La Carte Postale Villa, Saint-Remy-de-Provence
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Devino Villa, Oppede
Discover this lovely family holiday house with swimming pool located in the heart of Luberon
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
Charming B&B in the Luberon region
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
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Le Clair de la Plume Hotel, Grignan
Charming rustic hotel with beautiful gardens & Michelin starred cuisine
This stunning boutique hotel is situated at the base of the Grignan castle and has three different sites (The Main House, The Private House and the Mediterranean Garden) spread throughout the beautiful Provencal village.
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La Bastide de Gordes Hotel & Spa, Gordes
Stunning views and gourmet food at this spa hotel in the village of Gordes
This is a luxury hotel and spa perched in the heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful towns in France.
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Le Mas de Peint Hotel
17th century farmhouse guest house near the Camargue
This 17th-century home has been inhabited by several generations of the BON family, ranchers (“manadiers”) from one generation to the next.
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Cloitre Saint-Louis Hotel
Historical city hotel in the West of Provence
Originally a 16th century Jesuit seminary, the Cloitre Saint Louis is set in a peaceful cloister within Avignon's old town.
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Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
Indulge in this hotel's lavish spa & Michelin-starred restaurant
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
How to get to [locality]
The most enjoyable way to get to Saorge is on the Train des Merveilles that runs daily from Nice to Cuneo, stopping at many villages along the way. The train stops at Fontan-Saorge, approximately 1km (downhill) from the village.
If you want to come by car you can follow the D2204 from Nice or the D2566 from Menton, both of which pass by Sospel.
Transfers for Provence
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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Avignon Taxis
Taxis in Avignon and the entire region
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere | SKI210018
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
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Villa for Sale | VAL240033
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
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New development for Sale, Val d'Isere | SKI230013
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Read more about New development for Sale, Val d'Isere | SKI230013
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Villa for Sale | STZ250285
A Provencal villa at the foot of the village of Grimaud.
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere | SKI220033
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
