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1 day 1 village

A day in Saorge
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Saorge: Between heaven and earth

Saorge, the watchtower of the Roya Valley, has always cultivated a tradition of hospitality. In a tangle of narrow cobbled streets, stone bridges and “cununs”, you’ll witness a preserved authenticity and a village life that exudes conviviality. Take a day to explore Saorge on foot or by bike.

“Imagine, a castle and a village face to face, suspended from a cloud…”

Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States - 1787

5 good reasons to come to Saorge

Visit the Baroque Franciscan monastery and gardens

Stroll through the narrow streets and “cununs” of the amphitheatrical medieval village

Discover the Baroque heritage of Saint-Sauveur church and the Penitent chapels

Meet the creative, cosmopolitan people of Georgia

Fresh air in a Tibetan-style eagle’s nest village

Visit the heart of Saorge

Narrow streets and panoramic views

As soon as you enter the village, you’re struck by the breathtaking views all around. Place Ciapagne, Place de la Caranca, Place de l’école… Everywhere, you feel very small in front of this entirely pedestrian “Tibetan” village.
Visit Place de l’Eglise Saint-Sauveur, on one of the benches with its green and purple lauzes, to soak up the Baroque soul and colorful village life! A flight of steps reminiscent of a stage set leads up to the Pénitents blancs chapel and its varnished bulbous bell tower.
From the lively center, tumble down the “cunun” stairs to the ruelle des Vergers. The imposing Place du Soutaï opens onto the valley, and the silhouette of Château de Malmort stands watch over the sky.

SAORGE, A GOURMET STOPOVER

Don’t miss the picore (Georgian brioche with aniseed) at the Saturday market, the cheese tourtons at the Val Roya cookie factory on Sunday, and its green and red tourtes on other days!

Recommendations

for a successful visit:

  • Don’t forget to download the tour map above to make sure you don’t miss a thing of the village!
  • Please note that the old village is entirely pedestrianized. Park in one of the parking lots on the two access roads, and walk the remaining 1 km.
  • Take your time wandering around and sampling village life at the Saturday morning market.
  • If you’re driving, park in the village at Place Biancheri (except Tuesday mornings, market day) or at the train station. Parking is free.
  • The fountain at the Fontana de Medge washhouse, with its lovely bench and trees, is a welcome spot of shade.
  • Fancy a culinary break? Take a tour of one of our restaurants, or enjoy a gourmet break in our tearoom-library.

Recommendations

to visit the Monastère de Saorge

  • The monastery is open from June 1 to September 30 (10:00 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm), then from February 1 to April 30 and from October 1 to October 31 (10:00 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm).
  • Enjoy an unbelievable guided tour with our expert guides (10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4 pm, daily). The price is included in the visit to the monastery.

Recommendations

for a worry-free hike:

  • Make sure you’re well equipped: water, cap, good shoes, snacks – you’re all set!
  • If you have them, a pair of binoculars and a compass will always come in handy.
  • To make sure you don’t get lost, take an IGN map with you.
  • Beware: some mountain areas don’t have good network coverage.

Recommendations

for your cycling outings:

  • We recommend that you bring your own bike, as there are no rental facilities in Saorge.
  • Always carry a repair kit with you, as it can be difficult to find materials to repair a wheel!
  • There are no charging stations for electric bikes in Saorge yet.
For a day at the Top...

Our expert advice

How to get to us

  • If you choose to drive from Menton, you can reach us via Sospel via the Col de Brouis to Breil-sur-Roya and Tende. Further information on : Getting to the Roya Valley
  • From Nice, take the A8 (1h30 drive).

Practicalities and flavours

  • Before you leave: stock up on cash – there are no cash dispensers in Saorge.
  • Check the opening hours of monuments before you go out.
  • For bathing enthusiasts, discover the Bendola river, accessible by foot or bicycle at the “bain du Sémite” or “pont de Baoussoun”.
  • Fancy a picnic with local flavours? Go to the market to discover the stalls of our producers, or to “la petite épicerie”… you’re welcome 😉
  • All village fountains are drinkable, unless otherwise indicated.
  • For a gourmet souvenir of Saorge, we recommend the Val Roya cookie factory, rue Virgile Barrel.
  • For further advice, contact Suzel at the Tourist Office: tende-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr or 04 83 93 98 82.
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