Date and Time (Original) – 2024:09:29 10:50:53
I visited again in 2024, touring the most beautiful villages in France. Although this blog has very few visitors now, I plan to keep documenting my tours of the most beautiful villages in France.
Over the past few years, it seems that a few new villages are added to the list of France’s most beautiful villages every year. Since August 2023, around six new villages have been added to the list. As usual, most of them are located in Provence, Côte d’Azur, and Midi-Pyrénées, but there are also villages in Centre and Normandy. During this trip, I visited some of the newly added villages in the southern part. I also stopped by a village that had joined the list last year but which I missed, even though I passed nearby.
The first village I’d like to introduce is Saorge. Located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, Saorge is a village deep in the rugged Alps. The capital of Alpes-Maritimes is Nice, but contrary to the image of Nice, this village is nestled deep in the mountains. I have visited several villages in the Alpes-Maritimes before, and most of them were similarly located in mountainous areas, making them challenging to reach by car.
Saorge was no exception. In fact, when heading to the village from Nice, it was easier to briefly enter Italy via the highway, head north, and then re-enter France. While I’ve done similar routes to visit beautiful villages in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, this was my first time encountering such a route in France, even after 15 years of traveling there. I expected to face tough mountain roads, but to my surprise, the roads were well-maintained, and the lanes were quite wide, making the journey easier than anticipated. The only unexpected aspect was the heavier-than-expected traffic.
To reach the village, I had to turn off the main road and navigate through narrow, one-lane tunnels. There was a parking lot, but it was small, accommodating only about ten cars. Luckily, since I arrived around 10 in the morning, I was able to park without any issues. At the end of September, the temperature in Nice was around 20°C. Likely due to recent climate warming, Saorge, which is situated at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, was still about 15°C with pleasant weather. I was comfortable exploring the village wearing a T-shirt with a light cardigan.
I’ll discuss the history of the village later, but to describe the overall atmosphere: there was a small central square close to the parking lot, with the town hall facing it. There were a few small souvenir shops, a café, and probably a restaurant. I didn’t notice any accommodations at first glance. There were more tourists than I expected, including myself, probably around ten people in total. Since the village had only recently joined the list of France’s most beautiful villages, it didn’t seem too busy. This reminded me of the atmosphere from 15 years ago, when I first started visiting France’s beautiful villages, bringing back a sense of nostalgia. Honestly, it wasn’t overwhelmingly beautiful, but I was happy to experience that familiar, nostalgic atmosphere.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Saorge is a picturesque village located in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the southeastern region of France, near the Italian border. Nestled in the Roya Valley, Saorge is perched on a steep hillside, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. Its unique architecture, with narrow, winding streets and stone houses, gives it a medieval charm, which has earned it recognition as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France).
Here are some key features of Saorge:
- Medieval Architecture: Saorge’s old town is characterized by its narrow, winding streets, stone facades, and picturesque alleyways. The houses are built on terraces along the hillside, creating a unique, layered appearance. Many buildings date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, reflecting a mix of medieval and baroque styles.
- Saorge Monastery: One of the village’s most iconic landmarks is the Monastère de Saorge, a former Franciscan monastery built in the 17th century. It is known for its peaceful cloisters, beautiful frescoes, and serene setting, overlooking the valley. Today, it serves as a cultural center and artist residency.
- Roya Valley: The village is situated in the Roya Valley, known for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged mountains, lush greenery, and the Roya River. This natural setting makes Saorge a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Cultural Heritage: Saorge has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of French and Italian influences. The village has preserved its traditional architecture, and local festivals celebrate its history, culture, and religious traditions.
- Proximity to Italy: Being close to the Italian border, Saorge has a mix of French and Italian cultural elements, evident in the cuisine, architecture, and local dialects. This blend adds to its charm and appeal for visitors.
The village’s classification as one of the most beautiful villages in France highlights its historical significance, well-preserved architecture, and stunning natural surroundings. Saorge remains a hidden gem for those seeking a tranquil escape into a medieval setting, away from the bustling tourist hubs of the French Riviera.
