Saignon

Must-sees of Vaucluse

Our top recommendations for visiting our beautiful region

Apt, the capital of the Luberon and of candied fruit, is listed among the Remarkable Taste Sites. Don’t miss its market every Saturday morning, which stretches across half of the town center—an ideal opportunity to fill your basket with local products. The market runs year-round.

The town has a rich Roman and medieval history. Its Sainte-Anne Cathedral, a classified Historical Monument, showcases over 1,000 years of architecture. You can also visit the Apt Museum, the Natural Park House, and the Candied Fruit House.

Located in the Aiguebrun Valley, Buoux is a secluded village surrounded by high cliffs and lush nature. The village is especially known for its climbing site, popular with climbers since the 1980s. The cliffs also preserve significant prehistoric remains.

Don’t miss the hike up to the Fort of Buoux, a symbol of the medieval era. Perched on a rocky spur, it offers breathtaking views over the valley.

In Gargas, ochre mining has shaped spectacular landscapes. It has revealed a vast labyrinth of underground galleries with vibrant colors. Without this impressive work, the ochre would have remained a hidden gem beneath the vegetation. The galleries reach up to 15 meters in height and extend over nearly 40 km!

A guided 650-meter tour allows you to explore these remains and learn more about the site’s ochre mining history. Booking is required. Bring a jacket, as the interior temperature is around 10 °C.

The highest point in the Luberon, Mourre Nègre rises to an altitude of 1,125 metres. The summit, topped by a radio antenna, offers a 360° view of Provence, Mont Ventoux and Sainte-Victoire. Access from Saignon is exclusively on foot (GR92 - from Le Colombier near Saignon) or by bicycle (Auribeau DFCI trail). It is an unmissable outing for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Provençal Colorado in Rustrel is a unique site in France. These former ochre quarries now offer a postcard-perfect landscape with vibrant colors. This true Provençal “western” promises a complete change of scenery in the heart of the Luberon.

The site is open from February to November. Booking is recommended during peak season, and the Mille Couleurs parking becomes paid (from May to August). Visits are exclusively on foot along two marked trails: the Sahara (2 km) and the Belvédères Trail (4 km). Pets are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash.

Bonnieux enchants visitors with its steep streets and stone houses. The village offers an exclusive panorama of Mont Ventoux and the Calavon Valley. The old church, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1980.

Every Friday morning, Place du Terrail comes alive with the Provençal market. After strolling through the village, take a seat on a restaurant terrace to enjoy this unique view.

Just 6 km away, the Cedar Forest is a legendary spot with a special atmosphere, perfect for family walks, picnics, or mountain biking. From March to September, it’s important to stay on the marked trails, as it is bird nesting season.

La Forêt des Cèdres

A must-visit village in the Luberon, Roussillon is classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Its warm-colored facades give it a unique identity, making it one of the most photographed sites in Provence. Don’t miss its market every Thursday morning.

The village lies at the heart of the world’s largest ochre deposit. In the past, sacks filled with this precious pigment were shipped to Marseille and then exported

Located on the other side of the Luberon massif, Lourmarin is a lively village rich in history. Its castle, the first example of Renaissance architecture in Provence, and the Protestant temple, completed in 1816, are both classified as Historic Monuments.

The village is also known for having hosted many artists and writers, including Albert Camus. His house, now transformed into a museum, is open for visits.

Don’t miss its market every Friday morning. Also explore its restaurants, some recognized by the Michelin Guide, for a memorable culinary experience.

After the Verdon Gorges, the Nesque Gorges are the most spectacular in Provence. Some cliffs rise over 200 meters high, and prehistoric remains and paintings can still be found!

Don’t miss the Castelleras viewpoint, overlooking the Rocher du Cire (named for the bees that once nested there). Stop by the Rucher des Lavandières with Joëlle and François, producers of exceptional local honey.

It’s an ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts, especially cyclists seeking stunning panoramas.

No introduction needed: the Giant of Provence rises to 1,909 meters above sea level. This iconic peak reveals an almost lunar landscape, exposed to strong winds and striking climatic contrasts. Classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, Mont Ventoux is home to remarkable flora and fauna.

A legendary stage of the Tour de France, it captivates many hikers and cyclists who start from Bédoin, Malaucène, or Sault. Along the way, the Chalet Reynard offers a welcome rest stop for visitors.

Fontaine de Vaucluse (36km)

Source of the Sorgue, the Fontaine de Vaucluse is the largest spring in mainland France. Nestled at the foot of a cliff over 240 meters high, this spring captivates with its power and beauty. In spring, it becomes particularly forceful, revealing its full strength. Each year, over 800,000 visitors come to admire its turquoise waters. The path leading to the spring offers a pleasant walk, dotted with terraces, museums, and artisanal shops.

From the village, steep trails allow you to explore the Sorgue valley and reach the heights.

ViewPoint

Beekeeper

Climb of Mont Ventoux

Location of the Tiny du Rocher: Saignon is a unique village perched on a rocky outcrop. It offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints over the Apt Valley, the Luberon, and Mont Ventoux. Don’t miss the staircase that leads to the top of the Bellevue rock and enjoy a 360° view of the region.

Its cobbled streets, stone houses, fountain, and washhouses give the village an authentic Provençal charm. In season, Saignon hosts a market every Thursday morning and also offers a bakery, pastry shop, tea room, restaurants, media library, and free parking.

Apt (1,5km)

Buoux (9km)

Gargas - Les Mines de Bruoux (9km)

The Vaucluse department (84), located in Provence, is a region rich in heritage. With its hilltop villages, lavender fields, traditional bories (dry stone huts), vineyards and local markets, it promises wonderful discoveries for lovers of nature and culture. The Luberon, the department's iconic mountain range, offers exceptional panoramic views and bucolic hiking trails.