We had never visited Saignon before autumn 2023, despite hearing about it and seeing images of the village in tourist brochures. But as soon as we arrived, we were captivated by its charm and beauty.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Saignon is a village that seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale.
The quaint streets, historic architecture, and serene atmosphere immediately drew us in.
One spot that particularly enchanted us was the charming Place de la Fontaine. This picturesque square, with its beautiful fountain and welcoming shade, felt like a scene from a storybook.

Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
Another highlight of our visit was the view from the Rocher de Bel Air. Standing atop this rocky outcrop, we were absolutely blown away by the stunning panorama of the Luberon valley. It’s a sight that stays with you long after you leave, a testament to the timeless beauty of this hidden gem in Provence.
Our visit to Saignon left a lasting impression, and we look forward to returning to explore even more of its secrets. If you're seeking a destination that combines history and beauty, Saignon is definitely worth a visit.
Watch this short video on the Luberon!
Plan your trip
- 🛏 Find the best accommodations in the Luberon on Booking.com
- 🚙 Rent a car in Aix-en-Provence or Marseille-Provence Airport
- 🙋♀️ Get the PASS CÔTE D'AZUR and take your pick from more than 100 amazing experiences!
- 🤩 Visit the beautiful Provençal region of Luberon
- 🚐 Join a 6-hour tour of Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Roussillon, and Gordes by air-conditioned minibus
- 🚘 Discover Provence in a 2CV. Stroll along exceptional roads and enjoy a piece of Luberon all to yourself!
- 🥗 Experience a black truffle hunting tour in a Luberon plantation
- 📚 Read the DK Eyewitness Provence and the Côte d’Azur Travel Guide
- 🗺️ Download the map of the village.
- 🚗 There are several parking spaces near the entrance to the old village along the D48.

Saignon: A Bit of History
Let’s step back in time as we recall the storied past of Saignon.
During the Roman era
The Gallo-Romans of Apta Julia, which is the modern town of Apt, made this site, dominated by its rock, one of their holiday resorts.
They built numerous villas here, including the Villa Obaga, where altars dedicated to Bacchus, Mercury, and Mithras have been discovered.
In the Middle Ages
In the 12th century, the fief of Saignon was part of the County of Forcalquier, and in the 13th century, it was included in the County of Provence.
In 1481, Saignon and the County of Provence passed to the King of France.
From the 17th century onwards, the village’s role as a lookout diminished, and its defences were abandoned.
Part of the ramparts collapsed in 1747 and then again 20 years later.
The fortifications disappeared for good in 1935 when one of the last sections of the wall collapsed, destroying six houses.

The belfry of Saignon © French Moments
Saignon was then the most important castrum in the episcopal domain of Apt.
The Rocher de Bellevue was a natural fortress that supported three fortresses.
- The Château du Rocher to the north.
- The Château Méjean in the middle.
- And the Château de Grigière to the south.

Ruins of the castle © French Moments
This concentration of castles in such a small area is unique.
This particularity is also reflected in Saignon’s coat of arms, which features three golden castles on three rocks.
Where does the name 'Saignon' come from?
The rock of Bel Air was used as an observatory and must have been used for signalling.
This probably explains the origin of the village’s name.

The rock of Saignon © French Moments
From this use as a signal, "Signum," the name Sagnio evolved, and thus Saignon.
However, others believe the village's name comes from a Latin man named Sanius, whose name seems to have been passed down to the early Middle Ages.
In fact, a charter from the Church of Apt, dated 906, is signed by someone called Ansegnone.

Saignon © French Moments

The Discovery Guide of Saignon
Here's some tourist information to help you explore the Provencal village.
🎦 Check out my guided walk on YouTube to explore Saignon with me:
Understanding the Village
From the Apt valley, you can see the intriguing fortified rock of Saignon.

View of the perched village of Saignon from Roussillon © French Moments
It’s no surprise that it attracts curious visitors who are brave enough to climb to the top.
The village, with around 1,000 inhabitants, is situated at an altitude of 500 metres.
The commune is bordered to the north by the Calavon River and to the south by the Claparèdes plateau and the foothills of the Luberon.

Saignon © French Moments
The Village Walk of Saignon
Let’s begin our guided tour of Saignon from the Place des Amandiers, located in the north of the village. We will ascend through the maze of old streets to the Rocher de Bellevue, where the ruins of the castle are situated.
Saignon Church
In front of us stands the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Pitié.

The church of Notre-Dame-de-Pitié © French Moments
Take the Rue de l’Hôpital to discover the church’s portal and façade.
This parish church dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and is built in the Romanesque style.
It was located outside the medieval walls, as was the case for several villages in the Luberon.

The church of Saignon © French Moments
In the Middle Ages, the Church of Notre-Dame was a pilgrimage site for those travelling along the Via Domitia towards Santiago de Compostela.
Push open the door and take a look inside the church.

The wooden door of the church © French Moments

Inside the church © French Moments
Place de la Fontaine
In front of the church is the Place de la Mairie, and the pretty little house with blue shutters in front of us is Saignon’s town hall.

The town hall © French Moments
Head towards the village’s heart by taking the Rue Saint-Louis on the right.
Place de la Fontaine
Here is one of the most charming spots in Saignon: the Place de la Fontaine.

Arriving at Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
Unfortunately, during our first visit, one side of the square’s façade was under restoration.
And so, my daughter Aimée and I returned three weeks later to see the Place de la Fontaine after the work was completed.

Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
Take the time to soak up the atmosphere of the place.

Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
Each season reveals a unique charm in the square.
In spring, the façades are adorned with greenery. This envelops the place in a particular charm that captivates visitors.
In summer, the shade of the hackberry tree provides coolness. The water from the fountain completes this typically Provençal ambience.
In autumn, the vegetation changes. The red, yellow, and brown hues decorate the square, adding an enchanting touch to the scenery.

Autumn colours at Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
The square has been a meeting and exchange place since the Middle Ages.
The Fountain and the Washhouse
In its centre is the most beautiful fountain in the village.

Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
It is fed by the Valsorgues spring.
The current fountain was designed in the 19th century by Elzéar Sollier, a sculptor from Saignon.
At the top of the fountain are two bronze women representing Agriculture and Industry.

Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
Under a double archway is the village’s large washhouse.

Place de la Fontaine © French Moments

The old wash house of Place de la Fontaine © French Moments
Place de l'Horloge and the Belfry
Continue along the Rue Saint-Louis.

Rue Saint-Louis © French Moments
We arrive at the Place de l’Horloge, a small square with a beautiful view of Saignon’s belfry.

Place de l'Horloge © French Moments
The belfry is also known as the Tour de l’Horloge or Clock Tower.
Originally, it served as a watchtower to protect the fortified gate of the village.
Over time, a clock replaced the bell, and a wrought iron campanile was added to the tower in 1584.
Rue du Quai and Washhouse
Continue our exploration by taking the Rue du Quai.
This long street borders the old village rampart, upon which houses have been built.

Rue du Quai © French Moments
You will reach one of the most beautiful washhouses I have seen in Provence.

The wash house in Rue du Quai © French Moments
It has been restored and still features the wooden beam used for laundry.
The washhouse is supplied by an old fountain.
Narrow Streets Under the Rock
Now, we will discover a secret and picturesque corner of Saignon.

Rue du Portail Neuf © French Moments
Take the Rue du Portail Neuf.
You will see the famous rock of Saignon, which we will climb shortly.
Now, we find ourselves on the Rue Cilly, which is just as picturesque.
The Rue Courtine has the typical charm of a Provençal village, with its old stone houses and lush vegetation.

Rue Courtine © French Moments

Flowers, Rue Courtine © French Moments
In this area, it becomes clear that Saignon is quite a large village, full of steep cobbled streets, passages under rocks, and alleys covered in greenery.

Rue Courtine © French Moments
We are back at the Place de l’Horloge.
Following the Rue de l’Horloge, we gradually head towards the rock.
Porte de l'Auro
In front of us is the Porte de l’Auro, also known as the Porte du Vent, the Wind Gate.

Porte de l'Auro © French Moments
Pass through the gate.
Chapel of Saint-Michel de Transi
On the left, we see the Chapel of Saint-Michel de Transi, which dates back to 1032.

Chapel of Saint-Michel de Transi © French Moments
Let’s continue our exploration by walking along the Rue de Cassy.
We start to glimpse a magnificent panorama over the Luberon Valley.

Rue de Cassy © French Moments

The view from Rue de Cassy © French Moments
And I promise you, the view will be even more stunning from the top of the Rocher de Bellevue.
Rocher de Bellevue
In front of us stands the rocky spur of the Rocher de Bellevue, about thirty metres high.

Rocher de Bellevue © French Moments
A staircase leads to the top of the rock.
You mustn’t be afraid of heights to climb up here. And be careful of the steps, which can be slippery when it rains.
At the top of the rock, admire the view of the village.

View of Saignon from the Rocher de Bel Air © French Moments
The view of Saignon's countryside is stunning.

Facing north-east: the countryside of Saignon © French Moments

The countryside of Saignon facing north © French Moments
There is an orientation table that helps you identify major landmarks in the region.

The orientation table © French Moments
But it’s easy to spot the town of Apt below.

View of Apt from Saignon © French Moments
The panorama lets you see a good part of the Luberon region and some of its perched villages: Roussillon, Gordes, Caseneuve...

The view of Roussillon from Saignon © French Moments

View of Gordes from Saignon © French Moments

View of Caseneuve from Saignon © French Moments
With binoculars, you can see the rocky summit of Mont Ventoux, the Lure Mountain, and the Alps.

View of Saint-Saturnin and Mont Ventoux from Saignon © French Moments
And if the weather is clear, you can glimpse Avignon, the City of the Popes, in the distance.
Head back down to the village. We’ll more or less take the same path to return to our starting point.
Rue du Bourget
Briefly detour via the Rue du Bourget to discover this beautiful portal with pilasters and a draped stone lintel.

Rue du Bourget © French Moments
Rue de la Bourgade
Continue straight on the Rue de la Bourgade, which serves as the village’s high street.

Rue de la Bourgade © French Moments
The village has a grocery store, a tea room, bars and restaurants, and a hotel.
Additionally, the proximity to the town of Apt allows access to supermarkets and more shops and services.
Take a left onto the Route de Castellet, which leads us back to our starting point: the Place des Amandiers.

Find out more
Here are some pages from our blog and other websites to find out more about this Provencal destination.
- Discover the hilltop villages of the Luberon
- Explore the neighbouring villages of Bonnieux and Roussillon
- Find out more about Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
- The official tourist office of the area

Saignon © French Moments
Where to stay near Saignon
Saignon and surroundings have a high capacity for holiday accommodation. The commune and its surroundings has hotels, bed and breakfasts (covering all price ranges), estate agencies offering seasonal rentals and gîtes.
Click here to book your accommodation in Saignon or browse the map below:
What to do in the Luberon
Be inspired by a list of things to do in the Luberon:
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