Perched on its rock, Saumane de Vaucluse has dominated the Sorgues region for a very long time.
At the end of prehistoric times, humans were already living on the site, occupying shelters under the rock in the Chinchon valley.
Then came the Roman occupation, as evidenced by certain remains.
Finally, in feudal times, Saumane de Vaucluse passed from the Count of Toulouse to the Papacy and then to the de Sade family, who remained its owners for 400 years.
Saumane de Vaucluse offers breathtaking views over the surrounding olive groves.
Don't miss “le mourre de la belle étoile,” the highest point in the town, which also offers visitors the pleasure of strolling among wash houses, fountains, ancient cobbled streets, dry stone houses... not to mention its small Romanesque church and the Château de Saumane.
The Château de Saumane
The Château de Saumane is one of the most spectacular examples of defensive architecture in the long list of castles in Provence.
Its uniqueness is due in particular to the combination within the same complex of a 14th-century cardinal's palace and a Renaissance-era holiday resort resembling a fortified bastion.
It belonged to the family of the Marquis de Sade, who is said to have stayed there for a while. An exhibition pays tribute to him in the castle's rooms.
Saint-Trophime Church
A pure gem of Provençal Romanesque art, this 12th-century church is listed as a Historic Monument.
The Church of Saint-Trophime in Saumane-de-Vaucluse is a typical example of Romanesque art in the region.
Its imposing double-arched bell tower and 15th-century bell are well worth a visit.
Saumane Town Hall
1, place de la Mairie
84800 Saumane-de-Vaucluse
Tel.: +33 (0)4 90 20 32 79
https://www.saumane-de-vaucluse.fr/
Translated with DeepL.com
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