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Do you want to discover the most beautiful villages and towns on the French Riviera?

The ones that make you dream?

Here is a selection of the most stunning places in the Alpes-Maritimes just for you

The Village of Saorge

Suspended in Time…

Perched on a mountainside in the Roya Valley, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, this intimate village—somewhat isolated in the mountains near the Italian border—is one of those rare places that seem suspended in time. Listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Saorge stretches its tall, colorful houses like a cascade down the steep slopes, resembling Tibetan villages in appearance.

As you wander through its narrow, winding, cobbled alleyways—where staircases often take the place of streets—you’ll discover perfectly preserved medieval architecture. No cars here. Peace and quiet reign, interrupted only by birdsong or the gentle trickle of a fountain. Every corner invites you to pause, contemplate, and embrace a slower pace of life.

Saorge is a village like no other, whether seen from afar or explored on foot. With its tightly packed houses cascading down the mountainside, its narrow alleys, and its small stone bridges called pountin, it exudes a rustic and unique charm.

The rooftops, made of purple lauze stones quarried nearby, add to the village’s distinctive atmosphere.

In the upper floors of the tall houses—often located just beneath the attics—fruit-drying rooms were traditionally built, a local craft still visible today in the architecture.

Perched on a mountainside in the Roya Valley, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, this intimate village—somewhat isolated in the mountains near the Italian border—is one of those rare places that seem suspended in time. Listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Saorge stretches its tall, colorful houses like a cascade down the steep slopes, resembling Tibetan villages in appearance.

But Saorge is more than just a picture-perfect setting. It is also a place rich in heritage and culture.

Perched at the entrance of the village, the Franciscan Monastery of Saorge is one of the area's most treasured heritage gems. Founded in the 17th century, between 1633 and 1662, it was built by Franciscan friars as a place of prayer, meditation, and teaching. With its modest façade and Baroque cloister adorned with delicate frescoes, the monastery reflects the spirit of austerity and serenity characteristic of the Franciscan order.

The interior is both simple and refined: visitors will find ancient woodwork, frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, and several sundials engraved into the cloister walls, highlighting the close connection between spirituality and the observation of the natural world.

But what makes this place even more remarkable today is its transformation. Since the early 2000s, the monastery is no longer inhabited by monks, but has been converted into a writers’ residency. Managed by the Centre National du Livre (National Book Center), it has become a haven of peace for writers, poets, translators, and thinkers from around the world. The silence, the mountains, the light, and the rich history of the site offer a space that is truly conducive to creativity and introspection.

Saorge is more than just a picture-perfect setting. It is also a place rich in heritage and culture. The Franciscan monastery, founded in the 17th century, now serves as a residency for writers. Its Baroque cloister, frescoes, and sundials make it a true gem of history and spirituality.

Thus, the Saorge Monastery is not only a testament to the village’s religious past — it is also a living bridge between spirituality, culture, and contemporary creation.

The Church of Saint-Sauveur in Saorge, now considered a true gem of Baroque art, was originally a Romanesque building. Transformed over the centuries, it now displays a profusion of dazzling, luminous, almost theatrical decorations. Its organ, built in Italy, was shipped by boat to Nice and then carried piece by piece on muleback up to Saorge in 1847 — a logistical feat that speaks to the deep attachment of the locals to their heritage.

Inside, the altars gleam with gold, the vaults burst with vivid colors, and the grand columns give the space an almost majestic scale.

Whether or not one is drawn to Baroque aesthetics, it's impossible to remain indifferent in the face of such splendor and opulence.

The Church of Saint-Sauveur in Saorge, now considered a true gem of Baroque art, was originally a Romanesque building. Transformed over the centuries, it now displays a profusion of dazzling, luminous, almost theatrical decorations. Its organ, built in Italy, was shipped by boat to Nice and then carried piece by piece on muleback up to Saorge in 1847 — a logistical feat that speaks to the deep attachment of the locals to their heritage. Que l’on soit sensible ou non à l’esthétique baroque, il est impossible de rester indifférent face à tant de faste et d’opulence.

Nature reigns supreme around the village.

Many hiking trails begin in Saorge, leading into the surrounding mountains, the Roya gorges, or the lower slopes of the Mercantour National Park. It’s a true paradise for lovers of wild landscapes and hikers in search of serenity.

What I recommend in Saorge is total immersion — far from noise, close to what matters. It's a place where you slow down, breathe pure mountain air, and feel that every stone has a story to tell. You come here to recharge, to marvel at the raw beauty of the mountains, and to savor silence and simplicity.

Visiting Saorge is like stepping into a different world — a peaceful escape between culture, nature, and authenticity.

A rare and unforgettable place.

How to get there:

By car (102 km – approx. 2 hours)

For more information, visit: www.saorge.fr (only in French)

Opening Hours – Franciscan Monastery of Saorge:

From February 1st to May 31st

Open every day except Monday

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

From June 1st to September 30th

Open daily

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM