DISCOVER SAIGNON VILLAGE

A wonderful perched village in the heart of Provence

Welcome to Saignon, a beautifully preserved perched village in the heart of Provence.

One of the few remaining unspoiled villages in the Luberon, Saignon is also one of the most authentic and charming.

With a population of just 1000 people, a very small primary school, one boulangerie, one bar, a couple of restaurants and several boutique shops that showcase the wares of our local artists, Saignon epitomises everything we love about Provence.

On this page you will find what to do, what to eat, what to visit and where to shop.

At the end you will the itinerary we like to follow when we visit Saignon with our friends and family. Happy reading!

What to see in Saignon

Saignon is full of beautifully maintained homes with faded, coloured shutters and ancient characterful wooden doors, rambling vines and roses, old stone fountains, shadey plane trees, curiosities on every corner, and sweeping views of the Luberon's vinyards and lavender fields.

But the best part? This little villge remains unspoilt by tourist buses and chain stores, gaudy provencal souvenirs and long queues.

Perched upon it’s rocky outcrop, Saignon is visible from miles away, and offers an amazing panoramic view of the Luberon. It really is worth the climb to the top of the Rocher de Bellevue, the ancient ruins of one of the three medieval castles that once crowned the village.

Head right up to the top of Saignon, past the charming little 12th century chapel, to the « rocher », and it's magnificent panoramic view. You are now standing on the ruins of the Chateau de Bellevue. In the 11th and 12th centuries, 3 castles were erected in Saignon; to the south, north and west of the village, as strongholds and maybe signal towers. So many castles in such a small village is very unusual and perhaps even unique.

You will truly grasp the exceptional nature of Saignon from high up on the rocher. The sheer number of churches, once part of the Abbaye de Sainte Eusèbe, the abby itself, the chapels, and the many privately owned castles and stately homes in the valley below, attest to Saignon's great wealth during the middle ages.

The beating heart of Saignon is the Place de la Fontaine, where the Auberge du Presbytère sets its provencal bistro tables under the shade of the huge Ash tree. It's the perfect spot for a cool drink or an aperitif on a hot summer day.

Opposite, you can visit the Lavoir, where the Saignonais villagers once washed their clothes, and where you will now also find a little provencal library, very common in villages in the Luberon. It works on an honesty system: take a book, leave a book. Take your photo of the iconic fountain, for which Saignon is known, and continue along the cobbled streets of this picturesque little village.

Back towards the Rocher de Bellevue, don't forget to stop at the ruins of the Old Olive Press, and marvel at the sheer weight of the old mill stone. The mill was once carved into the rock face, and is a perfect example of the troglodyte dwellings that characterise Saignon. The massive limestone rockface once provided a perfect natural shelter. Today you can often see doors and windows that seem to be carved into the stone.

The view from this spot is beautiful, looking back towards the church, then over the ruins of the old stronghold and the beautifully manicured rows of vines and fruit trees below.

We highly recommend a drive through the beautiful Provencal countryside around Saignon. The winding road from Saint Quentin to Saignon Village is one of our favourite photo stops. Fields of cherry trees, neat rows of vibrant lavender, and vinyards galore make a magnificent foreground for the village of Saignon perched high above, on it's rocky outcrop.

What to do in Saignon

Next, cross the road, and visit Pierre Jacaud in his art studio, l’Atelier. Pierre is a local artist who does most of his painting in a field, perched upon the bonnet of his old paint splattered 2CV, which you will find parked right out the front of his studio.

Pierre or Kamila will greet you personally and take great pleasure in showing you their beautiful space, filled with wonderful provencal art. Pierre shares his space with Kamila's gallery, Galerie Kamila Regent. Together they have created a truly magical, inspiring haven that we just love to visit.

Other artisans in town worth popping in to see are the milliner, Atelier Saint Louis and Christine, at Bijoux Carolina. Step back in time at the Atelier Saint Louis, to a place where milliners still hand crafted their hats, in rafia and tulle. You'll be able to spot the locals in Saignon, all the men are wearing them!

Opposite the boulangerie and down a beautiful little laneway, you will find Bijoux Carolina. All her jewellery is hand crafted and beautifully displayed in her baroque styled little shop; it is a real treasure trove.

What to eat in Saignon

Chez Christine

Rue Saint Louis

84400 Saignon

tel. +33 (0)4 90 04 50 10

Chez Christine, the village boulangerie. Christine still serves a rarity these days in France, « le bol », a large bowl of café au lait, exactly the way French people drink it at home. Sit on their shady terrace, and contemplate the medieval Eglise Notre-dame-de-pitié, a statuesque romanesque church dating back to the 12th century.

1 Jardin sur le Toit

62 Rue de Cassy

84400 Saignon

tel. +33 (0)4 90 75 63 81

https://www.1jardinsurletoit.fr/

We particularly love two restaurants in Saignon, depending on the vibe you are after. 1 Jardin sur le Toit, a beautiful rooftop restaurant, perched up on the rocher. Watch the sun set over the Luberon hills while you enjoy a lovely meal of fresh, elegant, provencal cuisine.

Au Comptoir de Balthazar

Place de l'Eglise

84400 Saignon

tel. +33 (0)4 84 85 95 36

https://www.balthazarsaignon.fr

Also one of our favourites, but much smaller and more relaxed, is le Comptoir de Balthazar. For authentic, relaxed cuisine, with fresh market produce, this is a great address. The restaurant is a simple affair, run by a young husband and wife team. It is very small and often full (always a good sign!). We advise you to book ahead for both of these restaurants.

Le Bistro du Coing

D900

84400 Saignon

tel. +33 (0)4 90 05 16 01

Also in Saignon, le Bistrot du Coing, where you will find a more traditional cuisine. While the food is good, the setting is slightly lacking, as the restaurant is by the road, the D900, not in the village itself.

More about food

Farmers market

Thursday morning Farmers market (a small affair). Find fresh local cheese, vegetables and Celine's food truck full of local ingredients from cold meats to cheese to cakes and preserves.

Carpark on the D48 in Saignon

Cabrioles Farm

Cabrioles farm at la Molière in Saignon for the best fresh goats cheeses around. You can also find them at the Apt market on Saturday, at the Place du Postel.

La Molière

84400 Saignon