Sault, Vaucluse: tourism & sightseeing

Visit Sault (Provence, France)

Sault is a small town spread out along a low rocky promontory above the lavender fields to the north-east of the Vaucluse department of Provence - the plateau and village are at an altitude of more than 750 metres above sea level, with one side of the village winding around the top of a cliff.

Exploring Sault

Sault is an exceptionally attractive village, even if just to sit quietly on a cafe terrace for a while, both because of the historical centre and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and a visit is highly recommended.

Among the streets and squares in the centre of Sault there are some fine 16th century stone houses to admire, often with decorative and ornate doors and windows and first floor balconies.

Note: you will notice many houses that followed the medieval tradition of keeping animals on the ground floor of a property with people living in the upper stories - typically these have a doorway or gateway on the ground floor rather than windows, and three or four stories high.

You can still see the Chateau des Agoult, although much of it is now converted into private residences - the main feature you will notice are the large round towers in the village centre. You will also see also the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Tour and the adjoining Chapel of the Penitents Blancs.

You will also see a memorial to the resistance movement that was active here during the Second World War (the word 'maquis' on the memorial refers to the name given to the resistance).

The 15 August each year a Lavender festival is held in Sault, which is an excellent time to enjoy some of the local produce such as lavender honey and the very delicious local macaroons

Attractions near Sault

The location of Sault to the east of Mont Ventoux, a popular Tour de France cycling challenge, make it a popular destination with cyclists. It is also an important centre of the Provence lavender industry, and a centre for those wishing to see the magnificent lavender fields in flower - it is part of the popular route de la Lavande which passes through several towns and villages in the lavender growing region.

Sault is also an excellent base for exploring the region, with numerous small villages waiting to be discovered within a 20 kilometer radius. Among those we have visited our favourites include Simiane la Rotunde, the little villages of Reilhanette, Aurel and Brantes, and the thermal station at Montbrun-les-Bains.

Scenic destinations close to Sault include the Gorges de la Nesque and the Montagne de Lure. There is an attractive pathway that follows below the cliffs in the Gorges de la Nesque, while the Montagne de Lure is a barren mountain area which is also home to a small ski station.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Vaucluse guide and the Provence guide.