Sautering through Sault
Situated on an elevated ridge, the village of Sault is known as the capital of lavender and is home to one of the most beautiful views in Provence, showcasing the rolling fields of lavender that span the vast valley below.
This is a part of a 5 town series. Check back for a new village to discover!
Each little Provençal village on this list has its own personality and identity. Where Banon is specifically tied to their raffia bound cheeses, Gigondas has it’s famous wines and when it comes to Sault, it is known as being the capital of lavender in Provence.
A Little Background
Sometimes referred to as Sault-en-Provence, this little village is located on top of a cragy outcrop, overlooking the bright purple bulbs of lavender that highlight the valley below. The charming village was build at this location around the 11th century, using the fantastic vantage point as a means of protection from any unwanted advances. Originally belonging to the Counts of Provence, the village became a part of the Vaucluse in the late 1800’s and has remained ever since.
Wandering through the town you can still see remnants of the Chateau des Agoult. Just look for the huge, round towers around the center of the town. Much of the old structure has been converted into residences and business, but you can still make out parts of the old château as you wander through the main streets of the village.
Aside from the incredible history, Sault is also the perfect location for visitors wanting to explore in and around Provence. For the bike enthusiasts and nature lovers, the town sits at the base of Mont Ventoux. It’s also not very far from the Gorges of the Nesque, the Lure Mountain and all of the picturesque villages in the Drôme and Alps de Haute Provence regions, making Sault a perfect stop for a day trip or a centrally located home base to stay while exploring the region.
Notable Sites to Visit in Sault
“Le Chemin des Lavandes”- Visitors looking for the perfect, lavender-filled Provençal day can start by following the lavender route, a 5k stroll through vibrant fields that takes around an hour and a half to complete. The walk is labeled as “easy” allowing families and visitors wanting an enjoyable stroll to partake in the adventure without the strain. The pathway is dotted with plaques, educating visitors on topics such as the cultivation and distillation of the lavender to the difference between the different varieties of the flower. A little car park is located off of the D164 in the direction of Mont Ventoux. Follow signs for Michouilles and, aftering passing the Vallon distillery, the car park will be on your right. Signposts will indicate where “The Chemin des Lavandes” begins. Most of The Lavender Route can be accessed by car, with the exception of the tail end of the journey, allowing visitors unable to make the journey by foot to still immerse themselves in the sites and smells of Provence for at least part of the chemin.
La Notre Dame de la Tour - Sault
La Notre Dame de la Tour- Tucked between Sault’s cobbled, ancient streets visitors will find La Notre Dame de la Tour, a Romanesque-style church built in the 12 century. Two different chapels were added at different time periods. See if you can tell which one was built in 1450 and which was built in 1610.
*Hint, the one on the west side is the older of the two!
The Municipal Museum - only open in the summer, this museum offers a collection of artifacts specifically found in and around Sault from eras such as the prehistoric, Gallo-Roman and even the Revolution. Founded in 1859, some of the most unique pieces in this museum include the encyclopedia of Diderot and a mummy brought to Sault by a resident who had traveled to Egypt and brought the unique souvenir back to France.
Hours: July-August, Monday - Saturday, 3:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m
Place du Marché - Restaurants
Where to Eat
You will find a handful of restaurants and cafés throughout this little town, but we really loved stumbling upon the sweet little square tucked behind the main street of the village. There, many of the bistros spilled out into the streets with tables flowing into one another and providing the perfect respite for any visitor looking for a cool beverage and a temporary escape from the heat.
Hôtel Le Louvre- Located in the Place du Marché, this little restaurant sits along the square mentioned above. Only using seasonal ingredients, this little restaurant provides a charming atmosphere with plates that look almost too pretty to eat.
Restaurant O Pichoun- Housed in the old stables of the castle, this restaurant has two patios for diners to enjoy the lavender-scented breeze and stunning views of Mont Ventoux. Be sure to check their site, though. They are only open three nights a week for dinner, but daily for lunch.
Restaurant Le Provencal- If you are looking for an old-style, traditional Provençal meal, look no further than Restaurant Le Provencal. Set back behind the ancient church, the restaurant patio is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal while people watching, as it’s located on a main route of the town.
Banette Bounlangerie- If you are looking for somewhere to get a quick snack, there is a boulangerie as soon as you walk up into town. Here you can grab a quick sandwich or a flaky pain au chocolat to tide you over until lunch time.
Andre Boyer Confectioner
Andre Boyer - Located next to the boulangerie, we were immediately drawn into this little sweets shop, as its exterior was reminiscent of times long past. The master confectioner is known for their different styles of nougat, macarons and calissons, but what we were really surprised to find were their extensive offerings of rare honeys. The honeys are made from different flowers and regions, allowing visitors to experience honey coming from isolated and protected areas around France.
Experience in and around Sault
Because this town is known for it’s lavender, you will find a lot of experiences centered around the famous flower. With it’s proximity of Ventoux, though, you will also find a fair share of biking attractions.
Albion Cycles- Looking to explore the area in a different way? Rent a bike at Albion Cycles. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through Sault or looking for more of a challenge, Albion has a range of bikes for individual purpose and experience.
Salut is known for being the start of the third route up the famous biking circuit of Mont Ventoux, drawing bike enthusiasts from all over the world.
Aroma’Plantes- Sault also is known for having multiple lavender distilleries, welcoming guests to come and tour their atiliers while having the opportunity to indulge in numerous products produced at the location. Aroma’Plantes offers numerous experiences for guests, especially in the summer. Learn to make a traditional fuseau, freshly picked lavender woven together with ribbon, creating a bulb and given as gifts for birthdays or weddings. Guests can also learn how to make lavender infused soap during the savon making class.
Vallon des Lavandes- Lavender harvester Félix opened Vallon des Lavandes in 1947, long before the torch was passed to his granddaughter Sylvie and her husband, Thierry. The duo invite visitors to their lavender farm where they explain the cultivation process and guide guests through each step of distilling the flower to extract its fragrant oil. Found on the Lavender Trail, this distillery is the perfect stop for visitors want to immerse themselves in all things lavender after exploring the trail by foot.
Fusettes!
A Few Tips Before You Go
Late Blooming Lavender: because of the higher elevation, the lavender blooms a little later in Sault than most of Provence. If you’re vacationing late July into August, make sure to plan a stop in Sault to see the beautiful buds and make sure to stay for the Lavender festival, which happens every August 15, the day the lavender is harvested.
Parking: There is a huge lot to park in and many parking spots lining the main street up into town. We didn’t have a problem parking, but we also didn’t go during the middle of summer.
Market Day: This happens each Wednesday and dates back to 1515! This is the perfect place to pick up some authentic lavender products and indulge in artisanal treats.
Bonne Exploration!
-Rachel
