Located in a valley gorge above the river Roya, Saorge is one of the most beautiful villages of the Maritime Alps region. Spread out like a Roman amphitheater, this hillside town captures the visitor’s attention with its tall, 15th-century houses – some of which rise more than 10 stories and all of which are detailed with hand-sculpted doors and lintels.

At the base of the village is the "La Madone des Poggio" church which boasts the architectural distinction of a 6-story Roman-Lombard bell tower. The lower part of the tower dates back to the 13th century, while the octagonal pyramid above was added around the 15th or 16th century.

At the opposite end of the village lies the Franciscan convent which has a lovely Baroque façade and an inner courtyard surmounted by balustrades and a unique onion-shaped bell tower. Inside the church one can admire a beautiful 12th century wood retable. The cloister houses a series of paintings detailing the life of Saint Francis. Also, numerous sundials decorate the courtyard walls.

Don’t miss
This charming amphitheater of a village along the Roya, the 15th century church of Saint Sauveur, the chapel of Saint Jacques, the 17th century Franciscan convent and the gorge valley of Bendola which lies to the east of Saorge.