Point de Vue du Rocher

Saignon is a small hill village in the Luberon, a few kilometres from Apt, and the rock that rises above it, known as the Rocher de Bellevue, gives it one of the widest views in the region. The village clings to the lower slopes of the rock, and its stone houses, steep lanes and fountains are built into the hillside. From the summit, the landscape opens out over the Calavon valley and the plain around Apt, with the long line of the Luberon behind, Mont Ventoux in the distance and the ridge of the Montagne de Lure on the horizon. It is one of the best places in this part of Provence to see how the villages, orchards, vineyards and limestone hills fit together.

The rock is a limestone outcrop, and the path to the top follows steps and ramps cut into the stone. On the way up and around the summit you can see traces of old occupation: cisterns and wells carved into the rock, hollows that may once have been rooms, a stairway cut into the face and fragments of medieval walls. The rock has served as a place of refuge and lookout for many centuries, and local tradition links parts of it with a medieval castle and a watchtower, though little of the structures remains standing. A few legends are attached to the site, including a story of a queen imprisoned in a cave, and local guides recount them with enthusiasm.

The climb is short but steep and uneven, and it requires sturdy shoes and care, especially when the stone is wet or the wind is strong. The summit is open and unfenced in places, so supervise children closely. Late afternoon is the best time to go, when the light is warm and the haze of midday has cleared, and many visitors come to watch the sunset. In midsummer the heat on the exposed rock can be fierce, so take water and a hat.

Saignon itself rewards a stroll. The village square has a fountain and shaded café terraces, and the lanes lead past old houses, small galleries and a Romanesque church with a fine belfry. Footpaths from the village lead into the surrounding hills, through woods of oak and pine and past dry-stone huts called bories, and the area is popular with walkers and cyclists. Nearby villages such as Bonnieux, Lacoste and Roussillon, with its ochre cliffs, are within a short drive, and Apt holds a lively market on Saturday mornings.

The viewpoint suits walkers, photographers and anyone who likes quiet villages with a sense of history. Plan about two hours for the climb and a walk around the village. The village is small, and parking is limited, so arrive early in summer. The local town hall can supply information on access and opening arrangements.