Saumane de Vaucluse

Its dry-stone houses are much loved and overlook the 14th-century fortress castle. Saumane owes at least part of its renown to a famous character who spent some of his childhood here in this very castle, the Marquis de Sade. He stayed with his uncle, the abbot of Sade, between 1745 and 1750.The 12th-century dungeon, the archaeological museum (Petit Musée Archéologique) and the workshop (Atelier de Santons la Crémade) add charm to this Provençal village, hidden away in a preserved natural setting. On leaving the village, little pathways lead you to the garrigue and the pine and oak forests.This lovely village overlooks the Sorgue plains, a few kilometers from Fontaine de Vaucluse. Drystone architecture and homes, the 14th century fortress-castle, 12th century dungeon. The small archeology museum, and the Crémade santon workshop add to the pleasure of a visit to this Provencal village in a beautiful natural setting.

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