BEL APPART LE CANNET.COM
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RENTAL OF FURNISHED APARTMENTS
IN THE CITY OF CANNET
BEL APPART LE CANNET.COM
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RENTAL OF FURNISHED APARTMENTS
IN THE CITY OF CANNET
Belappartlecannet.com
Do you want to discover the most beautiful villages and towns on the French Riviera?
The ones that make you dream?
Here is a selection of the most stunning places in the Alpes-Maritimes just for you
Suspended in Time…
Perched on a mountainside in the Roya Valley, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, this intimate village—somewhat isolated in the mountains near the Italian border—is one of those rare places that seem suspended in time. Listed among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Saorge stretches its tall, colorful houses like a cascade down the steep slopes, resembling Tibetan villages in appearance.
As you wander through its narrow, winding, cobbled alleyways—where staircases often take the place of streets—you’ll discover perfectly preserved medieval architecture. No cars here. Peace and quiet reign, interrupted only by birdsong or the gentle trickle of a fountain. Every corner invites you to pause, contemplate, and embrace a slower pace of life.
Saorge is a village like no other, whether seen from afar or explored on foot. With its tightly packed houses cascading down the mountainside, its narrow alleys, and its small stone bridges called < pountin >, it exudes a rustic and unique charm.
The rooftops, made of purple lauze stones quarried nearby, add to the village’s distinctive atmosphere.
In the upper floors of the tall houses—often located just beneath the attics—fruit-drying rooms were traditionally built, a local craft still visible today in the architecture.
But Saorge is more than just a picture-perfect setting. It is also a place rich in heritage and culture.
The Franciscan Monastery of Saorge
Perched at the entrance to the village, it is one of the area's heritage gems. Founded in the 17th century, between 1633 and 1662, it was built by Franciscan friars to create a place of prayer, meditation, and teaching.
With its understated façade and Baroque cloister adorned with delicate frescoes, the monastery reflects the spirit of austerity and serenity characteristic of the Franciscan order.
The interior is both simple and refined: it features antique woodwork, frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, and several sundials engraved in the cloister walls, which testify to the close link between spirituality and observation of the world.
But what makes this place even more remarkable today is its transformation. Since the early 2000s, the monastery is no longer inhabited by monks, but has been converted into a writers’ residency. Managed by the Centre National du Livre (National Book Center), it has become a haven of peace for writers, poets, translators, and thinkers from around the world. The silence, the mountains, the light, and the rich history of the site offer a space that is truly conducive to creativity and introspection.
Thus, the Saorge Monastery is not only a testament to the village’s religious past — it is also a living bridge between spirituality, culture, and contemporary creation.
Opening Hours – Franciscan Monastery of Saorge
From February 1st to May 31st
Open every day except Monday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
From June 1st to September 30th
Open daily
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
From October 1st to November 3rd
Open every day except Monday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
⚠️ Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
🛑 Annual closure from November 4th to January 31st and closed on May 1st.
Link: www.monastere-saorge.fr
The Church of Saint-Sauveur in Saorge
Today considered a true jewel of Baroque art, it was originally a Romanesque building. Transformed over the centuries, it now boasts a profusion of dazzling, luminous, almost theatrical decorations.
Its organ, made in Italy, was shipped to Nice, then transported to Saorge on muleback, piece by piece, in 1847 — a logistical feat that testifies to the inhabitants' attachment to their heritage. Inside, the altars radiate with gilding, the vaults are illuminated by vibrant colors, and vast columns lend the whole an almost grandiose dimension.
Whether one is drawn to Baroque aesthetics or not, it is impossible to remain indifferent to such splendor and opulence.
Nature reigns supreme around the village.
Many hiking trails begin in Saorge, leading into the surrounding mountains, the Roya gorges, or the lower slopes of the Mercantour National Park. It’s a true paradise for lovers of wild landscapes and hikers in search of serenity.
What I recommend in Saorge is total immersion — far from noise, close to what matters. It's a place where you slow down, breathe pure mountain air, and feel that every stone has a story to tell. You come here to recharge, to marvel at the raw beauty of the mountains, and to savor silence and simplicity.
Visiting Saorge is like stepping into a different world — a peaceful escape between culture, nature, and authenticity. A rare and unforgettable place.
For dining, Saorge offers a few restaurants within the village, such as:
This bistro-grocery, formerly the village bakery, serves traditional yet creative cuisine using local and organic ingredients sourced through short supply chains.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a small terrace nestled in the cobbled streets of the village.
For a hearty, local lunch, La Petite Épicerie is a reliable favorit.
Traditional cuisine - €€
How to get there:
For more information, visit: www.saorge.fr (only in French)
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