Discover Saint-Savournin

Saint-Savournin combines a long history with the protected natural landscape of the Massif de l’Étoile. Visible ruins, archaeological remains and trails leading to viewpoints offer different highlights for a stay. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether you are most interested in historic sites, a circular hike or taking in the landscape. The area’s features can be understood through specific points of reference: the Castellas stands out for its visible ruins, while archaeological sites and trails reveal other sides of the area.

History around the Castellas

Traces of Neolithic settlements have been found around the Castellas. The Castellas itself dates from much later: it was built between 1045 and 1138, and its ruins remain visible on the hills above the village. This distinction helps put the area’s history in chronological order: the Neolithic settlement traces were followed by the medieval structure. Roman history is also part of the area’s heritage. A Roman road from Auriol to Gardanne passed through Saint-Savournin; Gallo-Roman tombs were unearthed near Collet-Blanc. Together, the medieval Castellas, the ancient route and the archaeological finds offer different historical perspectives. If you are interested in history, you can use the visible structure as a point of reference and relate it to the older remains.

Protected landscape and viewpoints

Saint-Savournin is located in the Massif de l’Étoile and has a protected natural landscape. Numerous trails around the area lead to viewpoints, including one at Col Saint-Anne. This takes you beyond the Castellas: the focus here is on the natural surroundings and several viewpoints rather than a single structure. If you would like to focus more on the landscape and trails, Col Saint-Anne is one named viewpoint to consider.

Circular hike and cycling option

The Trail sous le Mont Julien is a clearly defined hiking route: this circular trail starts in Saint-Savournin, is 9.1 kilometres long and offers panoramic views. Its starting point, circular format and length give you a clear basis for choosing a route; the panoramic views also describe its landscape. Compared with the more general trails to viewpoints, this lets you choose between a specific loop and a wider selection of trails. The trail can be hiked daily throughout the year. From 1 June to 30 September, access to the forest areas is governed by a prefectural order and may also be governed by a municipal order. Check the applicable access rules before setting out.

For cyclists, Villages de Provence is another point of reference within the Pays d’Aubagne destination. The route passes through Provençal villages and along small country roads, and is considered the easiest cycling loop in the destination. This route can therefore be described by its village and country-road character; by contrast, the Trail sous le Mont Julien is described by its starting point, circular format, length and panoramic views.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Gémenos, Auriol, Eyragues, Châteauneuf-Le-Rouge, Ventabren, Saint-Andiol, Les Baux-De-Provence, Saint-Martin-De-Crau

For the broader travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.