Monastere de Saorge
Monastere de Saorge
4.5
About
The village of Saorge overhangs the gorges of the Roya. The church of the Franciscan convent, which was founded in 1633, was built in the Baroque style. The refectory features painted decorations from the 17th century and the cloister is decorated with 18th century frescœs showing the life of Saint Franis of Assisi. The monastery houses a fascinating collection of nine sundials from the 17th, 18th, and 19th century. The church features one of the oldest Stations of the Cross paintings in the Alpes-Maritimes region. Open: > 2nd May to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. > 1st October to 31st October and 1st February to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: > From 1st November to 31st January. > 1st May. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
132 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
38
Average
7
Poor
3
Terrible
1
UKtraveller1
London, UK3,265 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
Was a good walk / hike from the train station to get to the monastery with our tour guide. Got in easily and did the visit with our tour guide who was very knowledgeable about it and went through all the rooms and hearing the stories. Got to take amazing photos going along the visit.
Written December 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,548 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
A spectacular torturous climb away from the coast and through the narrow gorge of the river Roya led us to Saorge. The landscape on the way up is grandiose, with the surprise bulbous roof of the Monastery appearing magically.
Set half way up the mountain in a natural amphitheatre, yet only a few kilometres from the sea, The town's defensive place made it a strategic asset in Middle Ages history right up to the 17th-century.
It is spring, and the town glows in the sunshine and yet, in the background, the snow is still glistening on the peaks of the Alps- Maritimes. In summer, from previous visits, the village will shelter the visitor from the heat with the covered streets and stepways. The influence of Piedmont, just over the border is noticeable in the ornate houses, squeezed together as if taking mutual comfort against the overwhelming landscape.
The Italian looking baroque church, rebuilt after a fire in the 17th-century, is just one of the admirable religious buildings for which Saorge is noted for. Like Lucerm, Saorge was a convenient stopping-off point for travellers, both religious and secular, making the long journey north or south. It became a base for several religious orders and at one time boasted 25 lawyers.
There is a Franciscan convent here too, with beautiful furniture and scenes depicting the life of St Francis of Assisi. In making your own visit to this pious village, stroll towards the sanctuary dedicated to the del Poggio Madona. Its architecture as well as the walls painted by Balaison in 1480 are extremely beautiful. Behind the village there are some delightful walks to be made along paths where the Rock Rose and saxifrage grow wild.
Set half way up the mountain in a natural amphitheatre, yet only a few kilometres from the sea, The town's defensive place made it a strategic asset in Middle Ages history right up to the 17th-century.
It is spring, and the town glows in the sunshine and yet, in the background, the snow is still glistening on the peaks of the Alps- Maritimes. In summer, from previous visits, the village will shelter the visitor from the heat with the covered streets and stepways. The influence of Piedmont, just over the border is noticeable in the ornate houses, squeezed together as if taking mutual comfort against the overwhelming landscape.
The Italian looking baroque church, rebuilt after a fire in the 17th-century, is just one of the admirable religious buildings for which Saorge is noted for. Like Lucerm, Saorge was a convenient stopping-off point for travellers, both religious and secular, making the long journey north or south. It became a base for several religious orders and at one time boasted 25 lawyers.
There is a Franciscan convent here too, with beautiful furniture and scenes depicting the life of St Francis of Assisi. In making your own visit to this pious village, stroll towards the sanctuary dedicated to the del Poggio Madona. Its architecture as well as the walls painted by Balaison in 1480 are extremely beautiful. Behind the village there are some delightful walks to be made along paths where the Rock Rose and saxifrage grow wild.
Written October 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zebecToronto
Toronto668 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
Along with the isle St. Honorat, Saorge was, as expected the best daytrip of our month across France. This Monastery overlooks the town from up on one corner. It is a peaceful mountain site with a World-class view. The Monastery is currently a refuge for writers, artists and the like. The setting and quiet are the attractions here, although the painted cloister murals plus the interior also are interesting. There is a garden out back in what has to be one of France's most astonishing backyards for such a purpose! The bees there are something else, HUGE and black as ink. Never seen anything like them. Hiking beyond this backyard off Manastery grounds leads one to an authentic, pastoral, rural area. Nearby is the Bendola valley, home to maple trees that local mile-makers make a most unique honey from. Try to come to the Monastery when there are no large hiking tour groups around (i.e. early or late). Alone up here, one finds a peace, an atmosphere long gone from the typical urban dweller's life. The adjoined Madoona del Poggio church at the bottom of the (easy) trail up to the Monastery is extremely fotogenic, even moreso than the Monastery itself! Other outstanding viewpoints are spread across Saorge. Try the school site, near the War Memorial, if its closed or after hours. Saorge was so enjoyable that we returned again a few days later!
Written November 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NiceMartin
Nice, France63 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
At first glance this 17th century baroque monastery is spectacularly situated with wonderful outlook but not that exciting. Our multi-lingual Italian guide brought it to life, though, with a witty, informative and surprising commentary that uncovered many hidden treasures. Modest wealth but huge ingenuity and effort on the part of the monks and their helpers have created a sophisticated simplicity that sums up good design. Special features: the sun dials, 11 of them: standard, Byzantine and Babylonian; the carved walnut; the splendid gardens; and the frescoes in the refectory, still intact and vibrant after 400 years. Don't expect the glorious baroque of Rome or Florence but for low-cost DIY it's pretty impressive.
Written June 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bicyclista
Belgium40 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
The guy on the front desk was utterly charming but really and truly thhere isn't much to see and the art is more hilarious than inspiring. It's not often I think I could do better ( well I exaggerate but it is unlikely to make your heart soar - unlike the scenery outside)
Written September 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DannyDublin24
Dublin208 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Located to one side of the town (up a fairly steep hill) this national monument is well worth the visit. The cloister had an exhibition on which was very nice. The gardens very beautiful. Francesco and his team were both warm and informative. If you fell energetic after follow the path up the side which offers some stunning views of the valley.
Written June 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mat M
Kingston, Australia10 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
Last night we loved the annual night time tour given by Francesco, the accomplished daytime guide who combined his formal historic knowledge of the monastery with a fun sense of humour and candlelight ambience. Francesco is unforgettable and he made the monastery a unique experience for me and my friends. See you next year!
Written September 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve W
Menton, France481 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
The Monastere de Saorge is a beautiful example of the Franciscan influence in the French commune of Saorge located in the French Alps above Menton. The monastery is approximately 300 hundred years old and was constructed as a reward to the Franciscan monks who responded to a terrible pestilence problem in the 17th century that affected the local olive trees. Because the olive crop was a mainstay of the economy in this medieval village the inhabitants were more than willing to construct the monastery in order to end the pestilence. The interior of the monastery has been preserved to the point that this attraction is s French National Historical site. There is a minimal entrance fee (4€) and the tour is guided in either French or English.
Written September 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amandanich2016
Auckland Central, New Zealand11 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
It's a picturesque walk to the monastery which is at the top end of Saorge. It is well-maintained and has staff at hand. There was a tour (in French) while I visited, but it was perfectly pleasant wandering around on my own. The gardens are really pretty too.
Written May 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jel86
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,103 contributions
Jun 2015
Very francisan monastery. Full of history, with a nice garden where they grow interesting flowers, veggies and plans. I recommend spending a bit of time on the grass in front of the monastery, under the trees when it is sunny. great spot for pic nic too.
Written February 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonjour
la marche dure combien de temps ?
merci
Written October 20, 2016
Cela dépend par quel coté du village on arrive. Par la Mairie, en flânant dans le village, comptez environ une demi-heure/ 3 quart d'heure. En partant de l’hôpital, à l autre extrémité du village, une bonne 20ene de minutes suffisent. Tout dépends également de la cadence, mais le village est tellement charmant qu'on s'y balade facilement sans voire le temps qui passe ;)
bonne visite
Written October 24, 2016
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