The 300-metre-deep Clue de Saint-Auban defines the village with its rock faces, pierced by large caves. It is also home to historic buildings, insights into local heritage and a wide range of activities at Terre des Lacs. In Saint-Auban, striking scenery, history and outdoor pursuits all take centre stage.
The Gorge and Trails Around Saint-Auban
The Clue de Saint-Auban is a gorge cut between two mountains. The Esteron has cold pools, and guided canyoning descents are offered in the gorge. These are subject to safety conditions and require professional supervision. For those interested in the rocky landscape, this is a different way to explore the area than visiting the village’s historic buildings: the steep rock faces, caves and waters of the Esteron take centre stage.
The Circuit de Tracastel starts at Saint-Auban’s church square and runs through the state forest on Mount Tracastel. Along the way, the route offers views of the Clue de Saint-Auban, the Saint-Auban plain and the Mercantour massif. Check the current trail signs and for any closures before setting out. The Maralpine long-distance hiking route, by contrast, starts at the Clue car park in Saint-Auban. The two starting points are different: the church square and the car park provide clear reference points when you are considering the respective routes.
Church, Fortifications and Local Heritage
Saint-Auban’s church dates from the 16th century. Its portal is designed in the Flamboyant Gothic style. This makes the building one of the village’s specific historic attractions, with the portal adding a distinctive architectural touch.
The Porte de Tracastel also tells the story of the village’s past. It preserves remains of former fortifications that once protected a castle, now gone. The gate was restored in 2007. Here, visible remnants of the fortifications meet the history of a castle that no longer exists.
The Ecomusée de Saint-Auban focuses on objects from the local heritage and the activities associated with them. Tools, documents and photographs illustrate customs of the past. The museum offers a different perspective on the village’s history from the church and the remains of the fortifications: rather than architecture, it focuses on objects and ways of life passed down through generations.
Activities at Terre des Lacs
Terre des Lacs, the municipality’s ecotourism park, lies at the foot of the village of Saint-Auban. Activities include canyon descents on the Esteron, treetop courses, climbing, horse riding, trout fishing, hiking and snowshoeing. The range combines activities on the water with outdoor pursuits on land; availability may vary by season.
The location of the activities is also useful to know when getting around: almost all of them take place in the park or within a five-minute walk. Visitors are taken to activities that are a little farther away by minibus or shuttle. These arrangements may change, so check the current options locally if you are planning a specific activity.
A Break with Local Produce
Restaurant La Source is located above Saint-Auban’s two fishing lakes. It prepares specialities using trout from the lakes as well as local and regional produce. The restaurant operates seasonally and is weather-dependent. When planning a visit, check the current opening arrangements.
Saint-Auban’s different facets are easy to distinguish: the Clue and the Circuit de Tracastel showcase the gorge and landscape, while the church, Porte and Ecomusée offer different ways to explore the local heritage. Terre des Lacs brings together a varied range of activities, while La Source makes use of regional produce. Which of these facets shapes your stay depends on whether you want to focus on the rocky landscape, the village’s history or the activities on offer.
Discover more destinations: Tournefort, Saint-Cezaire-Sur-Siagne, Bairols, Villefranche-Sur-Mer, Cuébris, Le Broc, La Brigue, Saint-Sauveur-Sur-Tinée
See the main travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
