Around 2,500 hectares of forest and a 501-metre-high rock give Saou a striking landmark. The Roc de Saoû lies at the southwestern end of the elevated syncline and is part of the protected Saoû Forest, classified as an Espace Naturel Sensible (Sensitive Natural Area). The forest was acquired as part of the Espaces Naturels Sensibles policy and has been classified as a protected area since 1942. If you are looking for accommodation in Saou, the landscape, village history and cultural offerings provide different ways to plan your trip.
Forest and Roc: the landscape of Saou
The Roc de Saoû is an iconic rock formation for Saou. At 501 metres high and located at the southwestern end of the elevated syncline, it shapes the landscape of the protected forest. Its area of around 2,500 hectares also conveys the scale of this natural area: the forest is not a single viewpoint, but an extensive part of the local landscape.
A route description to the Roc starts at the car park on Place du Picodon and follows Rue de l’Oume to the Vèbre bridge. Local parking conditions may change; check them before your visit. A one-hour walk follows a road open to vehicles through the hamlet around the Roc. This makes it possible to choose between a short walk through the hamlet and the marked forest trails, depending on the time available and how you wish to get around. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Walking and mountain biking trails
Découverte de la forêt is described as a family-friendly discovery loop along easy paths and tracks. There is also a mountain-bike route with the same name: it is 14.74 kilometres long, rated green and easy, and has 260 metres of elevation gain. Its stated starting point is Place du Picodon in Saou. The walking route and mountain-bike details help you identify the type of activity; the MTB trail rating does not replace checking conditions on site.
Another option combining nature and art is Muret d’Art: this artistic, ecological and international trail follows the Entre Roc et Estang hiking path. This adds a cultural dimension to the forest routes without requiring you to plan a set itinerary.
Village history, crafts and culture
Saou developed around its medieval castle and the Abbey of Saint-Thiers. Some houses, traces of old fortification walls and paths revealing former calades (cobbled lanes) remain in the former village around the Roc. The former oil mill is also part of the village’s history: it was powered by water from the Vèbre canal, which runs beneath the houses. These examples show different aspects of local history, from the buildings around the Roc to the use of water power.
A contemporary craft destination is La Forêt des Chapeaux, a workshop and boutique in Saou. You can choose a hat there or arrange to have one made to measure. The workshop also makes, repairs and alters unique and custom-made hats. It is an option for visitors who want to discover local craftsmanship as well as the landscape and history.
The Auberge des Dauphins in the Saoû Espace Naturel Sensible invites visitors to discover the area’s natural and cultural features. Its permanent exhibition covers geology and biodiversity, human history, and the contemporary management of the Saoû Forest. Exhibition content may be updated; if you are visiting for a particular topic, check the latest information. The Auberge regularly offers events and walks throughout the year. As opening times may vary by season, it is a good idea to check the current calendar.
The Mozart Festival was founded in Saoû in 1989. Its programme formats include musical walks in nature, sunrise concerts, and literary and musical gatherings. The specific selection may vary from year to year, so check the programme for the relevant year if you are planning your visit around it.
Market and event dates
The local producers’ market takes place in Saou on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., from April to mid-October. The seasonal schedule may change, so check the dates before your visit. The Fête du Picodon is scheduled for the third weekend in July in Saou; check the specific dates for the relevant year. The market and festival offer different scheduling cues: the market takes place on a regular weekday during a set season, while festival plans depend on the event dates for that year.
Discover more destinations: Rémuzat, Saint-Agnan, Le Poët-Célard, Montréal-Les-Sources, Saulce-Sur-Rhône, Génissieux, Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas, Pont-De-l’Isère.
For the overview of the wider region: Drôme.
