Saint-Savournin combines a layered local history with a protected natural landscape in the Massif de l'Étoile. Two highlights are particularly easy to explore when planning your stay: the historic layers associated with the Roman road and Castellas, and trails with viewpoints. There is also the Trail sous le Mont Julien, a 9.1-kilometre circular route starting in Saint-Savournin. This gives you a way to decide whether you would rather explore the area's history or focus on a specific hike.
History Through the Ages
Traces of Neolithic settlements have been discovered around Castellas; Castellas itself was built between 1045 and 1138. Its ruins are still visible on the heights above the village. This brings together two very different periods: prehistoric settlement traces in the surrounding area and a medieval structure. The finds around Castellas date back well before it was built. When exploring the area's history, you can distinguish these early traces from the later construction phase.
The Roman period also has a specific geographical connection: a Roman road from Auriol to Gardanne passed through Saint-Savournin. Gallo-Roman tombs were unearthed near Collet-Blanc. Together with the Neolithic traces and the medieval Castellas, this spans a period from prehistory through the Gallo-Roman era to the Middle Ages. The area's history is therefore not limited to a single structure or period.
Natural Landscape and Viewpoints
Saint-Savournin lies in the Massif de l'Étoile and has a protected natural landscape. Numerous trails around the village lead to viewpoints, including destinations at Col Saint-Anne. These trails offer a different perspective on your stay from the area's historical landmarks: instead of focusing on just one structure or period, you can include several viewpoints in your plans. Col Saint-Anne is a specifically named destination among the trails around Saint-Savournin.
A Circular Hike Starting in the Village
The Trail sous le Mont Julien is a 9.1-kilometre circular route that starts in Saint-Savournin and offers panoramic views. Its starting point, circular layout and length give you clear details for planning a specific hike. By comparison, numerous trails around the village lead to viewpoints, including those at Col Saint-Anne. This lets you distinguish between one named circular route and a wider network of trails without treating them as the same thing.
The trail is open for hiking every day throughout the year. From 1 June to 30 September, access to the forest areas is regulated by a prefectural order and may also be regulated by a municipal order. If you plan to hike during this period, check the access rules currently in force before setting out. These seasonal regulations are therefore an important detail to consider when planning your hike.
Choose the Focus of Your Stay
If you are considering Saint-Savournin as a place to stay overnight, you can make your choice based on the activities you have planned for each day. For a history-focused stay, the sequence of Neolithic settlement traces, Gallo-Roman tombs and the medieval Castellas offers a useful guide; the Roman road is also part of this picture. If you would rather focus on the landscape, consider the trails to viewpoints and the Trail sous le Mont Julien. The circular route starts in the village, while the other viewpoints are reached by trails around Saint-Savournin. So consider whether you would prefer to plan a specific circular hike or make several viewpoints a broader theme of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Chateaurenard, Charleval, Saint-Victoret, Vitrolles, Istres, Plan-D'orgon, Cabannes, Eyguières.
Go to the main travel overview: Bouches Du Rhone.
