The Saoû Forest covers around 2,500 hectares, was acquired as part of the Espaces Naturels Sensibles policy and has been classified as a protected area since 1942. At the southwestern end of the raised syncline lies the 501-metre-high Roc de Saoû, a rock emblematic of Saoû and part of the Saoû Forest, which is protected as an Espace Naturel Sensible.
For some travellers, renting a holiday apartment in Saoû is part of their planning.
Nature and History
The Auberge des Dauphins in the Espace Naturel Sensible of Saoû invites visitors to discover the area's natural and cultural features. Its permanent exhibition explores the geology, biodiversity, human history and contemporary management of the Saoû Forest. The Auberge des Dauphins also regularly offers events and walks throughout the year.
Saoû developed around its medieval castle and the Saint-Thiers Abbey. Some houses, traces of old fortification walls and paths along which former calades can be recognised have survived from the former village around the Roc. The village's former oil mill was powered by water from the Vèbre canal, which runs beneath the village houses.
Culture and Crafts
The Mozart Festival was founded in Saoû in 1989. Its programme includes musical walks in nature, sunrise concerts, and literary and musical encounters.
La Forêt des Chapeaux is a workshop-boutique in Saoû where visitors can choose a hat or arrange to have one made to measure. Unique and made-to-measure hats are produced there, and hats are repaired and altered.
Paths and Routes
The Roc can be reached by parking at Place du Picodon and taking the Vèbre bridge via Rue de l’Oume. An approximately one-hour hike follows a drivable road through the hamlet around the Roc. Muret d’Art is an artistic, ecological and international trail on the Entre Roc et Estang hiking path.
Découverte de la forêt is a family-friendly discovery loop on easy roads and paths. Under the same name, a 14.74-kilometre mountain bike route runs through the Saoû Forest. It is classified as a green, easy route and has 260 metres of elevation gain. The stated starting point for Découverte de la forêt is at Place du Picodon in Saoû.
Local Life
The Fête du Picodon takes place in Saoû on the third weekend of July. From April to mid-October, Saoû hosts a market of local producers on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
