Sault in France is an old fortified village perched along the top of a high ridge overlooking a wide valley, with large lavender fields spread out below to the south and west. A long multi-arched road bridge crosses the tiny La Croc stream below, past the southeast end of the village. Along with the ancient buildings lining the high ridge are the remains of a huge feudal castle.

The village is open and relaxed, with wide squares and a few cafés, and the central church is nicely restored. There’s a good selection of shops, some with local and regional products.

The fields around Sault sit in a low area surrounded by mountains: the Ventoux and the Lure mountains range across the northwest and northeast, and the Plateau de Vaucluse is spread out across the south. Just a few kilometers out of the village to the southwest are the deep canyons of the Gorges de la Nesque.

History

The name Sault comes from “Saltus”, referring to the forests that covered the territory. Aeria was an ancient habitation at this location that was destroyed and abandoned during the barbarian invasions.

Prehistoric: Paleolithic, neolithic and bronze-age vestiges and artifacts have been found in the Bois du Défens to the northeast of the village, where a large cave is located.

Gallo-Roman: Vestiges were discovered at the hamlet of Loges, on the river plain just west of the village.

Medieval: The Barons of Agoult ruled Sault in the 11^th century and maintained their rule for five centuries. The last of the various succeeding rulers was the Duke of Villeroy, who lost his head to the guillotine during the French Revolution.