Things to do in Sault

No. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in France

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is located on the border between Switzerland and France, nestled in a crescent shape among the Alps, with approx. 60% of its waters within Switzerland. The lake is vast and deep, with distant snow-capped peaks reflected in its waters. Terraced vineyards spread out along the shore, and the Lavaux Vineyard Terraces stretch for dozens of km along the lakeside, forming a unique scenic feature of this body of water. Numerous views and landmarks are found along the lakeshore. Built on a rock in the lake, Chillon Castle stands at the eastern end of the lake, with a history dating back to the 11th century. Byron was inspired by the story of the prisoners in the castle to write the long poem "The Prisoner of Chillon." A boat cruise is a classic way to enjoy the panoramic view of the lake, and during the voyage, you can admire the ancient towns, castles, and vineyards on both shores.

Château de Gordes

No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Switzerland

Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle stands on a small rocky island jutting into the eastern end of Lake Geneva, facing the lakeside town of Montreux and connected to the shore by a wooden bridge. The entire castle follows the contours of the oval island rock, surrounded by water on all sides. From the shore, it appears to float on the lake, with its gray-white stone walls and reddish-brown conical towers reflecting the lake and mountain scenery like a painting. The land-facing side is studded with arrow slits and shooting ports, forming a heavily fortified defense structure, while the lakeside features elegant Gothic arched windows, once the residence of the House of Savoy—a harmonious blend of strength and grace in this ancient waterborne fortress. The earliest written records of the castle date back to the mid-12th century, though its central keep was built in the 11th century, predating documented history. Strategically located on a vital north-south European trade route, merchants traveling to Rome via the Great St. Bernard Pass would pass by its gates. The House of Savoy leveraged this position to collect tolls and expanded the castle into their summer palace in the 13th century. After Bernese forces captured it in 1536, it successively became a bailiff's residence, armory, and prison. The castle's fame stems partly from its dungeon: François Bonivard, abbot of Geneva's St. Victor Abbey, was chained to a pillar here for years after opposing the Duke of Savoy's control of Geneva, until his rescue by the Bernese. In 1816, Lord Byron visited, immortalized the story in his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon," and carved his name on the pillar. Rousseau featured it in "Julie, or the New Heloise," while Hugo and other literati also wrote about it. Crossing the wooden bridge into the castle reveals courtyards, halls, bedrooms, the keep, and dungeons—like stepping through a three-dimensional medieval history book. The underground prison is particularly noteworthy: its walls are built from the island's natural rock, topped with Gothic vaulting typically reserved for cathedrals, with Byron's inscribed pillar still standing. Several grand halls once hosted Savoyard feasts, their windows framing Lake Geneva's vistas. The Bernese bedroom displays an elaborate four-poster bed with heating, a bathroom, and running water—remarkably advanced for its time. The Chapel of St. George preserves 14th-century religious murals, rare survivors of Reformation iconoclasm. The armory exhibits medieval to 17th-century weapons—swords, halberds, arquebuses, crossbows, and armor—offering insights into period warfare. Visitors should linger: beyond interior artifacts, the lakeside path offers classic panoramic views of this aquatic fortress.

Lavender Trail

Camping Verguettes ****

Camping Mont Serein

Mount Ventoux

Tom Simpson's Memorial

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is located in the Vaucluse department of southern France. The department takes its name from the Vaucluse Spring, which boasts the most abundant flow of any spring in the region. As the fifth-largest spring in the world, it has an annual flow exceeding 600 million cubic meters. The abundant spring water converges in the west of the town into a clear stream that winds through the entire town. With hundreds of houses built along the riverbanks, it forms an idyllic summer retreat. Even in the sweltering heat of summer, breathing in the moist air and listening to the babbling water will leave you feeling refreshed. If you crouch down to take a sip of the spring water, you will experience a crispness far superior to Evian mineral water. The history of this town dates back to the 6th century. Every midsummer, tens of thousands of visitors flock here, eager to witness one of the largest springs in France with their own eyes. The main dining area is situated where the stream is widest and offers the best views. Ordering a coffee or a glass of wine here and dozing off beside the clear spring water makes for a precious, leisurely memory.

Castle of Simiane-la-Rotonde