Sannes

Antiquity

Near the Ferme des Clots, the discovery of a Gallo‑Roman necropolis, with twenty-four funerary urns and numerous cremation pits containing artefacts, the remains of small masonry walls, heaps of Roman tiles, and a large number of amphora fragments, has led to the assumption that this was a small vicus (the Latin name for a small settlement). The discovery of coins dating from the time of Domitian, Nerva and Trajan places its existence between the 1st and 2nd centuries. Toponymy even gives us the name of its founder: Acius. This vicus was Christianised as early as the 4th or 5th century.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the name of the village changed to Sannia (1155), then to Assana (1274). Belonging to the viguerie of Apt, it was one of the fiefs of the Sabran family.

Modern Times

At the beginning of the 15th century, the Sabran family, facing financial difficulties, attached the village to Ansouis, much to the dismay of its inhabitants, who took the matter to the Parliament of Grenoble. The magistrates took their time before declaring, in 1468, the rightful claim of the Sabran family. The Waldensians were present in the village, as throughout the Luberon. They parted with it in 1603 by selling their seigneurie to the Thibaud de Tisati family. With the Castellas (15th century) in ruins, the new lords had the new château built in 1661, which has retained its beautiful French-style ceilings. From the early 18th century, Sannes passed by marriage to the Saqui de Sannes de Collobrières family. In 1740, they granted the villagers certain freedoms and the right to keep their records. The Revolution enabled Sannes to regain its independence and communal status.

Saint-Pierre Chapel

Located on the edge of an ancient Roman road, close to the D27 road linking the Étang de la Bonde to Cucuron, the chapel dedicated to Saint-Pierre stands atop a hillock, nestled amid lush greenery. The name Saint-Pierre first appeared in 1045, at the same time as the earliest mention of the village. This rural priory dates from the 12th or 13th century. It was abandoned in 1341. In 1620, its chapel, then in ruins, was restored and even extended later in the 18th century. It was converted into a cowshed during the Revolution, but was nevertheless returned to worship in 1856, then restored again in 1879.

Painted on the chancel walls, two unusual figures catch the eye: to the right, a fisherman: Saint-Pierre with a key around his neck and a wicker basket filled with fish for Bouillabaisse, and to the left, a charming girl with long blond hair flowing in the wind, she is the Virgin.

The medieval motte of Castellas

Sannes is mainly made up of gently rolling hills facing south, separated by slopes. In the far northwest, a hill rises at the place known as Castellas, the highest point in Sannes, at around 350 metres above sea level. This summit is crowned with an elegant cluster of beautiful pines, visible from afar. Also known as the Château-Vieux, there are no written records of a feudal castle ever having existed at Castellas, only a simple watchtower that once stood at its summit. Occupation of the site most likely did not continue beyond the 12th century. No remains have been found here.

The estate of Château de Sannes and the windmill

Pavilion built in the 17th century by Jean de Thibaud de Tisati and later enhanced by his son Melchior, who transformed it into a manor house. The façade features a beautiful porch with Tuscan bays as well as mullioned and transomed windows. The interior is adorned with stucco work and wood panelling. Around the residence, a small chapel was built in 1661, followed by a terrace and formal French gardens that enhanced the site. At the beginning of the 18th century, following the marriage of Melchior’s daughter and Antoine de Saqui, the estate was adorned with the monogram of both families: SS for Saqui-Sannes. This site is now privately owned and not open to visitors. However, from the road, you can admire a magnificent recently restored windmill.

The Cherry Orchards of Sannes

In Sannes, cherries with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status are grown: cerises du Ventoux. It is worth noting that the Ventoux cherry is distinguished by being grown in the Ventoux hillsides area, picked at optimal ripeness, and by its minimum average size. Stroll along the paths surrounding the orchards, come spring, a veritable festival of cherry blossom scents fills the air!

What to do in Sannes

As one of the smallest villages in the Luberon, and without a true centre like other villages in the area, hiking or cycle touring remain the main activities in Sannes. The village is situated just below Mourre Nègre, close to the Étang de la Bonde, and surrounded by vineyards, with plenty of small roads and paths to explore. It is therefore easy (and indeed preferable) to lose yourself here, allowing you to fully appreciate the variety of viewpoints, sometimes overlooking the mountain, at other times the surrounding villages.

Local flavours

The village boasts plenty of tempting places to eat, starting with Le Panier en Luberon. Here, you will find only products from Provence or elsewhere in France. Cross the road and you will find Les Terrasses d’Adrien right opposite. The wine and olive estate welcomes you to its tasting cellar for tastings and events held throughout the year.

Another estate also offers wines in the village: Château de Sannes. Like an invitation to discover the hidden treasures of the Luberon, you will have the opportunity to taste their products and wines from organic farming directly in the shop, as well as to explore the wine trail set in its lush greenery. Concerts and activities are also organised to help you discover these places in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.