Sauve, commune in Gard, France
Sauve is a small medieval town near the Vidourle river in southern France's Gard region. It rises on a slope with narrow paved lanes, stone houses, and covered passages dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, connected by tight alleys and stone stairs.
Sauve grew into a fortified trading center during the Middle Ages and held the rare right to mint coins from the 11th century onward. The town was protected by city walls and towers that survived centuries of changes, including conflicts during the wars of religion in the 17th century.
Sauve is recognized as a city of arts and crafts, where artisans maintain historic traditions in their workshops. The centuries-old practice of carving forks from a single piece of micocoulier wood continues to define the local identity and draws creative people to settle here.
The town is best explored on foot since paved lanes and stairs require walking through the core. Allow ample time to move slowly through the tight layout, and use marked routes like the Medieval Trail or the Artist Circuit for orientation.
An underground spring called Les Sources flows for 8 kilometers beneath the earth before resurfacing near the town hall under the city walls to feed the Vidourle river. This hidden hydrological phenomenon is rarely observed and reveals the site's geological distinctiveness.
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