Ah la Provence... Its landscapes dotted with fields of lavender and scrubland, its inhabitants with a singing accent and its mild summer days have resolutely enough to make many people fall for it. For a break under the Mediterranean sun, head for the small village of Forcalquier, about 30 minutes north of Manosque.
Fortified by its past as a county town, the town of Forcalquier is as surprising as it is fascinating. Located between the Luberon and Lure mountains, between rolling plains where cicadas sing and where fragrant trees abound, this sub-prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is above all a medieval town, crossed by the Via Domitia. With its old town centre and narrow streets, its squares decorated with ancient fountains, its splendid residences from the 12th to the 15th centuries, Forcalquier impresses its visitors with its rich heritage. Also, there are many visits that you can make during your holidays in Forcalquiérenne: the Notre-Dame du Bourget cathedral is one of its most beautiful sites: with its Gothic apse, its imposing organ, its Romanesque transept and its superb stained glass windows, it impresses by the beauty of its surroundings. Not far away, the Convent of the Cordeliers is to be seen: a 13th century Franciscan convent, it is worth a look for its cloister and well-kept gardens. With its exhibitions, perfumer's workshops and relaxing atmosphere, it is a must for anyone wishing to visit the charming village of Forcalquier. The Visitandines Convent, the Sainte-Mary church, the magnificent neo-Byzantine citadel which stands in place of the former castle of the Counts of Forcalquier, or the Viaduct of the Latins are also worth a visit, but we advise you for a perfect overview of everything that makes up the heritage of the town to take the "Heritage Route" trail, which will lead you to discover the most beautiful monuments in the city.
Sportsmen? You can enjoy hundreds of kilometres of hiking, horseback riding, cycling or mountain biking trails through the Pays de Forcalquier and the Lure mountain, classified as a "Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. We also recommend that you climb to the top of the Citadel hill: with its 360° panoramic view of Forcalquier, the Durance valley and the peaks of the Alps, this place is really worth a visit, both during the day and at sunset. The site of Les Moures is also a must see, with its strange limestone rocks with unusual and playful shapes: easily accessible from the Saint-Marc chapel and a hiking trail (which climbs a little), you will reach this superb place in a few minutes, both almost magical and mystical.
Finally, while passing through the region, push your visit a little further in the direction of Sisteron, Manosque, Avignon or Aix-en-Provence, to discover some of the most beautiful sites in Provence.