Located in Haute-Provence, in the Luberon Regional Natural Park, the Forcalquière country shines with its beautiful natural environment, backed to the north by Mount Lour, classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and at an altitude of 1,826m. A quiet paradise for hikers, cyclists and horse riders crossing these typical Provençal agricultural landscapes with some old villages and monasteries, postcard lavender fields, the interesting ochres of the Provençal Colorado and more. Before arriving, just a few kilometers away, Verdon Regional Natural Park.
Discover Forcalquier, the former capital of a thriving region
Forcalquier unfolds its cool, medieval streets at the foot of the green oppidum, where the ruins of the count’s castle still stand in a magnificent panorama. Those places would inspire Jean-Paul Rapenot for him Hussar on the roof, based on the work of Jean Gionnot, a native of Manosque, a few kilometers away. Don’t miss the interactive and olfactory Artemisia Museum, dedicated to the plants of nearby Mount Lure. Calmer on his impulse, which dominates Durance, News emerges from a magnificent olive grove. Founded by Charlemagne and the former summer residence of the Cistercian prelates, the village is famous for its bishops’ promenade, lined with fifteen oratories. Then cross the Roman bridge and arrive at the charming Notre-Dame de Ganagob Abbey, a 12th-century refuge for a community of Benedictine monks. One more stop Mane shows the impressive 12th-century citadel, well-preserved on its summit.
Nearby, Salagon Preschool has an archaeological museum and “ethnobotanical” gardens that shed light on the site, which has been occupied since the Neolithic era. Equally unique, the 18th-century Château de Sauvan has been nicknamed the “Little Trianon of Provence” with its period furniture and French gardens. A few kilometers away, the domes of the Saint-Michel-l’Observatory hide the center of astronomy under one of the clearest skies in France; close to the famous Haute-Provence observatory. And without forgetting about our love Delphineanother fortified village in a vast sunbathing area.
Take the lavender path
The emblematic flower of Provence, protected by AOP, the delicate lavender blooms from late June to late July. Wander in the fields Albion Plateau – on foot, bike, horse or car – offers stunning postcard landscapes. At around 1,000 meters above sea level, it’s an unusual and exciting journey into the ‘purple gold country’, enhanced by visits to small farms and family distilleries. Dominated by the dry silhouette of Mont Ventoux and surrounded by the purple sea, the charming medieval village Sault stands out as the “lavender capital”.
Here, in all seasons, it is the precious flower that regulates the lives of the inhabitants, which is celebrated with great pomp every August 15, during the lavender festival. And out of this fabled terroir, in sublime hues of purple accented with gold and the green of the chestnut groves, other villages of character, preserved in the delightful juice of the Middle Ages; Saint-Trinit, Ferrassieres, Revest-du-Bion, Saint-Christol and his interesting array of military antennas… Then, Simian-la-Rotonde amazes with its vaulted rotunda (12th century) that gracefully encloses its castle vault and now hosts concerts and exhibitions. A stone’s throw away, the Valsaintes Abbey Garden entices with its magnificent rose garden, adjacent to a former Cistercian monastery (11th-18th centuries), which regularly resounds with Gregorian chants. And without forgetting love Well nowhich is known for its AOP goat cheese and its large bookstore, regional pride.
Go over Mount Lur
” A mysterious, incredible land, a land of gods and dawns This mountain, dear to the author of this quote, Jean Gionnot, stands at an altitude of 1,826 meters at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. Covered by a mineralized and crusted peak, it is home to exceptional biodiversity, classified as a Natura 2000 site and a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. There, between the beech and fir trees, lavender and bushes clinging to its wings, the village. Cruise, famous for its summer jazz festival, also impresses with its fountain, washhouse and, above all, the magnificent remains of its 11th-century Abbey of Saint-Martin. While in the middle of lavender fields, Lords A quiet and charming home…
In all seasons, the Montagne de Lure, on which the astronomical observatory is located, offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. To: Temptation station We practice in Saint-Etienne-les-Orgs at an altitude of 1,600 meters skiing, that sled and snowmobile Meanwhile, in the summer, the mountain is explored MTB: Where? road bike, not to mention several trails trail and: Hiking passing through mountain ranges and foothills, sometimes on themed routes (planet trails, plant trail, Jean Gioneau road, etc.) with impressive panoramas.
Our best activities in the Pays de Forcalquier
In the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, the country of Forcalquier offers 470 km of hiking trails. Hiking. From small family outings to Nordic outings, gourmet or secret outings, the options are numerous and tailored to suit everyone’s style. The Mourres walk (2h15; 7km), wandering between pointed huts and unusual geological formations, offers sublime views of timeless Provence and is one of the leading routes in the area. Other trails are also good for practice MTB: and: riding, and the time bike we cruise charming country roads at our own pace…
But it sure is famous and iconic Provençal Colorado (www.coloradoprovencal.fr), at Rustel, which excites Luberon walkers. This former open-air ocher quarry, operated between 1871 and 1993, can now be visited on foot via two easy routes (booking essential in summer). We discover warm and impressive landscapes, completely shaped by the hands of ocher workers, next to some industrial remains. And to gain a bit of altitude why not climb into a hot air balloon basket and admire the magic of Provence. Finally, take the plunge. As Durance offers beautiful inland descents kayak and: paddle surfing; meanwhile bathing (unsupervised) can also be practiced with the family in a scenic location Opodet canyons.
Practice
– Forcalquier Tourist Office – Lure mountain. haute-provence-tourisme.com.
– Pays de Lure tourist office. lure-provence.com.
– Ventoux Provence tourist office. ventouxprovence.fr.
– Pays de Banon tourist office. hauteprovencepaysdebanon-tourisme.fr.
Source: Le Figaro
