Forcalquier

Forcalquier has a rich history as a provincial town. The streets of the historic center invite you to stroll.

From alleys to squares, from Gothic fountains to beautiful houses, from cathedral to chapel, the heritage can be discovered in a Provençal village atmosphere.
Did you know that the cinema is located in the chapel of a former convent of the Visitandines?

If you love markets, you will not be disappointed by the Monday morning market in Forcalquier! It is said to be the largest market in the region. It spreads through all the streets of the town in an incredible atmosphere.

Stimulating the senses

The monastery of the Cordeliers, on the other hand, houses the European University of Scents and Flavors, a training center and the Artemisia museum.

In this 12th-century Franciscan monastery, with a cloister and beautiful gardens, you can stimulate your senses and discover the uses and benefits of plants during sensory workshops: perfumer workshops, aperitif workshops...

Panorama from the Citadel

A 360° panorama awaits you at the top of the Citadel hill. The view wanders from the rooftops of the town to the first peaks of the Alps to the Durance valley and to the nearby mountain Lure and the Luberon.

The Citadel is located on the site of the former castle of the counts of Forcalquier. It is a series of fortifications, with above it the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Provence.

Unique gong

Besides the view, this place will amaze your ears! Indeed, next to the chapel you will discover one of the few manual carillons in Provence that is played "with a punch".

On Sunday mornings and on festive days, you can hear music with traditional tunes.

Musically, the organ of the cathedral Notre Dame du Bourguet is also noteworthy.

Via Domitia

Remains of the Via Domitia, or Domitian road, are located not far from Forcalquier. From this great Roman road that ran from Rome to southern Spain, there are still wayside inns, artworks, milestones, places of worship... that are part of our past.

This is the path that pilgrims and walkers still take today on their way to Santiago de Compostela and Rome.

The round of nativity scenes

In winter, the cathedral Notre Dame du Bourguet exhibits a Provençal nativity scene with more than 100 santons in a decor of a provincial town. This historical nativity scene is part of the "Ronde des crèches".

Indeed, around Forcalquier, the tradition of the Provençal nativity scene in churches is still very much alive. It surprises young and old thanks to enthusiasts who keep Christmas traditions alive.

Birthplace of the writer Pierre Magnan

You would do well to find a book by Pierre Magnan in this city where he lived and wrote many of his novels.
The stories take place in Forcalquier and surroundings: the classified cemetery with its pruned yews, the rocks of Mourres with their strange shapes, the mountain Lure and its herbal doctors...

Enough to visit the area with a book in hand!

Translated from French

Source: Forcalquier, ville de Provence

Eddy&Rita