Banon
From Forcalquier, take the D950 to the North West, known as the " Route de la Lavande" (Road of the Lavender) !
Discover the charming village of Banon in the Alpes de Haute Provence.
Nestled against the Albion plateau, between the Lure and Ventoux mountains, Banon has retained its authentic and natural character.
Surrounded by fields of lavender, plains of grain, and hills delicately scented with aromatic plants, a striking checkerboard of colors unfolds around the village. Banon is the birthplace of the famous AOP goat cheese of the same name, wrapped in chestnut leaves.
Its famous cheese
Banon is a small village that has become famous for its delicious little goat's cheeses, delicately wrapped in a dry chestnut leaf and tied with raffia string. These are delicious soft cheeses made from raw goat's milk and matured using traditional methods. Don't leave the village without buying some Banon cheese!
More than 600,000 cheeses are produced here every year. Banon cheeses have been made for centuries from raw milk using a unique process: a small semi-dry tomme cheese is rubbed with pepper and then dipped in brandy. It is then wrapped in plant leaves and placed in a toupine (earthenware jar) to mature.
Accompanied by a good glass of red wine and fresh country bread, you'll find it hard to resist!
What to see in the village of Banon?
In the village, you'll discover a medieval fortified site built in tiers. You'll enjoy strolling through the old streets and coming across beautiful houses, ancient doors, carved lintels, and gates listed as historical monuments.
You pass through the 14th-century machicolated gate to enter the fortified village. At the top are the remains of the castle ramparts and the upper church, now converted into a cultural center.
The Le Bleuet bookshop is a must-see: founded in 1990, it is the largest independent bookshop in rural France with over 110,000 titles. The Notre-Dame des Anges chapel is located about 2.5 km from the village, perched on a hill.
Lavender fields and hiking in the region
From the top of the village on the square of the former Hôtel-Dieu, you can admire the entire region. If you are lucky enough to be there in summer, you will be treated to a superb view of the vast blue and purple expanses of lavender stretching around Banon.
Banon is located between the Forcalquier region and the Luberon Regional Nature Park. The Alpes de Haute Provence also offer the nearby Lure mountain, which rises to 1,825 meters.
What to see
Remains of the XV° century fortifications and village walls.
XIV° trellis doorway. Restored former Hôtel-Dieu.
XVI° century houses and arcades.
Leisure activities
Market, tuesday morning0
Hiking , Mountain biking.
Pilgrimage 15 August to ND des Anges.
Cheese Fair in May.
Village Fair last Sunday in August.
Holiday rentals
Lovely spacious house, tastefully decorated, in the heart of Banon. Recently renovated accommodation, comfortable bedding—you'll love your stay in Banon!
Accomodations
B&Bs.
Holiday rentals.
Hotels.
Your questions about the village of Banon
You have sent us several inquiries about the town of Banon. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.
When is the cheese festival in Banon?
The cheese festival has been held every year since 1993, on the third Sunday in May. The program includes a farmers' market, activities for children and adults, and the Banon d'Or awards ceremony. You can attend the public tasting where prizes are awarded to the best cheeses. This traditional event attracts around 10,000 visitors each year. The Le Bleuet bookstore also organizes meetings with authors during this celebration. It's the perfect festive occasion to discover local products and a date to mark in your diary.
How to get to Banon
The commune of Banon is located in the west of the Alpes de Haute Provence. From Forcalquier, take the D950 for a journey of about 30 minutes. From Manosque, allow 40 minutes via the D5 and D105. If you are coming from the north, exit the A7 motorway at Avignon Sud, head towards Apt, then take the D22 and D51. Bus routes connect Banon to Apt, Forcalquier, Digne-les-Bains, Avignon, and Manosque. The village is a 40-minute drive from the A51. The postal code is 04150 and Banon belongs to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. You can easily check the route on a map before you leave. Public transportation is available, but a car is still the most convenient way to explore the region.
What is the history of Banon?
The history of Banon dates back to at least the 12th century with its fortified castle belonging to the Simiane family. The medieval village was protected by ramparts 800 meters in circumference, one meter thick and ten meters high. The 14th-century machicolated gate served as the main entrance to the fortress. In the Middle Ages, Banon was well fortified and its castle was remodeled in the 13th century. During the Revolution, the castle was burned down and its last owner, Alexandre de Tournon-Simiane, was forced to flee. The upper church was initially a chapel for the castle's inhabitants before officially becoming a parish church in 1350. The village began to descend into the plain in the 19th century, around 1840-1880. The ancient ruins and historical heritage tell the story of this preserved medieval past.
What are the local products of Banon?
Banon cheese is the most famous local product, obtaining AOC status in 2003 and then AOP status in 2007. It is the first cheese in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region to receive AOC status. Only 75 tons are produced each year, making it one of the smallest AOP cheeses in France. The Banon cheese dairy, established in 1958, produces and sells this Protected Designation of Origin cheese using traditional methods. At the Banon market, held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, you will also find other Provençal specialties. Olive oil, wines, lavender honey, and fruit make up the local cuisine. Lavender (more specifically lavandin) is also one of the region's certified products. These delicious products reflect the craftsmanship and expertise of Haute Provence.
Where to stay in Banon?
There are several types of accommodation in Banon: gîtes, guest rooms, and vacation rentals. Gîtes de France offers five rentals in the town that can be booked online. In total, there are more than 70 gîtes and rentals available in Banon and the surrounding area. Many cottages are located in the countryside, surrounded by fields of lavender and wheat. Camping is also a popular option in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. The Haute-Provence Pays de Banon Intercommunal Tourist Office can provide information on the services and accommodation available. Some cottages have private swimming pools and gardens and accept pets.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Saumane (7km), Simiane la Rotonde (9km), Montsalier (4km) Revest des Brousses (13km) and Forcalquier (25km).