Map of Banon

How long does it take to visit Banon?

Allow half a day to visit the village of Banon at a leisurely pace. You can stroll through the medieval streets in about an hour and a half. Be sure to stop at Le Bleuet bookstore, which is well worth a 30-minute visit.

The entire historic village can be easily explored on foot. The shops and restaurants invite you to linger and discover more. The Tuesday morning market is worth a visit if you are in the area.

If you enjoy hiking, plan to spend a full day here. The trails around the village offer beautiful panoramic views. The Notre-Dame des Anges chapel is located 2.5 km from the center.

You can also visit the Banon cheese dairy on the road to Carniol. Literature lovers will easily spend an hour in the famous independent bookshop.

Where can I download a PDF map of Banon?

You can download a free PDF map of Banon on this page. Simply click on the “Download map” button just above our interactive map. This map will help you plan your visit.

The document includes the locations of the main monuments. Parking lots and shops are also marked on the map. You can print it before you leave or view it on your phone.

The tourist office also offers a historical tour of the old village. This tour guides you through the ancient streets. Explanatory panels are placed along the route.

Our interactive map can be accessed from any device. It is regularly updated with new tourist information.

Where is the tourist office?

The Banon tourist office is located on Place de la République, in the heart of the village. You will find it easily when you arrive in the center. The phone number is +33 (0)4 92 72 19 40.

From September to June, the office is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturdays, it welcomes visitors from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. In July and August, opening hours are extended to Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The team can provide information on local activities and available accommodation. They have free documentation on the region. Hiking maps are also on sale.

The office offers personalized advice for your stay. You will learn the secrets of the local area.

Where to park in Banon?

There are four car parks available in the commune of Banon. Parking can be difficult during the high season, especially on Tuesdays when the market is held. All of Banon's parking lots are clearly marked on our interactive map at the top of this page.

The Place Martel parking lot, at the northern entrance to the village, has 20 spaces. It is often the most convenient for accessing the historic center. At the southern entrance, the Cultural and Sports Center parking lot offers 42 spaces.

These free car parks fill up quickly in summer. Arrive early in the morning to be sure of finding a space. On market days, parking becomes particularly difficult.

There is also a motorhome area with a drinking water and waste disposal point. Parking is limited to 7 nights and costs €8 per day. Electricity is available during public lighting hours.

What are the must-see places in Banon?

The 14th-century fortified gate with machicolations remains Banon's most iconic monument. It once defended the main entrance to the medieval village. This impressive construction bears witness to the town's military past.

The 17th-century Saint-Marc church dominates the village from above. It offers a breathtaking view of the valley and the lavender fields. The building now hosts cultural exhibitions and shows.

The Le Bleuet bookstore is one of the largest independent bookstores in France. More than 150,000 titles are available on three floors. A must-see for book lovers.

The remains of the medieval castle ramparts can be seen while strolling through the old village. Narrow, cobbled streets wind between the old houses. The former Hôtel-Dieu, dating from 1850, features remarkable architecture.

The Notre-Dame des Anges chapel, isolated on a hill 2.5 km from the village, offers a peaceful setting. The view of Banon from this place of pilgrimage is well worth the detour. You can also discover 16th-century houses with authentic facades.

Banon AOC cheese can be sampled in several shops in the village. This raw goat's milk cheese is wrapped in chestnut leaves. The Fromagerie de Banon, on the Route Carniol, explains how it is made using traditional methods.

How to get to Banon

Banon is easily accessible by car via the D950 from Forcalquier. The journey takes about 30 minutes through the typical landscapes of Haute-Provence. The road passes through lavender fields and authentic villages.

From Manosque, it takes about 40 minutes by car via the D5 and D105. You can also come from Apt via the D51. Forcalquier is about 15 km to the southwest.

The village is located about 80 km from Avignon and 70 km from Manosque. The nearest airport is Avignon-Provence. Well-maintained departmental roads serve the town.

In summer, admire the lavender fields that line the access roads. The colorful spectacle lasts from mid-June to the end of July. Take your time on these winding roads of Provence.

What are the best places to stay in Banon?

La Maison Haute offers a bed and breakfast in the heart of the village with a view of Banon. This intimate address has a terrace and a garden. Breakfast and table d'hôte meals on request complete the offer. The warm welcome and location 10 minutes from the center make it an ideal base.

The Gravières campsite offers outdoor accommodation in a wooded park. There is a swimming pool and a wide range of facilities. The family atmosphere appeals to visitors looking to enjoy the countryside. The campsite is in a quiet location, yet close to shops.

Vacation rentals such as Villa Emmanuelle combine comfort and space. These accommodations often have a private pool and garden. They are ideal for families or groups of friends who want to enjoy the region.

The surrounding villages, such as Simiane-la-Rotonde and Saumane, also offer charming guest rooms. These authentic accommodations provide easy access to Banon and its surroundings. The region is full of charming places to stay amid the lavender fields.

Also read to help you plan your stay in Banon:

• the village of Banon