Forcalquier

Discover Forcalquier, a pretty town in Haute Provence

Welcome to Forcalquier, a small town full of character nestled in the heart of Haute-Provence. This gem of the Pays de Forcalquier-Montagne de Lure offers a tourist experience combining preserved medieval heritage and the gentle Provençal way of life. The citadel and its Provençal market on Mondays, among the most famous in Provence, are not to be missed.

Discover what to do and see in this town of art and history, which charms visitors with its authenticity and easy access to the natural riches of the surrounding area.

Between the Lure Mountains and the Luberon

Located between the Lure and Luberon mountains, the Forcalquier region is one of the major centers of Haute-Provence. From peaks to plains and valleys to hillsides, you will be amazed by the variety of landscapes and the richness of the vegetation, where lavender and aromatic plants subtly blend their scents with the purity of the air. As you stroll around, you will discover stone huts and pointed shepherds' huts nestled among wild flowers on terraced olive groves (walking guide available from the tourist office).

The Citadel of Forcalquier

You can enjoy a magnificent view of Forcalquier and its surroundings from the Citadel. Go there on a Sunday morning and you will be treated to a “concert” played by the only manual carillon in Provence. The majestic Notre-Dame-de-Provence chapel, built in 1875 in an octagonal neo-Byzantine style, is decorated at each corner with statues of musicians playing medieval instruments. The tympanum beautifully depicts the saints of Provence.

The Monday morning market

Don't miss the Monday morning market, which fills the town with its scents and colors. It's the weekly gathering place for producers, artisans, and locals...a great atmosphere is guaranteed! It's a chance to stock up on delicious local products and visit the town.

The narrow streets of the old town

In a more peaceful atmosphere, you can visit the charming old town with its narrow streets, small shaded squares and beautiful old houses dating from the 13th and 15th centuries. Forcalquier will also charm you with the quality and variety of its cultural life. For many years, numerous writers, painters, sculptors, and artists have settled in Forcalquier, attracted by the beauty of the site and the warm welcome of the locals.

Hiking at the Mourres de Forcalquier

A few kilometers from Forcalquier, don't miss the Mourres de Forcalquier. This exceptional geological site takes its name from the Provençal word for “snout” or “face,” in reference to the strange and evocative shapes of these rock formations. This easy and accessible hike takes you through a lunar landscape formed about 25 million years ago. The Mourres were created by a fascinating process: aquatic plants growing in an ancient lake captured the limestone from the sediments, gradually surrounding themselves with a limestone crust. Erosion then sculpted these masses to create the unusual silhouettes that you can admire today. You will discover five different types of formations: undulations, mounds, haystacks, cylinders, and basins. Depending on your imagination, you may see giant mushrooms, faces, animal heads, or other surprising figures. A great activity to do during your stay in Forcalquier!