Forcalquier combines a medieval townscape with architectural history, museums and a long-standing Monday market. Its attractions range from Romanesque and Gothic architecture to archaeological and art collections, as well as walking tours with different presentation formats. You can tailor your stay to focus on local history, art, regional produce or landscapes.
Lanes, Religious Buildings and Town History
The medieval centre of Forcalquier features cobbled lanes, fountains, notable historic townhouses and sunny squares. The Concathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet was built between the 12th and 16th centuries and combines Romanesque and Gothic elements. It continues to host highlights of religious life for the people of Forcalquier, as well as organ and vocal concerts and conferences.
At the Citadelle de Forcalquier stands the Chapelle Notre-Dame de Provence, an octagonal chapel in the Neo-Byzantine style built in 1875. The citadel occupies the site of the former castle of the Counts of Forcalquier. The buildings therefore bring together different historical connections: the Concathédrale’s long construction period, the chapel’s 19th-century origins and the former castle site.
Museums: From Archaeology to Herbalism
The permanent exhibition at Forcalquier’s municipal museum spans from prehistoric times to the 1980s. The collections include archaeology, fine art, everyday objects, religious artefacts and Lucien Henry’s contemporary art collection. The exhibits offer a broad chronological overview and different perspectives on art and everyday life.
The Artemisia Museum is located in the Couvent des Cordeliers; its permanent exhibition covers more than 250 m². A different focus is offered by workshops held throughout the year on edible plants, perfumery and the secrets of essential oils. Workshop dates may vary, so it is worth checking the current programme in advance. The Couvent itself also has a long history: it was founded in the 13th century on the site of a former Benedictine priory.
The Monday Market and Town Centre
The Monday market in Forcalquier has been documented since the 12th century. It extends through the town centre and old town to the artisans’ courtyard. Goods on offer include regional produce, textiles and terracotta wares; individual vendors may vary. Its wide reach sets it apart from a market held in just one square: here, the market extends through several parts of the centre to the artisans’ courtyard.
Two Walking Tours, Two Ways of Presenting the Town
Le lectionnaire enchanté de Forcalquier is a walking tour featuring twelve presentation panels made of enamelled lava, along with tactile illustrations. Derrière les portes secrètes de Forcalquier takes visitors through the town’s old doors; twelve resin wall panels reproduce notable doors from the old town. The difference between the formats is clear: one walking tour combines lava panels with tactile illustrations, while the other focuses on doors and their replicas.
Les Mourres and Its Limestone Formations
Les Mourres consists of unusual limestone formations, some of which resemble faces. The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department classifies the natural area as an Espace Naturel Sensible (sensitive natural area). Here, the visible limestone formations sit alongside the area’s official designation as a sensitive natural area—a different focus from the architectural history and museum collections.
Discover more destinations: Prads-Haute-Bléone, La Motte-Du-Caire, Thorame-Haute, Aubignosc, Thoard, Pierrevert, Entrepierres, Rougon.
For the wider travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
