Manosque combines a historic old town with nature and landscape themes. Churches and gates reveal different periods of construction, while trails, viewpoints and fountains offer other points of interest. When looking for a hotel in Manosque, it helps to first decide on the focus of your stay: architectural history, culture or nature.
Churches with Different Building Histories
The historic old town has changed little from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution. Two churches illustrate different historical trajectories. The Église Notre-Dame-de-Romigier was classified as a French historic monument by decree on 10 October 1980; its main construction phases date back to the 13th, 14th, 17th and 19th centuries. This sequence shows how the present-day building has been shaped over several centuries. The first mentions of the Église Saint-Sauveur date back to the end of the 12th century. In 1372, Ranulphe de Gorse, Bishop of Sisteron, consecrated it. The church brings together a unique mix of architectural styles and periods. While the construction phases of Notre-Dame-de-Romigier trace its long development, Saint-Sauveur is distinguished by its early mention, consecration and stylistic variety.
City Gates and the Centre Jean Giono
The gates also illustrate the difference between dates and former functions. The Porte de la Saunerie took its present form at the end of the 14th century and was used to store salt. The Porte du Soubeyran was first mentioned in the archives in 1216; the surviving remains date from the 14th century. The early mention should therefore not be confused with the dating of the surviving structure. The Centre Jean Giono adds another cultural perspective: it is a cultural centre that opened in 1992 and is dedicated to Jean Giono and his work. It is located outside the walls of the old town, in an 18th-century Provençal manor house. This site brings together a cultural dedication and the history of the building.
Viewpoints, Nature Trails and Fountains
For landscape enthusiasts, the hill of Toutes Aures offers views of the surrounding hills, Mont d’Or and the village of Pierrevert. The GR 4 runs near the chapel. At the Sentier découverte des Vannades, the trail’s length and nature information take centre stage: the nature trail is 2.5 kilometres long and takes about an hour. Eight information panels cover aquatic ecology. Check current access before your visit. The educational trail in O’Vannades, created by the CPIE, also covers aquatic ecology as well as fauna, flora and biodiversity on its panels. Its range of topics therefore extends beyond aquatic ecology. The La Thomassine conservation garden takes a different approach: it contains about 400 varieties of fruit trees.
The fountain route also offers a specific historical connection. The Circuit des fontaines de Manosque leads to 21 fountains; the 21st and final one is at the church entrance on Rue Voland. Together, these offer a range of focuses for your trip: architectural history at churches and gates, Jean Giono and his work, landscape views, nature information panels, fruit tree varieties or fountains.
Discover more destinations: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Chaudon-Norante, MĂ©olans-Revel, Cruis, Uvernet-Fours, Mane, Roumoules, Reillanne.
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
