Forcalquier

Perched on a rocky spur, this pretty village takes you up a steep flight of steps to the top of the citadel from which you can see the lavender fields in bloom.

Things to do

• The church of Notre-Dame.
• The Cordiglieri Convent.
• The cemetery, listed as a French national monument.
• The beautiful fountains dotting the town.
• The Distilleries et Domained de Provence where local liqueurs such as Bigarade made from bitter oranges, Farigoule (with thyme) and amandine (with almonds) have been produced since 1898.
• Don’t miss Le Lapin Tant Pis, a little restaurant where you can also buy delicious spices, at 3 Rue des Cordeliers

Sights nearby

• Priory of Salagon: a very quiet and peaceful place where you can stroll through the beautiful gardens planted with typical Provençal herbs such as lavender, mint artemisia and sage also called Jardin du Senteurs.
• Église de Châteauneuf: an old church south of Mane where you can stop and ask the gardener priest for natural remedies.
• To buy everything related to candles and perfumes, don’t miss Terre d’Oc, 13 km south of the town.