Mane travel guide

Visit Mane (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)

Mane is a Provencal village a little way south of Forcalquier and north of Manosque in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of Provence (south-east France). The village is on a hilltop that has been occupied since at least roman times and contains several notable monuments.

Exploring Mane

France This Way review: it is true that Mane would not be considered to be one of the more important tourist destinations in Provence, but the walk up through the old town to the castle is pleasant and the town is worth a look if you are passing. There are also several notable monuments close to the town.

Start your visit in the main square in Mane, where parking is available and you can see the main church for the town. The path to the old town with its cobbled streets starts on the right of the church.

As you would expect in a traditional Provencal village there are a good number of attractive village houses and some rather grand properties along the winding streets and passageways that lead through the village, typically dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Highlights that you will see as you stroll through the alleys and staircases in Mane include the 15th century Church of Saint Andre, best known for its high belltower and baroque facade, and several impressive grand townhouses such as the decorated 16th century 'Hotel Miravail'. The Chapel of the Hospice of Mane has an interesting facade with an inset fountain and ionic columns.

The most imposing monument here is the fortified citadel and its double walls of defence that stand at the top of the village. Built in the 12th century, the citadel is the oldest surviving fort in the region and is impressive both as a structure and for the views it offers across Mane and the surrounding landscape.

The citadel is not open to the public but you can walk all the way around the outside. You can also enjoy the views across the rooftops of Mane and the Luberon countryside from here...

Below the main square there is a more recent part to the town and a few shops. At the bottom of the village you can see an attractive ancient stone bridge across the River Laye: this bridge is 12th century in origin although it was later modified.

To explore nearby

A notable building just a couple of kilometres outside Mane is the Chateau de Sauvan, an early 18th century castle in the classical style, while the Salagon Priory is another recommended destination - it is a very picturesque ensemble of buildings that includes a church and the recreation of a medieval garden.

Nearby Forcalquier is one of the larger towns in the region and well worth exploring, while villages such as Oppedette to the west are also a very pleasant excursion.

Explore elsewhere in the Luberon. You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence guide and the Provence guide.