The town of Manosque is situated to the south of Forcalquier and north-east of Aix-en-Provence, to the south-west of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in south-east France.
This traditional Provencal town, now quite substantial in size (with a population around 23 000 it is the most populated town in the Allpes-de-Haute-Provence department), is situated on a hill in the renowned olive groves of the region (photo above shows olive tree and lavender field near Manosque).
Explore Manosque
France This Way review: although it is not among the most important towns to visit in this region, Manosque has a medieval centre to explore with some attractive houses and interesting monuments
Manosque old town is entered by two impressive 14th century gateways through the original fortifications, called the Porte du Soubeyran and the Porte de la Saunerie (most of the ramparts were removed to make way for the broad streets that now surround the old town).
Inside the gates you will discover traditional Provencal houses and small open squares interlinked by narrow streets, with the Place de l'Hotel de Ville at the centre.
The small Church of Notre-Dame de Romigier, a roman style church dating from the 13th century, is found on this square. The church is most interesting because it contains an 11th century statue of the black Virgin, and a very ancient (5th century) sarcophagus.
The renaissance style Town Hall is also here on the same square.
Another religious building of interest in Manosque is the 13th century Church of Saint-Sauveur. This church is particularly noteworthy for having one of the most impressive campaniles in France on its clocktower, while inside there is a highly regarded 17th century organ.
The weekly market in Manosque is held on a Saturday.
For art enthusiasts one popular attraction is the art exhibition at Fondation Carzou, situated in an old convent and with frescoes by an Armenian artist called Jean Carzou. Another art centre - the Centre Giono - celebrates the work of local (20th century) artist Jean Giono.
Attractions nearby
If you feel like escaping the town centre, take the easy walk to the Mont d'Or: although little remains of the 12th century castle that once stood here, there are lovely views back across Manosque and the Durance Valley. The Manosque tourist office can suggest longer walks in the surrounding countryside if you are feeling more energetic.
Manosque is a well placed regional centre for exploring the villages and countryside of this slightly less visited part of Provence.
Explore elsewhere in the Luberon. You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence guide and the Provence guide.
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Hotels in Manosque
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Map of Manosque and places nearby
Visit near Manosque with France This Way reviews
Greoux-les-Bains
The small spa town of Gréoux-les-Bains is well situated to explore the Lac d'Esparron and the lavender fields of the region
Greoux-les-Bains guide
Mane
The citadel above the village is the principal monument in the small Provencal village of Mane
Mane guide
Forcalquier
Forcalquier is a pleasant Luberon town with several interesting historic monuments
Forcalquier guide
Valensole
Valensole is surrounded by lavender fields, and the lavender industry is also seen in the products sold in the shops in the village
Valensole guide
Oppedette
After a stroll around the historic village of Oppedette you can visit the Gorges d'Oppedette, a lovely local landmark
Oppedette guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Address: Manosque, Forcalquier, Provence, 4100, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.834167, longitude 5.783889
Plan your visit to Manosque, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardins du château de Sauvan: remarkable garden (12 km)
- Jardins du prieuré de Salagon: remarkable garden (12 km)
- Embouchure - Verdon: site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Verdon (rivière): site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Barrage de Gréoux: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Clos de Villeneuve: remarkable garden (16 km)
- Lac d'Esparron: site of natural beauty (18 km)
- Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie): religious monument (21 km)
- Lac de Quinson: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- Luberon: regional natural parc (26 km)
- Colorado Provencal: site of natural beauty (26 km)
- Jardin du château de Val Joanis: remarkable garden (27 km)
Market days in Manosque, France
Regular market(s) are held in Manosque each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Manosque (Francais)