Located in the heart of the town of Forcalquier, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Cordeliers convent was founded in the 13th century on the site of a former Benedictine priory. Considered one of the oldest Franciscan convents in the country, it is currently the seat of the European University of Scents and Flavors.
Listed as an historic monument, it was largely damaged during the wars of religion and collapsed until the French Revolution before being sold as national property and transformed into a farm.
Property of the municipality from the 20th century, it then underwent a major restoration campaign and still has several original features such as the 14th century Gothic cloister, convent rooms, a 15th century chapel, an ossuary and a crypt. Not far away, it is possible to admire in the oratory a 15th century Virgin and Child in carved wood. Near the remains of the church, the terrace offers visitors an incredible panorama.
