Gréoux-les-Bains is a municipality of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 15 km southeast of Manosque, the confines of the departments of Vaucluse and the Var.
Excertached from 268 to 571 m altitude, between Luberon to the West and Massif des Alpes to the west, covered with 60% of forests, the territory of the locality is crossed by the course of the Verdon who throws some kilometers downstream in the duration.
Inhabited from prehistory and renowned for its thermal baths from ancient times, Gréoux-les-Bains has developed on a mound that dominates a castle of the twelfth century. Powerful seigneurie erected in Barony then in Marquisat, the city that has nearly 2700 inhabitants has always reconciled thermal vocation and agriculture (it remains a reference in terms of olive oil, viticulture and sheep farming has been preserved)..
In the heart of a popular area of green tourism enthusiasts, Gréoux-les-Bains offers a quality recreation offer, which one visits the city or staying there as a curiste or vacationer. A must-see step near the famous Gorges du Verdon (upstream).
The perched village with its picturesque streets has a charming postcard feel. During a stroll, you will notice some remains of the old ramparts.
But it is first of all the castle wrongly attributed to the Templars, whose oldest bases date back to the 12th century, which dominates the city, which constitutes the starting point for a heritage discovery tour. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1840, the building with its imposing silhouette belonged to the Counts of Provence then to the order of the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean of Jerusalem. Now owned by the municipality, it is made up of an enclosure with a round tower and a square keep closing a courtyard. The subject of a long restoration campaign, the castle hosts open-air shows in season and hosts exhibitions in rooms open to the public.
Other architectural testimonies are to be seen: the Château de Rousset, in particular, which dominates the Durance, on the other side of the locality, dating from the 15th and 17th centuries, restored at the end of the 19th century and which houses classified works, such as a Pietà from the 15th century and a painting by Philippe de Champaigne in his chapel (17th century). It is now the headquarters of an important wine estate.
In the historic heart of the city again, in addition to the old dwellings predating the Revolution and the colorful facades, we will visit with interest the Notre-Dame-des-Ormeaux church, formerly in the center of a priory. If the bell tower dates from 1830, the building contains elements from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries and was restored in the 1970s. Its Gothic choir, the numerous works of art it houses (an "Assumption" by Jacques Macadré, a painting by Honoré Morenon and a splendid altarpiece, all from the 17th century) are remarkable.
On the left bank of the Verdon (the historic village being located on the right bank), in the hamlet of Aurafrède, also worth seeing, the astonishing Notre-Dame-des-Œufs chapel (built in the 17th century on foundations of 10th century, and partly restored in 1960): married women once came there on pilgrimage to prevent sterility and, as an ex-voto, placed eggs in the niches of the choir.
Then come the famous thermal baths which have made the locality famous. Formerly troglodyte, now housed in a contemporary building in an antique style, they are appreciated by spa guests for their hot waters which treat rheumatism and respiratory tract conditions. The site also offers wellness facilities (spa), and has a pleasant park.
As is traditional in spa towns, Gréoux-les-Bains has a casino. This was built in an old mansion, the Villa des Jarres. Apart from the games, shows are scheduled there.
On the leisure and cultural side again, the "Ecociné Verdon" cinema room is classified Art et Essai and offers, in addition to its usual programming, exclusive screenings of the film "Verdon Secret" which allows you to spectacularly discover the Verdon canyon. The cinema is housed within the convention center where shows (theatre, dance, concerts) are also organized.
In addition to the media library where activities (literary workshops, author meetings, readings) are offered,. In addition to collections of works and models, introductory courses in the art of stained glass, mosaic and sculpture are offered. Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and every day for groups.
Founded in 2001, the museum of dolls, miniatures and toys from around the world is fun for the whole family. The collections present true works of art while inviting you to take a “journey into the imagination”. Open from April to October on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
In terms of sports and “nature” leisure activities, the town is also very rich.
In the Château Laval park and its 20 wooded hectares, the Canyon Parc offers treetop adventure courses.
For a game of tennis, you must reserve a court with the local club. We won't forget the BMX track for intrepid cyclists...
On the banks of the Verdon, the municipality has also created a multi-use track accessible to two-wheelers and people with reduced mobility, in a green landscaped setting, as well as an outdoor fitness area.
The hilly and green areas of the town, whose territory is almost 70 km² not counting its immediate surroundings (Verdon gorges, lakes) are finally a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Note that circuits dedicated to families in a fun way have been set up (Randoland). Routes also include exceptional natural sites such as the caves of Saint-Sébastien.
