Manosque, situated in the Durance valley at the entrance to the Luberon, possesses a typically Provençal old town. Once through the imposing Saunerie gateway, you discover charming, pretty squares with fountains and café terraces, and picturesque narrow streets lined with old houses. Places of interest include the very lively Rue Grande and listed buildings like the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame-de-Romigier, the Romanesque-Gothic church of Saint-Sauveur, the town hall with its magnificent façade and the 14th-century Soubeyran gateway.
Worth a visit: the Centre Jean Giono, housed in a mansion, for its exhibition devoted to the Manosque-born writer and his works.
As for events, Manosque hosts the annual new oil celebration in late January and the Festival des Correspondances literary event in September. And for fans of local produce, a Provençal market is held every Saturday morning in Place du Terreau square. A feast for the eyes, nose and palate!
Located on the right bank of the Durance, the birthplace of the writer Jean Giono is a land conducive to art and culture. Full of charm, this millennial city has a rich past where each era has left its mark and its style.
Between Mont d'Or and Très Aures, Manosque is located on a foothills of the Luberon hills, from which it dominates the alluvial plain of the Durance. Cultural city, it comes alive throughout the year and offers great discoveries: guided tours, exhibitions, shows, cultural and sporting events (Saint Pancrace festival, Palm Fair, Vannades Triathlon, Musiks at Manosque, Giono meetings, Short film night, Les Correspondances, Christmas mountain bike rally, etc.).
You can discover the house of the writer Jean Giono, "Le Paraïs".
The Jean Giono cultural and literary center will allow you to discover his many works and get to know the life of the writer better.
The historic center, with its military architecture, will reveal its old ramparts and its many gates: the Saunerie gate from the 14th century, the Soubeyran gate from the 13th century, the Guilhempierre gate. The religious heritage is rich there with the church of Saint-Sauveur and Notre-Dame de Romigier as well as the convents of the Observantins and the Presentation without forgetting the chapel of Saint-Pancrace which dominates the city on the hill of All Aures.
The old center has very beautiful mansions such as the Hôtel d'Herbès which is a 17th century building, the Renaissance style Town Hall, the Hôtel de Gassaud and the Hôtel Issautier.
An original work will surprise you at the Carzou Foundation.
In the hills of Manosque, the "La Thomassine" biodiversity center will allow you to visit its conservatory orchard and the estate's gardens.
How can we talk about Manosque without mentioning L'Occitane en Provence? You can visit the factory to discover the manufacture of its world famous cosmetics, as well as the museum and the Mediterranean garden, without forgetting the adjoining shop.
To better admire Manosque, climb the Mont d'Or hill to admire the beauty of the surrounding nature and a panoramic view of the Luberon, Sainte Baume, Haut-Var, Verdon and even the pre-Alpine peaks.
