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 village perched to the picturesque alleys presents charming pace of postcard. At the option of a walk, we will notice some remains of the old ramparts.
But it is first of all the castle attributed to the Templars, whose oldest bases date back in the twelfth century, which dominates the city, which constitutes the starting point of a circuit discovery of the heritage. Classified as early as 1840, the building at the imposing silhouette belonged to the Counts of Provence and then at the Order of Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. Now property of the municipality, it is composed of a speaker with a round tower and a square dungeon closing a courtyard. Purpose of a long catering campaign, the castle houses in season shows outdoor shows and welcomes exhibitions in the rooms open to the public.
Other architectural testimonies are to be seen: the castle of Rousset, in particular, which dominates the duration, on the other side of the locality, dating from the 15th and 17th centuries, restored at the end of the nineteenth and houses of classified works, As a picture of the fifteenth and a painting by Philippe de Champaigne in his chapel (17th). It is the now headquarters of a large wine estate. Information at +33 4 92 72 62 49.
In the historical heart of the city again, in addition to old dwellings prior to the revolution and the colorful facades, we will visit with interest the Church Notre-Dame-des-Ormeaux, formerly in the center of a priory. If the bell tower dates from 1830, the building contains elements of the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries and has been restored in the 1970s. His Gothic choir, the many works of art he houses (an "Assomption" Jacques Macadré, a painting of Honoré Morenon and a splendid altarpiece, all of the seventeenth) are remarkable.
On the left bank of the Verdon (the historic village being located on the right bank), at the hamlet of Aurade, to see also, the astonishing Chapel Notre-Dame-des-Eggs (raised in the 17th century bases, And partly restored in 1960): married women were once in pilgrimage to prevent sterility and, as ex-voto, deposited eggs in the niches of the choir.
Then place the famous thermal baths that have made the celebrity of the locality. Formerly troglodytes, now sheltered in a contemporary antique style building, they are appreciated by the curisteners for their warm waters that treat rheumatism and respiratory conditions. The site also offers wellness equipment (spa), and has a pleasant park. Information at +33 4 92 70 40 00.
As it is tradition in the spa cities, Gréoux-les-Bains has a casino. This one was arranged in an old mansion, the Villa des Jarres. Outside games, shows are programmed there. Information at 04 92 78 00.
Come leisure and culture again, the cinema "Ecociné Verdon" is classified Art and essay and offers its usual programming of the exclusive screening of the film "Verdon Secret" which allows to discover dramatically the Canyon du Verdon. The cinema is housed in the congress center where shows (theater, dance, concerts) are also organized. Information at +33 4 92 79 82 18.
In addition to the media library where animations (literary workshops, authors meetings, readings) are proposed (information at +33 4 92 70 48 20), Gréoux-les-Bains has two museums in one...
The first is devoted to "stained glass and art trades". In addition to collections of works and models, introductory internships in the art of stained glass, mosaic or sculpture are proposed. Open Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday and every day for groups. Price: 6 and 7.50 euros. INFORMATION TO +33 6 84 62 71 23.
Founded in 2001, the museum of dolls, miniatures and toys of the world is a pleasure for the whole family. The collections have real works of art while inviting a "trip to the imaginary". Open from April to October on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Price: 6 and 7.50 euros. Contact at +33 6 84 62 71 23.
In terms of sports leisure and "nature", the town is very rich too.
In the Park du Du Château Laval and its 20 hectares, the Canyon Park offers exclaimed routes. INFORMATION TO +33 6 75 22 39 89.
To combine idleness and swimming, the Colombier's pool is open from June to September and has areas shaded outdoors. Price: 2,60 and 3.60 euros. Information at +33 4 92 78 19 33.
For a portion of tennis, it is necessary to book a short from the local club on +33 4 92 75 41 95. We will not forget the BMX track for the intrepid bike... Attach on +33 6 29 84 37 27.
On the banks of the Verdon, the municipality also arranged a multi-purpose track accessible to both wheels and people with reduced mobility, in a green landscape frame, as well as an outdoor fitness area.
The hilly and green areas of the municipality whose territory is vast by nearly 70 km² without counting its immediate surroundings (Gorges du Verdon, Lakes) are finally a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Note that circuits dedicated to families on a playful mode have been arranged (the Randioland). Courses also include exceptional natural sites such as the caves of San Sebastián. Maps and information at +33 4 92 78 01 08.
