Forcalquier town
1 / 8
Forcalquier - by Forcalquier (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Description
Forcalquier is a small town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in South Eastern France which became the capital of Haute Provence in the 11th century until the countess of Forcalquier married the count of Provence in 1195, with their son inheriting both counties. The town is built around the slopes of a hill where once stood the medieval citadel (destroyed in 1601) - it has since been replaced by Notre Dame de Provence, an octogonal chapel. Besides this chapel, other highlights of the town include the 12th century Co-Cathedral Notre Dame de l'Assomption, the Cordeliers Convent built by Franciscans in the 13th century, the Municipal Museum with prehistoric and Gallo-Roman artefacts, and the weekly market.
Access & Transport
The closest train station is La Brillane - Oraison, 11km to the east and a 90mins ride from Marseille, 55mins from Aix-en-Provence and 25mins from Sisteron. By car, Forcalquier is 50km southwest of Digne-les-Bains, 50km south of Sisteron, 70km northeast of Aix-en-Provence and 110km north of Marseille.
Instructions & Recommendations
The weekly market takes place from 08h to 13h on Mondays. This activity can easily be combined with a visit of the Sisteron Citadel, a 45mins drive away.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in the town have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy.
Conclusion
Forcalquier is a town with several religious monuments worth visiting, an interesting history and a large weekly market that make it a relaxed provincial town to explore for those on a regional itinerary and slow travel mood.
Key positive
Interesting history and nice views from the "Citadel Hill"
Not very touristy
Key negative
No spectacular highlight
Suitability
We suspect wheelchair users will require some assistance to reach the top of the hill where the citadel/chapel is located but the rest of town should be accessible.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo