Summary
The largest town in Haute Provence is nestled within the Luberon Regional Park amidst steep, pine-covered hills.
Manosque and its vicinity embody the quintessential image of Provence, characterized by pine scrub, olive groves, tall ochre-painted houses, and river gorges.
L’Occitane, the renowned Provençal beauty brand, has its headquarters here and offers informative tours. Additionally, the town features various minor yet captivating attractions that can engage visitors for a day or more.
With award-winning gardens, lavender fields, perched villages, and the pristine waters of the Durance River, there is an abundance of nearby attractions that may leave you uncertain about where to commence your exploration.
Let us delve into the best things to do in Manosque:
1. L’Occitane Visit
This personal care brand is recognized well beyond France, with its headquarters located in Manosque.
Visitors can explore how L’Occitane crafts its fragrances, soaps, essential oils, and skincare products through an informative hour-long tour.
A museum on the premises details L’Occitane’s 40-year evolution, showcasing vintage packaging and historical copper stills.
Moreover, patrons can enjoy the aromatic Mediterranean garden, which features all plant species, both native and exotic, utilized in the brand’s beauty products.
All in all, one could easily spend half a day immersing themselves in the realm of one of France’s favored beauty exports.
2. Porte de la Saunerie
The historic center of Manosque is encircled by a series of boulevards that resemble the shape of a pear.
These thoroughfares once supported the city’s ramparts, facilitating Manosque’s urban expansion.
Among them remain two impressive city gates, each notable in distinct aspects.
At the southern entrance to the old town stands the romantic Porte de la Saunerie, constructed in 1382. The name derives from the Provençal term for “slaughterhouse,” as less pleasant trades such as slaughtering and tanning were relocated to the outskirts of old towns.
Soaring high on either side of the entrance are turrets featuring machicolations designed for repelling potential attackers.
3. Porte du Soubeyran
Less is documented about the northern gate of the city, though it likely predates its southern counterpart, constructed towards the late 13th century.
The base and entrance closely resemble those of the Porte de la Saunerie, yet this gate features a balustrade, clock, and wrought iron campanile, all of which were incorporated in 1830. As one walks beneath, a clear view of the arrow loop above the archway and the murder holes positioned above a weathered depiction of Manosque’s crest can be observed.
4. Tour du Mont d’Or
In approximately half an hour, visitors can hike from the center of Manosque up to the summit of a steep hill situated east of the city.
The effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the entire city, alongside the Durance River winding by on its journey towards the Rhône.
Another compelling reason for this hike is to view the tower located atop the hill.
While its current appearance is modest, there was once a fortified town perched here in the Middle Ages, complete with a castle, residences, chapels, and workshops.
The remaining structure is a 17-meter segment of the old keep.
5. Église Saint-Sauveur
The most charming of Manosque’s churches was originally constructed in the 1100s, although it underwent significant alterations 300 years later, combining Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
From the exterior, take a moment to admire the campanile, which showcases some of Provence’s exquisite ironwork, created in 1725 by a skilled blacksmith from Valensole.
The interior is richly adorned, featuring intricately carved wooden stalls and paintings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
However, a key highlight is the gallery that houses a remarkable organ from 1625, nestled within an elegantly gilded wooden casing.
6. Old Town
The streets in the elevated pedestrian center of the city follow a plan that dates back to medieval times, although the architecture reflects a blend of both modern and historic styles.
In its finest form, exemplified by Rue des Martels and Rue Guilhempierre, visitors immerse themselves in an authentic Provençal old town filled with four-story houses, adorned with painted wooden shutters and ochre-hued walls.
The most picturesque square is likely Place Marcel-Pagnol, featuring charming old fountains, restaurant terraces, and vintage iron gaslights nestled beneath the shade of plane trees.
7. Église Notre-Dame-de-Romigier
The other church situated within the old walls of Manosque is relatively recent, having commenced construction in the 1200s but undergoing significant reconstruction during the 17th and 19th centuries.
Along with Saint-Sauveur, this church is classified as a French historic monument and features several intriguing elements.
Among its notable features is a sculpted Renaissance portal, while the altar warrants a closer look.
This altar is, in fact, an adapted early Christian sarcophagus from the 4th or 5th century, depicting the 12 apostles and crafted from Carrara marble.
Also of interest is the “Black Madonna,” a wooden statue representing the Virgin Mary and Child, estimated to date back to the 1000s.
8. Maison de la Biodiversité
Located in the hills north of Manosque, the Maison de la Biodiversité is a remarkable attraction operated by the Luberon Regional Park.
This venue encapsulates the region’s wild and cultivated flora across eight terraced gardens and an indoor exhibition housed within a charming Provençal farmhouse.
Outside, one can explore a palm plantation, orchards, a rose garden, a flowering meadow, and a vegetable garden featuring produce grown locally in Provence.
Inside the galleries, visitors will gain insights into the ways human activity has shaped the surrounding countryside over millennia.
9. Fondation Carzou
Commissioned in 1991, the esteemed French-Armenian artist Jean Carzou created a fresco depicting the Apocalypse in the Convent of the Presentation.
The building, constructed in the Neoclassical style and completed in 1848, displays Carzou’s distinctive works, which serve as the highlight of the museum.
His artwork is raw and evocative, illustrating various historical atrocities, including the Armenian genocide and the Holocaust, making it a potentially intense experience for some visitors.
The foundation also hosts temporary exhibitions; therefore, it’s advisable to check the current showcases during your visit to Manosque.
10. Plateau de Valensole
Manosque is positioned just east of a region exhibiting breathtaking natural beauty, abundant with quintessential Provençal landscapes.
This is the Valensole Plateau, which boasts an average elevation of 500 meters, providing optimal conditions for lavender cultivation.
The peak time to experience the countryside at its most vivid and aromatic is July, when lavender blooms and creates a vivid contrast against adjacent wheat fields and almond orchards.
Notably, July also hosts the Fête de la Lavande in the town of Valensole, showcasing live music, distillation workshops and market stalls offering lavender honey and fragrances.
11. Forcalquier
This town, situated just north of Manosque, served as the capital of the Haute-Provence region during medieval times.
The Counts of Forcalquier held significant influence from their elevated citadel, which thrived due to its strategic location along the trade route connecting Spain and Italy.
Though this stronghold was destroyed in the 17th century, it remains worthwhile to visit the Chapel of Notre-Dame, erected on the site in 1875, which offers breathtaking vistas.
Visitors can also explore a distillery crafting traditional Provençal liqueurs and aperitifs, engage in perfume-making workshops or simply relax with a coffee at Place Saint-Michel in the historic center.
12. Château de Sauvan
A short drive from Forcalquier, in Mane, visitors will find an exquisite mansion that invites exploration of its gardens and lavish interiors during the summer months.
The Palladian architecture dates back to 1720, and if you are familiar with Versailles, the resemblance to Louis XIV’s Grand Trianon is notable; this property has occasionally been referred to as the “Petit Trianon de Provence.” The grounds have received the coveted “Jardin Remarquable” designation, featuring pine-lined avenues, topiary, sculpted fountains, numerous peacocks, and picturesque views of the valley beyond.
13. Outdoor Activities
As you are located within the Luberon Regional Park, it is advantageous to venture out and experience the rugged landscapes independently.
Consult with Manosque’s tourism office for information regarding hiking and biking trails.
Alternatively, consider family-friendly attractions such as Canyon Park and Verdon Aventure, where individuals of all ages can engage in treetop obstacle courses featuring zip lines, rope bridges, and monkey bars located as high as 20 meters above the forest floor.
The Durance River meanders a few kilometers east of Manosque, with several companies offering guided kayak excursions along its serene waters, including Ducky Kayak in Villeneuve.
Furthermore, Manosque is home to the well-regarded Golf du Luberon, which provides a tranquil setting for enjoying the Provençal countryside, situated on a challenging course that has been adapted to fit the area’s steep and uneven terrain.
14. Plan d’Eau des Vannades
During the hot days of July and August, when temperatures frequently reach the 30s, having access to a refreshing lake approximately five kilometers east of the old town becomes advantageous.
If a swim appeals to you, the Manobus Line 3 offers complimentary transportation to the lake during the peak of summer.
The swimming areas at this location are monitored daily in July and August, and various recreational facilities, including volleyball and pétanque courts, as well as a snack bar serving drinks and ice creams, are available.
In the off-season, visitors come for peaceful jogs along the scenic perimeter or to take young children to the playground.
15. Local Cuisine
Having discussed the sights and aromas of Provence, you should also anticipate a delightful culinary experience in Manosque.
Tomatoes, aubergines, and courgettes, the primary components of ratatouille, are prevalent in numerous local dishes.
Provençal tomatoes are typically halved, topped with breadcrumbs, parsley, and garlic, while a tian de courgettes consists of tomatoes, courgettes, and herbs, which are slowly baked to perfection.
A popular appetizer found in local restaurants is Caviar d’Aubergine, featuring aubergine roasted in its skin, pureed, and served alongside crusty bread.
For the more adventurous meat lovers, pieds paquets offers a dish made of stewed sheep’s feet and tripe, cooked in a flavor-rich wine and tomato sauce.
