Forcalquier

The first evidence of human settlement in Forcalquier dates back to the Neolithic period, around 3000 BCE. In 118 BCE, the Via Domitia, built by the Romans across Narbonese Gaul, passed through Forcalquier. The village truly began to take shape in the 7th century around a natural spring at the foot of the hill. Between the 9th and 10th centuries, a formidable castle was constructed.

In the mid-Middle Ages, Forcalquier was under the ownership of the Counts of Provence, and by the 12th century it became the capital of an independent county stretching from the gates of Cavaillon to the source of the Durance. Through marriages and inheritances, the county eventually returned to the control of Provence and later the French crown, up to the reign of Louis XVIII. Nestled between Lure and the Luberon, and between the valleys of the Durance and Cavalon, Forcalquier has long been a meeting point, experiencing its golden age from the 11th to 13th centuries as the Counts of Provence and Toulouse vied for the Occitan territories.

Heavily affected by plague and the Wars of Religion, Forcalquier eventually recovered, establishing itself as a sous-prefecture after the Revolution. Until the First World War, the town remained the artistic and intellectual capital of the highlands and a major centre of the Provençal cultural revival.

Forcalquier has retained its role as a cultural beacon of the Provençal highlands. Its size and reputation are reflected in its weekly market, one of the largest in Provence. The Forcalquier Museum, with collections spanning archaeology, geology, sculpture, and faience, illustrates the town’s historical influence. Set in exceptionally preserved natural surroundings under some of the sunniest skies in the region, Forcalquier also offers outstanding conditions for stargazing and a heritage that enhances its year-round tourism appeal.

The citadel and its Neo-Byzantine Notre-Dame-de-Provence chapel dominate the valley, while the town’s religious architecture includes Saint-Mary Church, the Visitandines Convent, Notre-Dame du Bourguet, Saint-Jean Church, the Récollets, and several chapels. At the foot of Montagne de Lure, the region around Forcalquier offers an abundance of natural and cultural treasures: the Saint-Michel Observatory, Notre-Dame-de-Lure Abbey, Sauvan Castle, the Mourres site, the Lavender Route, the Salagon Gardens, and the olive groves of Lurs village are all must-visit destinations in every season.

Forcalquier is an ideal location for those seeking an authentic Provençal village lifestyle. Combining cultural vibrancy and historic charm, exemplified by the cinema housed in a former Visitandines convent chapel, Forcalquier is a lively and attractive town set amidst protected natural landscapes – a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Monday morning market, the largest in the region, fills the streets with conviviality, joy, and culinary delights. On festive days and Sundays, the unique chime of the manual carillon at Notre-Dame de Provence delights visitors just as much as the organ at Notre-Dame du Bourguet Cathedral.

The calendar of events is rich and welcoming, from the Hiking Festival and the Saint-Pancrace patronal celebration to the Haute-Provence Musical Encounters. Renowned for its traditionally crafted aperitifs and liqueurs, Forcalquier also functions as a bustling market town with all essential amenities. In Place de Verdun and along the Observatoire ascent, a modern hub of activities, shops, and services houses the Maison des Métiers du Livre, a green village space, a health and early childhood centre, and a media library.

A picturesque medieval town, Forcalquier boasts rich architecture, from 13th-century residences to buildings reflecting the Provençal Renaissance. Long a magnet for artists, it continues to attract painters and writers, offering an exceptional quality of life, whether in the heart of the village or along the banks of the Durance. Individual properties are highly sought after, especially those with character or expansive, landscaped outdoor spaces.

Looking to invest in property in Forcalquier or explore the real estate market in the Luberon region of Haute Provence? Contact the consultants at our BARNES Pays d’Aix-en-Provence agency for personalised guidance to successfully realise your next chapter.