| Forcalquier | |
 | |
| Information | |
| Country |  France |
|---|---|
| Area | 42,76 km² |
| Population | 5 069 hab. () |
| Density | 118,55 inhab./km² |
| Postal code | 04300 |
| Spindle | UTC 01:00, UTC 02:00 |
| Location | |
 43 ° 57 ′ 33 ″ N 5 ° 46 ′ 47 ″ E | |
| Official site | |
Forcalquier is a small French town of 4,650 inhabitants, located in the department of Alpes de Haute Provence and the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Understand
Built on the slopes of a hill, the city occupies an emblematic site. Its name comes from the Occitan "Font calquier" which means the fountain of the rock. Indeed, a source, now dried up, flowed under the limestone rock of the Citadel. Over the years, the city has seen its architectural and cultural heritage enriched. Notre Dame du Bourguet, "stocky cathedral" according to Pierre Magnan, was built in the 13th century. Mixture of Romanesque and Gothic, this monument offers an interpretation of the different architectural styles present, revealing the multiple currents of construction. This is also the case when one observes the campanile or the second floor of the bell tower, new elements added in the 16th and 17th centuries.
To go
By car
Forcalquier is accessible via the old national road 100.The closest motorway junction to the town is that of La Brillanne (A51).
By plane
The airport Marignane is the most convenient for getting to Forcalquier. It is Marseille airport, and it has many connections with the main national and international destinations.
By train
- La Brillanne Oraison train station: All trains arrive there except the TGV. It is located ten kilometers from Forcalquier.
- Station TGV Aix en Provence: It is located outside the city of Aix-en-Provence. Only the TGV (from Paris, Avignon, Marseilles, Nice) stop there. You will have to take the bus or use a car to reach the city. Many car rental companies are present in the enclosure of the TGV station.
By bus
The bus station is located in the city center. There are connections with most of the surrounding towns, in particular Marseilles.
Circulate
Walk
Forcalquier is crossed by the GR6 and the GR653D.
Part of the city center is pedestrianized, and a certain number of streets, although authorized for cars, are difficult to access because they are narrow. Do not hesitate to park and walk there, it is not very big. Outside of the city center, you will have no problem driving a car.
See
- The Mourres – Located north of Forcalquier, these strange limestone columns will surprise you. It is pleasant to stroll there while admiring this fascinating heritage of a past sea. You can walk there (a few hours will suffice) or also plan a hike from this original space (free parking allowing you to leave the car for the day or more). You can also admire a remarkable panorama of the region. From this point of view you will be able to see a 180 ° C: from the Forcalquier basin to the Valensole plateau via the Durance. In winter, you can also admire the snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Make
Walk through the small streets of the city around the cathedral and at the foot of the citadel. Climb to the top of the hill (and small citadel) to admire the view of the city and the surrounding mountains.
Buy
A large market-fair takes place every Monday. Impossible to miss, you will find many local artisans, producers of regional products and more classic stalls (fruits, vegetables, books, clothes ...)
In summer the market is very touristy (a little too much for some ...)
Also a farmers' market on Thursdays.
Eat
Have a drink / Go out
Housing
- At Pierre Marius 14 rue Saint Pierre,
33 6 60 47 65 83 – Large house that can accommodate 8 people in 5 charming bedrooms, spacious Italian kitchen, 2 bathrooms, terrace, parking
Around
- 1 Dolphin – "Village and city of character".
