In a most typical region of Provence in France, to the North-East of the Luberon chain of mountains, at an altitude of about 560 m, Forcalquier offers a dry and contrasted climate, sunny warm days and cool nights, with frequent clear skies (highest average in France). Forcalquier boasts a 12th century cathedral, Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, an ancient, centuries old town center featuring Renaissance fountains, doorways from the 12th to 16th centuries, and the rests of its Citadel at the top of the village, the Chapel Notre-Dame-de-Provence and a 16-bell carillon, which offers breathtaking views on the region.
The town and village active center is at a short walking distance from the house.
Forcalquier is a lively French village. Do not miss the Monday farmers' market, famous in the region, the Sunday midday carillon concert, that one could fully hear in the house, and the evening organ concert in the cathedral.
Historic sites in and around Forcalquier include Romanesque churches, medieval villages, and the Domitian Way that once connected Rome with Spain.
Visit, at short driving distances, the Priory of Salagon (Benedictine Abbey and botanical conservatory) and the Chateau de Sauvan, the Benedictine monastry of Ganagobie, picturesque villages, like Simiane la Rotonde, Dauphin, Banon, Cruis, Lurs, Saint Etienne les Orgues and many others.
At about one hour driving distance are to discover the typical Provencal villages of Roussillon, Gordes, Lacoste, Bonnieux, and many more. Other musts are the lavendle fields of Valensole, the Cistercian Abbaye of Sénanque, the winery of La Coste and its park of monuments of modern architecture.
Visits to South West, at one to one and half hour driving, are extremely rewarding day trips to Aix en Provence, Marseille and its brand new museums like the Mucem, the Calanques of Marseille and the Cote Bleue on the Mediterranean, Cassis and its Calanques, and to the West the historical city of Avignon and the Palais des Papes.
Forcalquier itself is located on the threshold of Luberon Regional Park.
Opportunities for outdoor activities are abundant in the region, which is a favorite destination for hikers and bikers: Example Montagne de Lure overlooking the Durance Valley to the south and Jabron Valley to the north, or Europe's largest canyon at les Gorges du Verdo Several lakes are located at a short driving distance from Forcalquier.
Music festivals are an attraction in July and August: Rencontres Musicales de Haute Provence in July, Les Riches Heures Musicales de la Rondonde, a festival of ancient music in August, a jazz festival in Cruis in August, the international piano festival at La Roque d'Anthéron and many other less known events.