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The weather is nice
go for a walk
Don’t miss the charm of the town of Manosque, located between Aix-en-Provence and Digne
Looking for a change of scenery and a chance to travel? Don’t miss Manosque, the most populous city in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Once home to Jean Giono, Manosque is full of beautiful hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. We’d like to introduce you to some of the treasures of this destination with a rich history—must-sees during any trip to Provence!
The village where Jean Giono lived
Jean Giono is one of the most iconic writers of 20th-century French literature. He was born in Manosque and never left the town. The author of famous novels (Regain, Chant du monde, Que ma joie demeure…), he created an “imaginary South.” Indeed, he devoted much of his work to Provence, and more specifically to Manosque.
He said of the town that “Manosque’s true treasure is its beauty.” The town has honored its greatest admirer by helping to promote the writer’s works and name through the creation of the Jean Giono Center in 1992. Serving as both a literary resource center and a research and documentation center, this facility provides access to the writer’s complete works, critical materials, correspondence, and more—a true treasure trove for literature lovers.
Next to this center, Jean Giono’s home, Le Parais, is also one of the must-see attractions during a visit to Manosque. Designated a “Maison des illustres” in 2011 and listed as a historic monument, the house features a beautiful garden, an extensive library containing more than 8,000 books, and a significant collection of archival materials.
Hikes: Mont d’Or, Bori (the “Sugar Loaf” of Les Espels), and the Ubaye Valley
In addition to the monuments dedicated to the memory of Jean Giono, Manosque is also home to many places that are perfect for a stroll, including:
- Mont d’Or: Jean Giono once said of this mountain, “That beautiful, round breast is a hill.” This lovely walk offers the chance to enjoy numerous remarkable views of the old town, the Durance Valley, and the surrounding mountains. The trail isn’t difficult; it takes about an hour to complete the 3 km route;
- The Bori, known as the “Sugar Loaf of Les Espels”: this is a traditional stone structure that served as a temporary shelter during farm work. To reach it, you must follow a trail that offers views of magnificent landscapes;
- The Ubaye Valley: Located north of the Mercantour National Nature Park, this valley is home to a natural area of great beauty with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Among the animals you’ll encounter there are golden eagles, chamois, ibex, and mouflon…
Visit the L’Occitane en Provence factory
The L’Occitane factory (a major name in French cosmetics) is one of the must-see attractions in Provence. As for its history, L’Occitane was founded in 1976 by Olivier Baussan when he was just 23 years old. With his in-depth knowledge of plants, he decided to create shampoos, which he sold at local markets. Over the years, the company grew and expanded its market while highlighting the values of Provence. Today, L’Occitane offers a wide range of luxury products inspired by the Mediterranean way of life.
Visiting the company’s factory is a great opportunity to see how L’Occitane products are designed, manufactured, and packaged. It’s also a chance to visit the brand’s museum , which traces the history of the brand and, above all, its founder, Olivier Bausson.
Explore the area around Manosque
You’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your stay at La Rivière, a 3-star campground near Manosque!
