A stay in Provence
B&Bs and holiday cottages for exploring Manosque, the landscapes of Jean Giono and the Durance Valley in Haute-Provence.
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1 property: B&Bs, holiday cottages and rentals
Garden or park
Meals with the hosts
Pool
Vachères
Charming holiday rental
In Vachères, six holiday cottages and apartments sleeping two to eight bring new life to a stone hamlet, away from the roads amid the landscapes of Haute-Provence. Restored accommodation combines independence and comfort, with nature all around. A place for couples or families, walks from the doorstep and outings around Banon and Forcalquier.
Places to explore Forcalquier · Montagne de Lure · Manosque · Luberon
Located in the Durance Valley, Manosque is in the south of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, about 55 kilometers northeast of Aix-en-Provence. It marks the eastern end of the Luberon massif. With a population of over 20,000 inhabitants, Manosque is the largest city in the department.
Following the Durance valley south, the Mirabeau bridge offers a stop beside the old suspension bridge portals and the chapel of Sainte-Madeleine. The visit can continue in the village of Mirabeau, around the fountain used as a filming location for Manon des sources.
Manosque enjoys a particularly mild climate. Sheltered from the mistral, the city still benefits from the positive effects of this iconic regional wind, with more than 116 days of sunshine per year.
The city is closely associated with the writer and poet Jean Giono (1895–1970), who was born and died in Manosque. His work, deeply inspired by the landscapes and nature of Haute Provence, pays tribute to this cherished region.
The historic heart of Manosque is surrounded by boulevards. In the past, it was accessed through four medieval gates: the Porte Saunerie, the Porte d'Aubette, the Porte Guilhempierre, and the Porte Soubeyran. Among them, only the Porte Soubeyran remains visible today, a testament to the city’s rich history.
Spring and autumn are pleasant for exploring the old town, markets and Haute-Provence landscapes. Summer suits brighter stays, with easy trips towards the Luberon, the Valensole Plateau and the Durance Valley villages.
Manosque, the Durance Valley villages, the edge of the Luberon and the area around Valensole are practical bases for Haute-Provence, lavender country, hills and heritage.
You can walk through the old town, see the medieval gates, follow traces of Jean Giono, reach the Luberon, visit Forcalquier or continue towards the Valensole Plateau and the Durance Valley.
