Provencal Authenticity and Hospitality
Alpes de Haute Provence 
Luberon - Plateau d'Albion - Montagne de Lure - Manosque - Forcalquier - Sisteron - Digne-les-bains - Valensole - Lake of Sainte-Croix - Gorges du Verdon - Ubaye valley - Parc du Mercantour
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.
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.
