Best attractions and places to see around Lurs, a perched village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. The village provides panoramic views of the Durance Valley and is surrounded by olive groves and the Lure mountain. Visitors can explore historic sites, charming village streets, and natural landscapes. The area is known for its distinctive architecture and serene environment.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Beautiful old streets to stroll through. You can feel history in every corner, for example the cinema is located in an old monastery. Mondays are market days.
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The spectacular Pénitents were sculpted by erosion in the pudding, a rock made up of pebbles torn from the Alps during their elevation and dumped here by rivers over a period ranging from 2 to 12 million years. Legend has it that these are monks who were petrified because they turned around when beautiful Moorish women passed by...
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Very spectacular hike above the cliffs of Les Mees, with great views. However, good sure-footedness (sturdy shoes) and a head for heights are absolutely necessary!
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Today, this special place is very lively and typically Provencal. Every Monday a local market is organized in the town, where you are at the right place for local specialties. Partly thanks to its favorable location in relation to both the beautiful area known as the Luberon with its countless beautiful towns, and the world-famous Gorges du Verdon, this place is an excellent holiday destination for a versatile holiday in Provence!
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Forcalquier is a town located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, in the Provence region. Forcalquier is known as a typical Provencal town and is therefore a popular holiday destination. The town is built around a steep hill and is located about thirty kilometers south of Sisteron.
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Forcalquier is a commune in the French department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region which had a population of 5,115[1] on January 1, 2020. The place is the sub-prefecture of the arrondissement of Forcalquier.
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Lurs offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Durance Valley, including olive groves, lavender fields, and the Lure mountain. You can also visit The Penitents of Les Mées, a natural monument with spectacular rock formations, or enjoy the vistas from View over Les Mées, which overlooks extensive olive groves.
Yes, Lurs is rich in history. You can explore the 10th-century Church of the Invention of the Holy Cross, several historic chapels like Saint-Michel and Notre-Dame de Vie, and the 15th-century Clock Tower. The village also features the 'Path of Writings' (Chemin des écritures), an installation detailing the history of writing with 42 steles.
The region around Lurs is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and cycling trails winding through the countryside. For specific routes, explore the Hiking around Lurs guide, or the Cycling around Lurs guide for road cycling options.
While Lurs itself offers charming village strolls and easy walks, the nearby historic settlement of Forcalquier is listed as family-friendly. It features an old town with narrow streets, squares, and a citadel, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
Lurs is a picturesque perched village known for its harmonious architecture and serene environment. A stroll through its historic center reveals beautifully renovated traditional cottages, picturesque cobblestone streets, and remains of a feudal chateau and bishop's palace. The village offers a peaceful escape with stunning views.
Lurs is bordered by extensive olive groves, some centuries old, which produce exceptional quality olive oil. The nearby commune of Les Mées, visible from Lurs, is particularly known for its nearly 80,000 olive trees, making it the largest olive-growing commune in the Alpes de Haute-Provence.
Yes, a prominent geological feature is The Penitents of Les Mées. These spectacular rock formations were sculpted by erosion from pudding rock, offering a unique landscape and extensive views across the Durance River valley.
The region's Mediterranean climate makes spring and autumn ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes or vibrant fall colors. Summer can be hot, but early mornings and late afternoons are still suitable for exploration.
Beyond the Church of the Invention of the Holy Cross and various chapels within Lurs, you can visit the Abbey Church of Cruis. This Romanesque church, nestled at the foot of the Montagne de Lure, retains its cloister and elegant architecture from an abbey founded in the 11th century.
For a natural swimming experience, there is a popular swimming hole along the D116 road between Lurs and Sigonce. It features clean, clear water, deep pools, a small waterfall, and rocks perfect for sunbathing.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find a variety of trails. The MTB Trails around Lurs guide lists routes ranging from moderate to difficult, including loops like 'Lurs Village – The Mourres Rocks loop from Lurs' and 'The Penitents of Les Mées – View over Les Mées loop from La Brillanne-Oraison'.
Yes, the area offers several easy hiking trails. For example, the Hiking around Lurs guide includes routes like 'Lurs – Lurs Village loop from Lurs' and 'Waterfall near Lurs loop from Lurs', which are rated as easy and typically range from 5 to 7 kilometers.
The Promenade des Évêques is a scenic footpath in Lurs that features 15 oratories and leads to the Notre-Dame de Vie Chapel. This path offers extensive views across the surrounding countryside, combining cultural interest with natural beauty.


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