To those who have never tried thyme, savory, lavender…..who never had the chance to come to Forcalquier Area & Lure Mountain: Welcome to our magical world of natural, aromatic and medicinal plants of Haute Provence.

Here in the Forcalquier – Lure mountain area, aromatic and medicinal plants abound, particularly on the Lure Mountain. Jean Giono once wrote: « Le talus qui borde ma route est plus riche que l’Océanie ». (The edge of my path is richer than Oceania). No other quotation can better describe this territory where thyme, savory, the santoline and the lavender fill the paths with fragrance.

• The Lavander

  Do you know the difference between real lavender, spike lavender and lavandin?

  Lavandin is a hybrid, meaning it is a cross pollination of lavender and spike lanader. The fine lavender (or real lavender) from the Haute Provence Alpes, bears the PDO classification (Protected Designation of Origin). Find out about this recognition…

  Nature is “an attic” full of natural, healing and powerful plants. Open your eyes, you can see the lavender in all its forms, thyme, sage, savory, rosemary, santoline, mint…sometimes in the middle of winter, the smell of the strong aromatic plants are still present in the air.

  Would you like to find out more? Discover the list of our local suppliers who will transport you into the world of aromatic and medicinal plants.

• Artemisia Museum

  The Artemisia Museum invites you to dive into the fascinating history of the harvesting and cultivation of the perfumed, aromatic and medicinal plants from the Lure mountain (Unesco Protected Site).

  This ongoing experience will take you along the path of: herbalists, the discovery of local biodiversity, the distilling of lavender and alcohol, the creators of cosmetics and perfumes displayed across 7 exhibition areas.

  These varied experiences such as the perfume workshop or the mystery of Pastis await you in an exceptional surrounding: the Couvent des Cordeliers, in Forcalquier.

• Lure Mountain Plant Path

  Either you are curious or passionate about plants, this booklet is for you. Whether young or old, discover together the magical powers of these wondrous plants along a sensory journey where you will meet the ones who long ago forged this continuing link between plants and man, « ferrymen » of this sought-after and age-old knowledge.

  By passing down the secrets, valuing and protecting the processes, the medicinal street sellers, through taking the time and through their sheer hard work, allowed us to respectfully continue their journey.

  Find out about three themed hikes at the bottom of the page.