The cheese

Throughout your walks, you will get the chance to cross paths with various flocks of sheep and goats.

Cheese lovers, hold on to something stable when you taste “le Banon” which is also our regional cheese star. A proud PDO holder (Protected Designation of Origin), the Banon cheese is coated with thin sweet chestnut tree leaves. A sheer treasure to taste as soon as possible!

You can also find various types of delicious goat’s or sheep cheese at the local markets and on sale at these places.

Alcoholic drinks and herbal aperitifs

« It takes years to transmit the secret of the locally produced Pastis… » yes, but not any kind of Pastis! Let us tell you about the Pastis Bardouin, originating in Forcalquier. Behind the scenes at the Domaines and Distillery of Provence, the secret of the Pastis Bardouin recipe remains a hidden secret. It requires at least 65 spices and natural plants (some of which are picked on the Lure Mountain) to succeed in concocting the right character of this special drink. Can you manage to find them all?

Start at the numerous tasting places in Forcalquier to discover all of our local drinks (Rinquinquin, Bau de Provence, Absinthe, Farigoule, etc.) The internationally recognised Pastis is to be consumed in moderation of course. To get to know the whole story of pastis, visit the Artemisia Museum where you can actually take part in the making process and help produce the real, local Forcalquier Pastis.

The Haute Provence Spelt (Petit épeautre IGP)

Do you know about “Caviar grain”?
It’s like a « tinge of light », a grain out of ordinary, a delicious taste with multiple nutritious qualities that has been part of the cereal heritage since ancient times! The quality of the “terroir” and the expertise of the producers ensure the grain is of an exceptional quality and high nutritional value.

The main spelt produce are the flour, various types of pasta, savoury aperitif crackers, grains and even beer. All available at the “Saveurs des Truques” farm, close to Forcalquier where you can also visit the place of production. Le caviar des céréales vous connaissez ?

Sweet treats

It’s at the Forcalquier Biscuiterie (specialising in local cookies/biscuits) that you can find an assortment of delights for those with a sweet tooth. As soon as you enter the shop, the charm hits you. Macarons, navette biscuits, “sablés”, calissons (made out of candied fruit and local almonds), croquants, everything has been done to stimulate your taste buds.
Ps: We’ve been told that you can find some salty flavours too!

Would you like to walk in the biscuit maker’s shoes? You can! The Biscuit shop and bakery hold biscuit making workshops.

Are you a chocolate lover? The Confectionary maker Leblanc offers you the opportunity to discover and observe different workshops, taste a treat coated with chocolate, different spreads, almond aperitif and other delicious specialties.

A strong and appealing characteres

The so-called “black gold” of Haute Provence (type of olive: Agland) can be found in the olive groves here. The Haute Provence Olive Oil PDO (protected designation of origin) is fruity, delicious and smooth.

It is known as full of character, that is to say, the harmonious and persistent varied aromas mark the palate. Simply delicious…

You can taste and discover its history at the “Ecomusée de L’Olivier” in the village of Volx and at the Moulin de Gouvan at Forcalquier.

There is plenty of natural produce which “taste of” Haute Provence. Do not miss the opportunity to taste the honey, sweet chestnuts, truffles, lamb, and many other local dishes. 

Like a local

You are in the area of flavor and scents, wonder around the Provencal markets and let yourself be guided by the powerful aromas of Provence.
Every Monday, the most important regional market takes place in Forcalquier.
Olive oil, Tapenade, Spelt, Banon cheese, Provence honey, artisanal beer, Henry Bardouin’s Pastis, etc…Total immersion in the everyday life of the people of Provence and their close connection to local produce. An unforgettable experience “made in” Forcalquier! A chance to entirely immerse yourself into the local rhythm.