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Villages · Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Forcalquier
Founded in the 11th century, Forcalquier, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, became in the Middle Ages the capital of an independent county that for a time rivalled that of Provence, before being joined to it. Nicknamed the 'Cité Comtale', it has kept a concentric plan of spiralling lanes around its old castle.
On the hill above the town, the octagonal chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Provence has replaced the counts' fortress and offers a view over the Forcalquier country and the Montagne de Lure. The Church of Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet, the Cordeliers convent and the Monday market, one of the best known in Haute-Provence, complete a visit.
