Attractions and Places To See around Banon - Top 20

Banon offers a rich history, particularly in its Historic Upper Town, a 'village perché' with narrow cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and remnants of medieval ramparts. You can also visit the medieval Banon Church (L'Église Haute), one of the oldest buildings, and the Romanesque Chapel of Notre-Dame des Anges, located northeast of the village, showcasing Romanesque architecture.

Vast lavender fields surround Banon, offering a quintessential Provençal sight. These typically bloom later than in areas further south, often in mid-July. The region, including the outer edge of the Albion Plateau and near Montagne de Lure, provides excellent opportunities to see these fragrant landscapes.

Yes, Banon is home to Le Bleuet Bookshop, one of the largest independent bookshops in rural France, boasting over 100,000 titles and open 365 days a year. The village is also famous for its Banon cheese tradition; you can learn about its history and production at the Banon cheese museum or sample it at the local markets held on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

The region around Banon is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. For hiking, you can explore numerous mapped itineraries, including sections of the serious Grande Randonnée, the GRP Tour de la Montagne de Lure. Popular routes include 'The Old Mills Ruins – Banon loop' and 'View of Banon and Surroundings – Banon loop'. You can find more details on routes like these in the Hiking around Banon guide.

Yes, for experienced adventurers, the Oppedette Gorge offers challenging paths with beautiful views, suitable for experienced walkers. Another demanding spot is L'Échelle Cave Tunnel, which is part of a challenging route requiring climbing and appropriate footwear. These areas are not recommended for those with a fear of heights or limited mobility.

To witness the lavender fields in full bloom, the best time to visit Banon is typically in mid-July, as the lavender here blooms later than in other parts of Provence.

While some natural attractions can be challenging, the settlement of Saint Michel l'Observatoire is noted as family-friendly. It features charming small squares, fountains, and houses, and is known for its astronomical observatory, which can be an engaging experience for families.

Absolutely. The area around Banon offers various cycling routes, ranging from moderate to difficult. Examples include the 'Saint Michel l'Observatoire – Forcalquier loop' and the 'Banon – Revest-du-Bion Village loop'. You can explore more options in the Cycling around Banon guide.

Banon hosts a local market every Tuesday morning, which is a great opportunity to sample local produce, including the famous Banon goat's cheese. There's also a smaller Provençal market on Saturday mornings.

The region boasts magnificent Provençal landscapes, with fields of grain and hills scented with aromatic plants, creating a striking checkerboard of colors. The Beautiful cliffs near Oppedette offer breathtaking views of the village. Additionally, the Saint Michel l'Observatoire is known for its clear nights without light pollution, providing excellent stargazing opportunities.

Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity. Routes like the 'View of Banon and Surroundings – Banon loop' and 'The Old Mills Ruins – Banon loop' offer diverse terrain for MTB enthusiasts. More trails can be found in the MTB Trails around Banon guide.

Montagne de Lure, located near Banon, is an 1,825-meter-high mountain offering remarkable scenery, exceptional flora and fauna. It provides various outdoor activities, including numerous signposted trails for hiking and mountain biking. In winter, it transforms into a mountain resort for skiing.