lures

Lurs, perched above the Durance Valley, seduces with its authentic charm, its medieval streets, its famous Promenade des Évêques and its olive grove classified among the most beautiful in Provence. This village of character combines heritage, nature and culture, for a visit full of surprises and emotions.

Lurs, village of character with Provençal charm

According to tradition, Charlemagne himself initiated the founding of Lurs in the 9th century. The site quickly became a summer residence for the bishops of Sisteron. Many testimonies from this period remain: an imposing medieval building, an ancient tower, and a church whose first stones also date from the 9th century. The latter has undergone several alterations, including a beautiful sculpted portal and a comb-shaped bell tower housing three bells.

Other religious buildings also remain today, including the Seminary and the Priory of Saint Charles Boromée. Lurs is also home to several chapels, including Notre-Dame des Anges, built on a former Roman site, Saint-Michel and Notre-Dame du Plan, witnesses to the past fervor.

The alleys of the old village are full of architectural detailsThe clock tower, crowned with a wrought iron bell tower, spans the alleyway that provides access to the old village. Door lintels and monolithic corbels, mullioned windows are all elements of ancient architecture to discover.

The built heritage that you discover, saved from ruins over the past few decades, demonstrates a tasteful restoration. This has earned the village a place on the inventory of Historic Monuments..

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What to do in Lurs?

Lurs is a mecca of graphic culture. Since 1952, the Rencontres internationales de Lure have brought together people passionate about the writing profession in Lurs. : typographers, graphic designers, typeface designers… An open-air amphitheater, the Marius Theater, hosts events. The atmosphere is studious, friendly, and resolutely creative.

To extend the discovery, the Path of Scripture offers a fun and educational approach to the history of the alphabet and printing. This enriching journey will appeal to children and curious people of all ages.

Hiking idea

The 3h15 loop of the Chemin du Pont Romain (elevation: 270 m) crosses the main part of Lurs: heritage, nature, culture and history come together at every turn. You will pass through the Chemin des Écritures, the Promenade des Évêques, the Roman bridge and the Via Domitia, all in a breathtaking natural setting.

Lurs is also one of the stages on the way to Santiago de Compostela and Rome., traced as close as possible to the Via Domitia.

When to come to Lurs?

Enjoy events and guided tours throughout the year. Here are some highlights:

• Summer : Votive festival: last Sunday of July, pilgrimages to Notre-Dame-des-Anges: Whit Monday and August 2, Rencontres de Lure: last week of August
• The round of nativity scenes : In winter, discover the nativity scene of the Invention of the Holy Cross church with its 17 listed santons. 30 to 40 cm high, the santons (dating from 1845 or 1856 depending on the source) were classified as historical monuments in 1986. It is part of the living tradition of the "Ronde des crèches".

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