Perched on a balcony above the Durance Valley, the village springs from a cascade of olive trees, one of the five most beautiful olive groves in Provence. Lurs stretches like a spur between the castle to the north and the seminary to the south.
Description
Historians agree that Charlemagne was the founder of Lurs. At the beginning of the 9th century, the emperor placed the place under the guardianship of the bishops of Sisteron, who built their summer residences there.
This massive, rectangular building is the result of several construction campaigns. To its left, sections of limestone rubble walls and the base of a tower date from the Middle Ages. From here, the Bishops' Walk, a path lined with 15 oratories, leads to the Notre Dame de Vie chapel.
One of the most beautiful hilltop villages, classified as a "Village and Town of Character", overlooking the Durance Valley and the Pays de Forcalquier.
Discover its small shaded alleys, its olive groves as far as the eye can see, the bishops' promenade lined with 15 oratories because Lurs was once the summer residence of the bishops of Sisteron, the clock tower, crowned with a wrought iron campanile houses the oldest bell in the department (1599), the open-air theater built in the 60s on ruins to host the "Rencontres de Lure".
Nearby, a small road leads to the Ganagobie plateau, spanning a Roman bridge, a remnant of the Via Domitia that linked Briançon to Arles along the Durance. To the south, the chapel of Notre Dame des Anges stands on the ruins of Alaunium, a Roman station bordering this same road, and adjoins the remains of an aqueduct.
The country bistro, La Terrasse de Lurs, is like a ship set on a sea of olive trees. You'll enjoy cuisine made with local, largely organic, ingredients for an inventive and flavorful meal.
The path of the scriptures
The label "Pole of rural excellence Country of books and writing" obtained by the Pays de Forcalquier-Montagne de Lure finds its most beautiful echo in Lurs with this writing path which invites the visitor to discover the village through the birth and evolution of writing since the birth of humanity.
Masse Family Oil Mill
Real old-fashioned production during the winter months: crushing olives with millstones, pressing the scourtins, natural decantation in oak vats, collecting the oil with leaves and pans.
Hiking trails to discover:
The Baume path
Duration: 1h30 - 4 km - 112 m elevation gain - Red & white then yellow markings
Departure from the parking lot opposite the cemetery at the entrance to the village
The Roman Bridge Path
Duration: 3h15 - 8 km - 330 m elevation gain - Red & white then yellow markings
Departure from the parking lot opposite the cemetery at the entrance to the village
The Buissières icehouse
Duration: 1h15 - 3,5 km - 120 m elevation gain - Red & white then yellow markings
Departure from the parking lot opposite the cemetery at the entrance to the village
The Way of St. James and Rome crosses the village in both directions, towards Forcalquier or the priory of Ganagobie
Comfort and amenities
Equipment
Rates / opening
Prices
Free access.
Opening
From 01/01 to 31/12 every day.