Culture
The Citadel of Mane is a feudal fortification dating from the 12th century and is located in the heart of the village.
The Château de Sauvan was built from 1718 onwards for M. de Forbin, based on a design attributed to Jean-Baptiste Franque; it remained unfinished. The park retains the terrace system, several basins – including a large water basin located west of the château –, parts of the statues and some beautiful trees. Guided tours of the park and château are available.
The Prieuré de Salagon is a significant medieval complex in Haute-Provence, with a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century, a Renaissance residence and ethnobotanical gardens.
In the Church of Saint-André in Mane, the living tradition of the “Ronde des crèches” is presented in winter. The nativity scene comprises 25 figures and features the largest number of old santons in the département; the santons are classified. The clothing of the notable couple, characteristic of the fashion of the July Monarchy, dates the nativity scene to 1837.
The Salagon site documents 2,000 years of settlement, from the Neolithic period to medieval monastic life.
The Musée de Salagon houses a research, exhibition and events centre that conveys the past and present culture of Provençal society. Rural life in Haute-Provence is presented there through collections of objects, tools and agricultural traditions.
Nature
The Salagon gardens were designed according to ethnobotanical principles and organised according to the site’s historical agricultural use. They contain 1,700 cultivated plants.
Walking routes
The Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela passes through Mane; Stage 8 between Forcalquier and Saint-Michel-l’Observatoire Lincel runs through the village.
The section of the Way of St James passing through Mane follows the Via Domitia and offers numerous opportunities to discover the religious and rural heritage.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment can consider Mane as a destination.
Location
Mane is easily accessible by car via the nearby major roads. The village is 3 km from Forcalquier, on the D4100 between Apt and Forcalquier and on the D13 towards Manosque, which is 20 km away.
