Oraison

Pop.: 4 183 inhabitants. Altitude : 376m.

Department of Alpes de Haute Provence

Nestling among the hills of the Lure mountain and the magnificent lavender fields of the plateau of Valensole, Oraison is situated on the banks of the Durance river in a beautiful, preserved natural environment. In summer, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Buissonnades lakes where lifeguards, pedal-boats and windsurfing boards await you.

Whether you consider Oraison to be a large village or a small country town, it does indeed offer numerous practical advantages while at the same time preserving its superb environment.

The lively town centre has many shops and leisure activities for all ages and every taste.
Oraison is at the gateway to two regional natural parks : Luberon and Verdon and a stone's throw from the Forcalquier and Manosque areas, giving you a great choice of outings.

The plants on the hills around Oraison will no longer hold any secrets for you thanks to the specially way-marked paths enabling you to enjoy at close hand the fragrance of sage, lavender, rosemary, etc....

These pleasant walks will no doubt whet your appetite and on your return to Oraison, you will be able to appreciate the local culinary specialities: pâtés, cooked pork meats plus goat's cheese, honey, marzipan, tarts, fruit paste and other tasty delights. Without a doubt you will totally succumb to the charm of Oraison !

Not to be missed :

Notre Dame du Thor, parish church (1662).
"Maison d'Oraison" Renaissance Style chateau (1720).
12th century chapel of Saint-Pancrace.
The Romanesque bridge over the Rancure (1698).
The seven arched bridge over the Durance,
which was inaugurated in the presence of Frédéric Mistral in 1888.
The ruins of the fortified château on Tholonet hill.

Leisure activities :

Hiking. Way-marked botanical trails.
Tennis. Swimming pool (summer). Mountain bike trails.
Summer: bathing, pedal-boats on the Buissonnades lakes.
Fishing: 1st and 2nd category lakes and rivers.
Paragliding site. Microlight and scale model platform.
Race course, greyhound track.
Market on Tuesday morning.
Guided tour of the town during summer every friday starting from the Tourist Office at 10 a.m.(during winter on request only)
Summer festivities.
Votive festival on the first Sunday in May.

Accommodation and eating out :

Neighbouring villages :