Lurs

Visit Lurs, Provence

Lurs is a perched Provencal village spread out along a ridge high above the olive groves and the Durance valley, just east of Forcalquier and north of Manosque in the south-west of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. the view of the village spreading down the hill as seen from the approach road is one of the highlights of a visit.

History tells us that the Emperor Charlemagne founded Lurs in the 8th century - legend perhaps, but the history of the village certainly dates back at least 1000 years when the bishops of Sisteron established a summer residence here.

Exploring Lurs

Enter the village through the stone gateway that passes under a 15th century clocktower topped by a traditional Provencal campanile.

As with so many small villages in Provence, it is Lurs itself that is the highlight, rather than any particular individual monument, as you will discover as you explore the historic heart of the village, with many beautifully renovated traditional cottages lining the narrow streets (although they appear older many of the houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries, although some of the oldest are believed to date from the 15th century).

There are a couple of small features of note as you explore, including:

- the village church  - the Chapel Notre-Dame-des-Anges - with a decorative entranceway and a belltower forming part of the facade and containing three bells;

- the original bishop's palace can still be seen, although it has been rebuilt and restructured several times over the centuries

- a picturesque bridge that is said to date from the time of Emperor Hadrian (in the 2nd century, so it is one of the oldest bridges in France);

- other ancient chapels of Saint-Michel, Notre-Dame de Vie, and Notre-Dame du Planand

- an ancient castle nearby, also once part of the property of the bishops of Sisteron

Be sure to also follow the so-called 'Promenade des Eveques' to reach the Notre-Dame de Vie Chapel from Lurs and to enjoy even more stunning views across the countryside.

The Triple Murder of Lurs

When visiting ancient village we become accustomed to historical tales of drama and murder. Unfortunately the murders of Lurs are much more recent.

The village came to the attention of the country in 1952 when a leading English scientist visiting the village, Sir Jack Drummond, was brutally murdered here along with his wife and daughter on the 4th August 1952. No reason was ever discovered for the crime, and the murderer was never found (although the main suspect, a farmer who lived nearby, is claimed to have later admitted to the murders).

Note: photo of Lurs by zenra is copyright

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (the region and department for Lurs) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Lurs, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Riez 23km; Greoux-les-Bains 24km; Oppedette 24km; Sisteron 25km; Simiane-la-Rotonde 26km; Moustiers 30km; Digne-les-Bains 31km; Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt 41km; Sault 41km; Apt 41km; Cucuron 42km;

Lurs tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie) - religious monument (3km) : Jardins du château de Sauvan - remarkable garden (10km) : Jardins du prieuré de Salagon - remarkable garden (10km) : Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (16km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (33km) : Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (33km) : Verdon - regional natural parc (34km) : Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon - remarkable garden (42km) :

See more places and a map at places near Lurs