In the heart of Forcalquier, perched on a hill amidst lavender and oak, Simiane owes its name to a surprising monument: a powerful stone tower, on a polygonal floorplan, called the Rotunda
This is the dungeon of the ancient fortress of Simiane-Agoult. The interior, separated into two levels, dazzles with the sophistication of the upper part: 12 decorative blind arcades with capitals carved in floral motifs, under a delicately ribbed dome.
The streets of the village offer up beautiful surprises: 16th, 17th and 18th century mansions, including that of the family of Ponson du Terrail, author of Rocambole; ancient covered halls and the 16th century Sainte-Victoire Church; the church of Saint-Jean, market stalls and terraced gardens built out over the ruins of old houses long collapsed.
The surrounding countryside, once crossed by the Via Domitia, was fertile agricultural land, which made Simiane a small and prosperous market town. Its craftsmen were not to be outdone. Up until the late nineteenth century its glasswares were exported throughout Provence.
Today Simiane-la-Rotonde unveils its charms under lavender blooms and to the resonant strains of the "Les Riches Heures Musicales de la Rotonde” festival of ancient music.
The "Villages and towns of character" Charter
Twelve villages in Hautes Alpes have been awarded the designation of "Villages and towns of character”. All enjoy a remarkable architectural heritage and have less than 2,000 inhabitants. To be approved, local authorities must make constant efforts to maintain that character in:
- the welcoming of guests: restaurants serving local specialties, accommodation, tourist information office…
- Entertainment and leisure activities: handicrafts, cultural performances, exhibitions, guided tours...
- Environmental enhancement of public spaces, reducing the number of billboards, restoration of facades...
The "Villages and towns of character" road connecting these villages offers superb views of the most outstanding peaks of the Alpes de Haute-Provence.
his page is extracted from the site www.alpes-haute-provence.com
