A Guide to the Best Things to do in Banon, Provence

Last Updated on 8th February 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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A hilltop town which comprises of an older historic upper town and more modern lower town, Banon is fairly large in size and is well worth a visit during any trip to Provence. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Banon, Provence, as well as travel tips and things to know before visiting!

Banon is a ‘village perché,’ which means perched village and is typical of the French countryside. As its name would suggest, the perched village is typically nested on the side of a hillside and were often fortified, constructed just below a chateau. The villages also usually feature a lavoir (public wash basin), small chapel or church, and numerous narrow streets.

Where is Banon?

Banon is a Provençal town with around 1000 residents who are referred to locally as Banonais or Banonaises. Banon can be found in Hautes-Provence (i.e. upper Provence, which is in the North of the region and is characterised by its position in the foothills of the Alps) to the North West of the town of Forcalquier.

Some of the closest settlements include the speck of a village that is Revest-dest-Brousses and the rather touristic town of Simiane-la-Rotonde. Banon is also at the most outer edge of the Albion Plateau, a rather open plain that is today best associated with military activity.

Surrounding the town in the farming fields below, one of the crops which is most commonly grown is that of lavender fields. Unlike a little further south, such as on the plateau of Valensole, the lavender here tends to bloom a little later and so will typically flower in mid July.

Best things to do in Banon, Provence

Sample Banon fromage (the local cheese)

Of all the things that Banon is associated with, it’s probably most famous for its local goat’s cheese, of which over 600,000 are produced on an annual basis. The goats cheeses are wrapped in dry chestnut leaves and tied with raffia strings, making them rather rare in appearance.

What’s particularly special about the goat’s cheese is that it is made to a traditional recipe and the local Banon cheese factory employs around 40 people. Best paired with some fresh bread and a glass of wine, the cheese is an AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée).

This means that only the goat’s cheese produced in the area can be referred to as Banon goat’s cheese. Since 2003, the goat’s cheese has had this designation and it’s the only cheese that has an AOC in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Every May, a cheese fête takes place, celebrating the local produce.

Banon Church (L’Église Haute)

Presiding high above the rest of the town, one of the oldest buildings in Banon is that of the church, which is known as ‘église’ in French. The church in Banon dates all the way back to the Middle Ages, though is no longer used as a place of worship.

Instead, since 2006, the ecclesiastical building has since been transformed into an exhibition space where regular events are held. Each time I’ve visited the little Provençal town I have seen a different art exhibition in the former church.

Wander the historic upper town

When it comes to most Provençal towns, the oldest and most historic part of town is typically the highest part of the town on the hill, i.e. that part which is directly below the church.

Most of this area of town is only accessible on foot (though there is a car park right at the top of town, close to the church which can be accessed by a winding and narrow road).

Wander through this area (make sure to wear comfortable footwear as there are plenty of cobblestones and steps) and you can expect to discover medieval structures such as historic gateways, ancient doorways, the remains of the 15th-century town walls, and plenty of residences which appear as if they’ve been in situ for centuries.

Discover Le Bleuet Bookshop

For bibliophiles and bookworms alike, Banon is a town that you cannot miss for the simple fact that it boasts one of the largest independent bookshops in France.

Le Bleuet sells over 100,000 titles and can be found at Place Saint Just. What’s more is that the bookstore is open 365 days a year! The shop is open from 10 AM to 7 PM, and from 10 AM to 8 PM in July and August. 

Discover lower Banon

As is the case with many towns across the region, the lower part of Banon is more modern (though still pretty historic) and is where much of the hub of activity in the town takes place.

For example, this is where most of the accommodations and eateries in Banon are to be found. As this area is more modern, it’s more easily accessed by car and there is a large car park on the fringes of the lower town.

How to visit Banon

A market takes place in Banon on Tuesday mornings and so if you’re looking for a truly local market where you can purchase fresh produce, then you might want to plan your visit around this, particularly if you’re staying in a self catering accommodation where you’ll be preparing your own meals.

There’s also a local village fête every last Sunday in August. As local transportation in Provence can be patchy at best, the best way to visit the region (with the exception of the larger and more popular seaside towns) is by renting a car.

This way, you can create a flexible schedule which will allow you to stop at towns you like the look of and leave towns earlier if there is not as much to see and do there than you had previously anticipated.

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