This apartment, located on the first floor of an old manor house which dates back to the 13th century, has been recently renovated.
A beautiful stone stairway leads you up to the apartment. Here you come to a hallway with access to the large double/twin bedroom. From the hallway there is a doorway to the lovely new terrace which was completed in March 2013.
There is a large outdoor table with four comfortable chairs so guests are able to enjoy all their meals outside during the summer months. There is also an electric Weber BBQ for our guests use. From the terrace you have wonderful views up to the citadel and hilltop park.
Continuing along the hallway you come to the spacious lounge (with Satellite TV and DVD player) and to the open plan kitchen and dining room. Leading off from the lounge/dining area is the second bedroom. This bedroom has a very sunny aspect with large windows and a view towards the citadel park. The bathroom with toilet and bath/shower also lead off from the lounge-dining room next to the bedroom.
Guests have free highspeed "wifi" access from the apartment.
Apartment Sancie has central heating for the cooler months and access to the outdoor garden and internal courtyard with outdoor furniture. From the courtyard guests are able to access our small library with travel books and maps from the region.
At the entrance from the courtyard to apartments 1 and 2 there is a guest laundry.
There is plenty of free parking near the apartments and it is possible to drive to the bottom of rue Saint-Mary to unload luggage. The apartments are located in a charming stone house which stands in a quiet cobble stoned street and leads to the Citadel where a 13th century castle once stood. Today the Notre Dame de Provence Chapel stands in its place and commands a magnificent view of the surrounding countryside. The Citadel, as the hill is passionately known by the locals, is a real ‘green oases in the centre of town and a beautiful spot for an early morning or evening stroll.
Forcalquier has a population of 4,500 and from the Apartments it is a 5 minute walk to the centre of town. Here you can buy everything you need for your stay in Forcalquier. There are numerous bakers, a butcher, an excellent fruit and vegetable shop, pastry and chocolate shop, 2 supermarkets, delicatessen and very good wine shop (there are also 2 large Supermarkets at each end of the town) 3 banks, Post Office, 2 chemists and a news agency. Of course there are plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. We have a list of the ones we recommend and we are only too happy to talk about the other ones we take our groups to in the nearby villages.
Of course one of the big attractions of Forcalquier is the Monday morning market. It is renowned as being one of the most colourful in Provence and of course one can do the weekly shopping direct from the producers. There is an enormous range of food available - local cheeses, fruit and vegetables, organic breads, herbs and spices, fresh fish from Marseille, Provencal fabrics and pottery etc.
Forcalquier is ideally located in terms of visiting the nearby tourist sites. Avignon is 1.5 hours, Aix en Provence 1 hour, Marseille 1.5, Nice 2.5, and the French Alps 1.5 hours. Of course it is preferable to have a car. If you plan not to have a car then it is possible to visit all the towns just mentioned using public transport.
Touring bikes can be hired in the town. The Forcalquier region is famous for its wonderful cycling path which leads all the way to Cavaillon near Avignon, a distance of 100 kms. Otherwise there are plenty of quiet country lanes which are suitable for cycling. We can help you with information.
There are also 500 km’s of marked walking tracks in the region. Basically the area forms a square bordered by 2 mountain ranges to the North and South and by 2 rivers to the East and West. It is ideal for walking as there is an immense variety of landscapes influenced by both a continental climate from the Alps and a Mediterranean climate from the south. We are happy to discuss the different walks with you.
Recent reviews
Lovely rustic charm
Just a quick note to say how delighted mum and i were staying in your apartment. Our visit was just lovely - the rustic charm of Sanci, the warmth and friendliness of the community and particularly our contacts Katherine and Maria and Yann and the delightful exploration of the old city. Our holiday was everything we could have hoped for and more! Thank you for making us feel so welcome and relaxed. Warm regards."
Andrea and Norma from Melbourne, Australia
Couldn't have been more perfect
Graeme and Trish, Thank you for a lovely week in Forcalquier. We left keys to both apartments inside on the counter. We thoroughly enjoyed both apartments. From having breakfast croissants on the deck each morning to climbing to the citadel and taking afternoon drives throughout Provence, it couldn't have been more perfect. We had lovely meals at La Bastide and Ma Nine plus a lovely day in Ménerbes with lunch at Maison de la Truffe and Domaine de Citadelle, complete with a personal tour by the owner of his herb garden with over 300 herbs. Needless to say we also bought wine. Thank you for making it all possible."
Blythe from Anchorage, Alaska USA
Wonderful place
The Clarke Family house is a wonderful place for holiday! It's like going back in time and feel like a princess. Home full of personality , beautifully decorated and peaceful place to stay!!"
Anamaria from England
Magnifique petite semaine
Nous avons passé une magnifique petite semaine dans cet appartement plein de cachet au plein cœur de la vieille ville. Bien que situé dans un bâtiment ancien et plein de charme, l'appartement est complètement équipé et très pratique. On nous a mis à disposition beaucoup d'informations sur la région et même un piano que notre petit a adoré jouer! A conseiller!"
We spent a wonderful week in this charming apartment in the heart of the old town. Although located in an old building and full of charm, the apartment is completely equipped and very practical. We were given a lot of information about the area and even a piano that our kid loved playing! Highly recommend! Translated from French Sara from Ecublens, Switzerland
Très agréable
Accueil attentif et chaleureux, maison très agréable."
Home attentive and warm, very nice house. Translated from French Sophie from Lugano, Switzerland
Proximité au centre-ville
Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la proximité au centre-ville et en même temps le calme (quasi pas de circulation). L'appartement est bien équipé et reste agréablement frais en juillet. Jolie terrasse fleurie. Nous avons été très bien accueillis par Cécile (en l'absence des hôtes)."
We enjoyed the proximity to the city center and at the same time the quiet (almost no traffic). The apartment is well equipped and remains pleasantly cool in July. Pretty terrace with flowers. We were very well looked after by Cécile (in the absence of the hosts). Translated from French Eva from Horgen, Switzerland
Amazingly charming
Amazingly charming apartment in the center of forcaliquer. Beautiful courtyard and Terrasse. Flexible check in times made late arrival possible and communication was very good. The host was extraordinary in helping out with insider Tipps and everything we needed. Thank you Gabriela for being such an amazing host!:) If you are looking for the perfect getaway to relax and enjoy forcalquier this is the best place to go to!"
Rosa from Mexico
Highly recommend
To begin, this isn't actually a review for the apartment pictured: rather, for the "Loft style Rooftop Apartment", also run by Graeme and Gabriela in Forcalquier. There had been a slight mixup through AirBNB software and they went out of their way to provide us a nice bottle of wine! With that being said, I'd like to say that this was an absolutely fantastic AirBNB. Even though Graeme had just flown and driven several hours to return to France, he took two hours to sit down and offer us a drink, snacks, and a wonderful chat. He is a very interesting individual who does everything he can to make you feel at home. As for the flat, it too was exactly what we were hoping for: a mix between modern comforts and traditional French design. It has an amazing panoramic view from the front entrance and another balcony overlooking a beautiful garden. It is located in the best part of Forcalquier - the little historic district. The town itself is a perfect base for making day excursions, such as to the Verdon Gorge. It is clean, comfy and would be best for a couple seeking a romantic Provencal vacation. The kitchen is also fully operational (and everything is new too). We highly recommend this flat or anything else run by Graeme and Gabriela!"
Christopher from Toronto, Canada
Absolutely recommended
Our experience at Graeme & Gabriela's home was simply perfect, because they have been always in contact with us, before and during our stay. The bedrooms were as clean as comfortable, such a pretty flat just over the centre. All the things were just like they seemed in the pictures, the flat and its description were the same. No problem at all with our arrival and finding the apartment. Absolutely recommended."
Paola from San Giorgio di Piano, Italy
Totally recommend
Lovely apartment located in the old town. The plants and flowers make it a very enjoyable place to stay. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Graeme is easy to communicate with. We had a wonderful vocation here. Totally recommend."
Chi from Fribourg, Switzerland
Location was excellent
We felt very welcomed and were in fact met at the bus stop and walked to our accommodation. Gabriella was very warm and engaging and made us feel very much at home. The location was excellent; so close to the village square, shops and restaurants and yet so very quiet."
Margaret from South Australia
Super fofo
Apartamento super fofo, superou nossas expectativas. A varanda é um lugar agradável para tomar café da manhã ou vinhos no final da tarde. Graeme e Gabriela estavam viajando, mas deixaram o Yann para nos receber, ele foi mega atencioso e nos encontrou na parada do ônibus. Recomendamos o apartamento, para quem quer relaxar em uma cidadezinha no interior da Provence."
Apartment super cute, exceeded our expectations. The balcony is a nice place to have breakfast or wines in the late afternoon. Graeme and Gabriela were traveling, but they left the Yann to greet us, he was meticulous and met us at the bus stop. We recommend the apartment, for those who want to relax in a little town in the Provence countryside. Translated from Portuguese Rosangela from São Paulo, Brazil
Enchanting
Graeme and Gabriela's house is enchanting. We really enjoyed our stay there, the apartment is furnished with everything one might need and is located just in the city center. We would definitely stay there again, if we ever travel back to Fourcalquier. Many thanks for having us there and a big thank you to your friend Natalie!"
Engenio from Carate Brianza, Italy
Fabulous apartment
Fabulous apartment, loved everything about it...location was superb, furnishings lovely, nice veranda, town itself was really lovely and not overrun with Brits which makes a nice change in Provence. Would like to have moved in, sure we'll be back"
Jude from Cardiff, United Kingdom
Very nice house
Very nice house in typical provence style in this beautiful village. The Clarke family was soo good and helpfull we enjoyed our stay very much"
Claudio from Arcore, Italy
Beautiful apartment
Graeme and Gabriela are very good and kind hosts. All facilities are there in their beautiful apartment. The balcony offers a good spot for breakfast and a drink in the evening. The atmosphere of the apartment and village is peaceful and makes you feel relax. Graeme gave us very good recommendations to discover the Provence."
Ronald from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Wonderful apartment
We stayed in this wonderful apartment for a few days in July. Walking to the house takes one through little cobbled streets of the oldest part of Forcalquier, lined with really old houses not much changed over the past few centuries. The door to the house opens up into a wonderful little courtyard, filled with plants, places to sit and the original stonework, a peaceful enclave from the modern world. The property is really two houses overlooking this courtyard, and the apartment we stayed in is one of 5 within the two houses. The apartment is on the upper floor of the front-facing house, so up a flight of well-worn ancient stone steps. The apartment is accurately represented by the photographs on the AirBnB web page. Everything about the building itself is ancient, but really well restored so one has a sense of living in an original many centuries-old building yet with most of the comforts of home. The appliances and cookware are good quality. The shower has great water pressure and no shortage of hot water. We were there in the hottest days of July, and it is worth noting that there is no AC, so fans were really a must to keep the air moving and to be able to sleep at night during those periods when the daytime temperatures are in the 90's (mid-30's C). We had a wonderful stay here and would not hesitate to recommend it to any of our friends."
Michael from Calgary, Canada
Gorgeous
The landlord is very warm and nice, he helped us carry our luggages to the house. The house is gorgeous and the garden is charming, too. But it is not convenient that we don't have WiFi in our house, because we have to go to another room to use it. The view around the neighborhood is so beautiful, that I can't forget it."
Olive from Frankfurt, Germany
Restored with taste
We really appeciated the house where we have been hosted. Restored with taste and well maintained by Gabiela: congratulations!!"
Giorgio from Voorschoten, Netherlands
Lovely comfortable apartment
Graeme & Gabrielle's apartment is located in the old part of Forcalquier a short walk to all the town has to offer. The internal courtyard and lovely comfortable apartment in a typical old building has lots of charm and character though lots of stairs to climb. Parking is available nearby. Graeme provided lots of local travel advice and we spent three days visiting sights recommended by him. We would certainly recommend this apartment."
Ian from Gold Coast QLD, Australia
Amazing charming apartment
An amazing charming apartment and a very kind host who helped with tips and directions! We hope to go back!"
FRANCAIS
