Les Ateliers Ouverts: Forcalquier Artists Open Their Studios for the 13th Edition

If you love art and discovering interesting towns in Provence, add Forcalquier in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to your must-visit list. Discover the 13th edition of Les Ateliers Ouverts, July 23–27, 2026, when the town comes alive with art lovers. Organized by the Association Les Ateliers Forcalquier, this vibrant event brings together 75 artists and craftspeople—don’t miss your chance to take part.

Photo credit: ©Sébastien Renard

Art-filled Weekend

Each summer, more than two thousand art enthusiasts wander through Forcalquier’s winding lanes. Step into the heart of this creative energy: meet the artists, uncover their secrets, and find one-of-a-kind pieces to make your own.

New in 2026

This year, the festival expands its horizons with two brand-new exhibition spaces to explore.

1. At 10, Rue Grande, the Galerie Grande showcases creations by participating artists. Open since April 2026 at the Hôtel d’Autane near the Municipal Museum, this fresh venue invites you to discover art in a new light.
2. The pop-up gallery ‘Côté jardin’ at Maison des Entrepreneurs invites you to wander among sculptures, paintings, textiles, and more. Nestled in the garden of a historic former convent, this enchanting space offers two entrances: one at the corner of Impasse des Cordeliers and Boulevard des Martyrs de la Résistance, and another under the bridge at Impasse des Cordeliers.

The Art Route

At the heart of Les Ateliers Ouverts, you are invited to step inside the studios of Forcalquier’s artists and craftspeople and witness creativity in action. Let the official map guide your journey through the town’s twisting streets, or follow the stars set into the pavement. Artists based outside the city centre will bring their work to Place du Palais, ensuring everyone can join the celebration.

Photo credit: ©PerfectlyProvence

Continue your artistic journey in the town centre with a group exhibition at Hôtel d’Astier, 15 Rue Marius Debout, open throughout the festival. Get a sneak peek at the preview on Wednesday, July 22, from 6 pm to 8 pm. Featuring works by 60 association artists, this 16th-century townhouse doubles as a vibrant cultural hub and is home to five permanent studios.

Photography en Plein Air

Beyond the indoor exhibitions, from July 13 to 27, a pop-up photography show will enliven the railings of the Cour des Artisans. Discover the studios and creative worlds of Forcalquier’s artists through the lens of Amélie Héroux and Sébastien Renard, whose diptychs pair intimate portraits with evocative studio details.

Amélie Héroux – A photographer with a keen eye for light and the human touch, she captures the moment with poetry and authenticity.

Self-portrait ©Amélie Héroux

Sébastien Renard – A nature photographer and lover of Provence, he captures the beauty of Forcalquier’s flora, fauna and light.

©Sebastien Renard of LOeil du Goupil

Family-Friendly Art

Get hands-on with art at Place du Bourgue, where you can help create a collaborative mural called ‘Street Portraits’. Contribute your own brushstrokes to this giant, ever-changing painting. Guided by Lucy Allard and fellow association artists, the 10-by-5-metre canvas is filled with vibrant squares, each waiting to become a unique portrait or character.

Lucy Allard – An expressive and generous painter, she creates exuberant works inspired by everyday life. Co-founder of the Ateliers Forcalquier.

Lucy Allard Photo ©Aurelien

Michèle Scharly will lead these workshops on the Place du Palais:

1. Abstract composition using mixed media: acrylic, gouache, dry and oil pastels, and craft paper on cardboard. Maximum 12 children. Saturday, July 25, 10 am to 12 pm
2. Creating insects and small creatures of nature using clay. Maximum 12 children. Sunday, July 26, 10 am to 12 pm

Michèle Scharly – A movement therapist and arts-and-crafts facilitator specializing in multiple disabilities, Michèle aims to offer a wide range of artistic techniques to stimulate the creative potential of diverse groups.

Guided Art Tour

To deepen your understanding of Forcalquier’s art and history, guided walking tours titled ‘Art and Heritage of Forcalquier’ take place at 10 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Book in advance with Dominique Lagenèbre, Telephone: +33 (0)6 03 97 15 86. Fee: €7 per person.

Practical information

Les Ateliers Ouverts (website)
July 23 – 27, 2026

For information during the festival, please visit the marquee run by Les Ateliers volunteers on Place du Bourguet from Friday to Sunday, 9.30 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 6 pm or at the Tourist Office.

Fancy exploring artists’ studios on an electric bike? Take advantage of a special festival rate from Bachelas Bike: just €24 for a half-day rental, down from the usual €29 during Les Ateliers Ouverts.
5 Avenue de la République
Telephone +33(0)4 02 75 12 47

In 2014, a small group of artists created the Association Ateliers Forcalquier. Primarily located in the historic centre, rue Marius Debout, they decided to group their efforts, thereby creating a dynamic community and giving their work visibility. The creative arts (art, craft, music, theatre) have been integral to the Forcalquier scene for decades. Association Ateliers Forcalquier organizes the festival. Its sixty-some members work in diverse mediums – clay, glass, wood, paper, paints, textiles, photography and more.

Visitor’s Guide: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Where to Eat in Forcalquier

For lunch, dinner or a stop for an afternoon sweet, we suggest a few spots in town:

Restaurants:

L’Art Bistrot
Place Saint Michel
Overlooking the Medieval fountain on the square, this newly opened restaurant serves fresh, simple food made daily.

Avanti
Place Saint Michel
Italian food. Small and friendly.

Le Bas-Alpin
1 Rue Plauchaud
For a light and informal bite to eat with some wine. (wine bar)
Website

Le Jam
The Moroccan menu includes couscous and tagines.
2, Rue Mercière

l’Esperluette
28 Boulevard de Latourette
Below the street level, you can eat on the terrace. Vegan dishes are available.
Website

L’Innattendu
22, Boulevard Latourette

L’Atelier Margaux
5, Boulevard Latourette
Fusion, cuisine du monde, sushi, tartares, Poke bowls, Home-made desserts

For a short art break:

Boulangerie La Source
Sandwiches, quiches, breads and sweets. Outdoor eating below street level
14, Boulevard Latourette

Flazzi
Award-winning homemade ice creams and Italian pastries.
16 Boulevard Latourette

Chez Émée
Place Saint Michel
The charming proprietor, Émée, will serve you her excellent ice creams and sorbets with a smile!

Créations Gourmandes Forcalquier
28 Boulevard Latourette
Pastries by Pierre-Jean François
Outdoor terrace and takeaway
Website

Flavourful Route des Saveurs et des Senteurs

The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department is the road slightly less travelled but not undiscovered. This area is perfect for an active getaway for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and trail running. Many family-run operations produce high-quality lamb, honey, legumes (such as lentils and chickpeas), grains, and truffles. The ‘Route des Saveurs et des Senteurs de Haute-Provence’ is a renowned discovery trail that combines artisanal, small-scale food products, unblemished countryside, and Provencal villages with an alpine flair. Route des Saveurs et des Senteurs is a must-do drive for any food lover interested in the tastes of Haute-Provence and its culinary and cultural heritage.

Discover the Tastes of Haute-Provence

Saint-Tropez - Jewel of the French Riviera: Full day tour with a winery visit

Spend your day as a movie star in Saint-Tropez! The departure is set early in the morning to avoid the traffic towards the legendary town, with which a thousand stories are associated. The experience will start with a tour of this enchanting small fishing town of Saint-Tropez, which inspired numerous painters and whose beauty of the port always attracted the cinematographic world.

Book this Experience

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).