Thoard: Architectural History and Festival Traditions

Thoard stands on a rocky spur; its 12th-century bell tower dominates the village. The houses of this medieval, fortified settlement cluster around the former castle site. For a history-focused stay, the layout of the village offers several points of interest: the old town centre, the tower and the religious buildings.

Donjon-Bell Tower, Church and Chapels

The medieval donjon-bell tower is a massive, square tower. It stands 17 metres high, with walls 1.80 metres thick. Its architectural features point to Romanesque buildings in Provence and the Alps dating from the late 12th century. Its dimensions make its compact design tangible and give the tower a distinctive role in the village landscape.

The church of Notre-Dame de Bethléem overlooks the old town centre of Thoard and is listed as a historic monument. The Chapelle Saint-Joseph de la Pérusse dates from the 17th century and has an adjoining hermitage. The buildings offer different historical points of interest: the donjon-bell tower stands out for its form and dimensions, Notre-Dame de Bethléem for its position above the town centre, and Saint-Joseph for its connection with the hermitage.

Walk to the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine

The Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine overlooks the village on its rocky spur and can be reached from Thoard in an hour on foot. This walking time gives you a practical point of reference for planning; check route conditions locally. The Sentier du gypse et de Sainte-Madeleine begins 1.5 kilometres beyond the village. If you plan to take this trail, also bear in mind that route conditions and markings may change.

Festival Traditions and Market Activity

The Fête de la Saint-Blaise in Thoard takes place over four days in February and ends on Tuesday with an aioli meal. The festivities include a mock funeral procession through the village: a resident lies under a blanket on a cart and is paraded around. The aioli meal brings the event to a close, while the procession is one of the festival’s more eccentric scenes. If you would like to experience the festivities, check the event dates before travelling.

At the Foire aux agnelles et aux béliers, visitors can discover the department’s sheep farming, which the breeders call “la Préalpes du Sud”. The agricultural fair also includes a large Provençal market. Alongside the area’s architectural history, agricultural market activity is another aspect of local life.

When looking for a hotel in Thoard, consider what matters most to you: the old town centre and its architectural history, the one-hour walk to the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine, or one of the festivals described here. If you are planning a trip around the Fête de la Saint-Blaise, check the exact dates before booking.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts, Puimoisson, Montfuron, Lardiers, Le Vernet, Curbans, Saumane, Sainte-Croix-De-Verdon.

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.