In the middle of the Forcalquier area, perched on a hill in a setting of lavender and oaks, Simiane owes its name to an astonishing monument : a massive polygon shaped freestone cone, called a rotunda.
It was the dungeon of the ancient fort owned by the Simiane-Agoult family. The interior has two levels, and the refinement of the upper floor is most surprising : 12 blind arcatures whose capitals are decorated with plant motifs, and a cupola with delicate ribbing.
The streets of the village also have surprises in store for you : private mansions from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, including one owned by the family of Ponson du Terrail author of Rocambole, ancient covered halls and the 16th century Sainte Victoire church, Saint Jean bell-tower, shop stalls, terraced gardens constructed on top of ancient collapsed houses. For many years the surrounding countryside formerly traversed by the Domitian Way was fertile agricultural land, making Simiane a prosperous trading centre. Handicrafts also flourished. Up to the end of the 19th century, several glass-making workshops sold their products throughout Provence.
Nowadays, Simiane-la-Rotonde reveals all its charms when the lavender is in flower, and the festival devoted to ancient music takes place "Les riches heures musicales de la Rotonde".

04150 SIMIANE-LA-ROTONDE

Tel : 0492759140 - Fax : 0492759439 web site: www.simiane.free.fr