Overlooking the Duyes valley, the village of Thoard is a good example of the grouped settlements of Haute-Provence. Its 13th-century keep is remarkable.
Thoard – from the Latin turris ardua, meaning high tower – was for centuries a formidable defensive post. Atop the rocky outcrop, the medieval tower crowned by a bell tower stands next to the church, itself close to the powerful seigniorial castle, which was largely destroyed in the last century. Around these buildings, the streets are organized in a more or less concentric fashion, integrating the ups and downs of the slope, and the village seems to take the shape of an almond, with the point facing the valley. The houses are tall, tightly-packed and built of stone, with many gardens following the line of the old ramparts to the south.
With its rich cultural and community life, Thoard is a lively village, and the Vallée des Duyes retains a strong identity. Don’t miss the Brewers’ Festival, the ewe lamb fair or the Saint-Blaise festival, moments of celebration and sharing.
