Le Bleuet
Bookstore
Welcome to LE BLEUET, the house of books!
Le Bleuet bookstore was founded in 1990 by Joël Gattefossé. It is France’s largest independent bookstore in a rural setting. Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, birthplace of the great writer Giono, it attracts numerous visitors from France and abroad. Housed in several historic Provençal buildings in the heart of the beautiful village of Banon, it’s a particularly delightful place to discover. The extensive and diverse book collection offers something for every reader, along with quality stationery, maps, guides, and regional souvenirs.
The current owners, Isabelle and Marc Gaucherand, take great pride in welcoming visitors: you’ll find expert booksellers ready to assist, reading recommendations, a “Le Bleuet Gems” table featuring books selected by the bookstore’s readers… Additionally, numerous literary events, debates, readings, children’s storytelling, and literary or botanical walks are organized throughout the year to bring the bookstore to life. In summer, Le Bleuet offers a weekly afternoon reading session and themed late-night events featuring theater, jazz, cinema, or meditation, with the bookstore staying open until midnight.
Open 365 days a year from 10am to 7pm (8pm in summer)
rates & opening hours
le bleuet bookstore
Librairie Le Bleuet
Place Saint-Just
04150 Banon
04 92 73 25 85
Year-Round at Le Bleuet
Part of the European Union's LEADER project, this space hosts literary gatherings during the colder months, as well as exhibitions (painting, photography, sculpture, comic book panels...), screenings (films, documentaries), music, and discussions.
1 to 2 events per week from September to June.
- Literary café every Saturday at 11am featuring major authors and drawing significant crowds
- Literary walks
- Storytelling and tales for children (twice during school holidays)
- Festive events: fall literary reception (first Saturday in September), winter literary soup gathering (December), Night of Reading (January), Banon Cheese and Books Festival (May), Book Salon at the Organic Fair in Montfroc - Drôme (October)...
3 events per week in July and August: Evening events, afternoon reading sessions, book signings, Literature in Haute-Provence Festival attracting up to 300 people for encounters with major authors (Nancy Huston, Laure Adler, Marie-Hélène Lafon, Sorj Chalandon, Andrey Kurkov, Alain Damasio, Boris Cyrulnik...)
Les Correspondances de Manosque, MUCEM (Marseille), Festival Les Riches Heures de la Rotonde (Simiane-la-Rotonde), Cruis en Jazz (Cruis), Les Rencontres Musicales de Haute Provence (Forcalquier), Association des Amis Giono (Manosque), La Baleine qui dit "Vagues" (Forcalquier), Centre Astro (Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire), Le Grand Sault (Sault), Festival "Nous voulons des coquelicots" (Banon)...
témoignages
“En Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie est un trésor caché. Ce village enchanteur, avec ses ruelles pavées et sa célèbre faïence, m’a offert une expérience inoubliable. Un véritable joyau où tradition et beauté se rencontrent.”
“En Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie est un trésor caché. Ce village enchanteur, avec ses ruelles pavées et sa célèbre faïence, m’a offert une expérience inoubliable. Un véritable joyau où tradition et beauté se rencontrent.”
“En Haute-Provence, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie est un trésor caché. Ce village enchanteur, avec ses ruelles pavées et sa célèbre faïence, m’a offert une expérience inoubliable. Un véritable joyau où tradition et beauté se rencontrent.”
Haute-Provence’s Heritage
Uncover the soul of Authentic Haute-Provence through journeys that reveal its landscapes and the stories of those who have shaped this remarkable territory.
Here, time seems to pause, inviting you to wander, savor, and explore the hidden layers of a land steeped in history and tradition.
Family Adventures
in Haute-Provence
Get ready for a vacation filled with discovery and excitement for all ages!
Our vast territory offers endless possibilities. Whether your children love exploring historical sites, seeking thrilling experiences, or simply having fun, Authentic Haute-Provence promises unforgettable moments for every family.