Prieuré de Châteauneuf (Mane)

Prieuré de Châteauneuf is a small, secluded priory in the commune of Mane, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of southeastern France, a few kilometres southwest of Forcalquier. Tucked into the hillside and wrapped in a carefully tended garden, it still carries the quiet, contemplative atmosphere it has held since the Middle Ages.

Where does the name come from, and how old is the site?

The name "Châteauneuf" ("new castle") hints that the spot once served a watch or defensive purpose before a religious house was built there. By the 12th century a rural priory had been established on the site, placed under the authority of the abbey of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, with a small community overseeing the chapel and the land attached to it.

What is the priory's connection to the Knights Templar?

One of the more unusual chapters in the site's history is its link to the Templars. Local tradition holds that in 1306 the property passed into Templar hands through a donation made by a woman named Adalasie, who owned the land at the time. Traces of that period are still visible today: the chapel walls bear painted crosses and geometric patterns attributed to the Templar presence. The priory did not escape hardship, however — it was damaged during raids led by Raimond de Turenne in his war against the County of Provence.

What survives at Châteauneuf today?

Much of what visitors see now dates from a 16th-century rebuilding, when the hermitage took a form close to what stands today. Building phases from several periods overlap on the site — the 12th, 13th, 16th and 19th centuries are all represented, evidence of centuries of continuous use. The priory complex has been listed as a monument historique (protected historical monument) in France since 1981.

Is the priory still used for religious life?

Yes. Since 1973 the site has been inhabited once again, this time by a hermit nun who cares for the chapel and maintains a life of prayer there. Her presence keeps the buildings well maintained, and the surrounding garden is considered one of the more charming corners of this part of Provence. The chapel remains open to visitors looking for a quiet moment away from busier tourist routes.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Prieuré de Châteauneuf located? In the commune of Mane, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, southwest of the town of Forcalquier.

Is this the same priory as Prieuré de Salagon? No. It is a separate site — Notre-Dame de Salagon lies about 2 kilometres away and has a different history and purpose (today it houses an ethnological museum).

Can visitors go inside? The chapel is open to visitors and is looked after by the hermit nun who lives on site.

What is the Templar connection? According to local tradition, the site came under Templar control in 1306; painted crosses and geometric motifs attributed to that era survive on the chapel walls.

Is the priory a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a monument historique since 1981.