Manosque (Provençal Occitan: Manòsca in classical norm or Manosco in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the préfecture (capital) of the department, which resides in the smaller town of Digne-les-Bains. Manosque is located at the far eastern end of the Luberon near the Durance river.
Manosque has existed since before 966 when it is first mentioned historically. Commerce thrived in the town in the 13th century leading the population to increase to 10,000 inhabitants. It was at this time that the city walls were constructed. The walls have been completely destroyed apart from a few remaining gates. The population suffered greatly starting in the 18th century due to plagues in 1720 and 1834. Between 1950 and 1970 the town saw a huge increase in population along with other areas south of the Luberon. A threefold increase in inhabitants occurred.
Economy
Olivier Baussan, founder of L’Occitane and Oliviers & Co.
Science
Félix Esclangon (1905-1956), physicist, born and buried in Manosque
Medicine
Pierre Gérard Vassal (1769-1840) doctor and surgeon born in Manosque
Writers
Marc-Antoine Laugier (1711-1769) born in Manosque, Jesuit writer and music critic considered the father of naturalism
Élémir Bourges (1852-1925) born in Manosque, novelist and journalist
Jean Giono (1895-1970) born and died in Manosque, buried in the communal cemetery
Pierre Magnan (1922-2012) born in Manosque, passionate writer of Provence
René Frégni born in Marseille, lived in Manosque
Sonia Chiambretto writer, lived in Manosque, worked with others of the archives of the Papon case
Politicians
François Joseph de Pochet (1729-1794), born in Manosque, deputy to the États généraux de 1789, representing the sénéchaussée of Aix-en-Provence
Henri Maurel (1867-1935), born in Manosque, deputy for Bouches-du-Rhône in 1919
Pierre Augier (1910-1963), deputy for Vaucluse, and mayor of Pertuis, born in Manosque
Actors
Christian Barbier (1924-2009) spent the last years of his life in Manosque and died there
Hafsia Herzi born in Manosque in 1987
Grégory Basso born in Manosque in 1974, French actor and singer, participant in TV reality shows
Musicians
The composer Adolphe Blanc born in Manosque on 24 June 1828.
The English painter Ralph Rumney spent the last years of his life in Manosque.
The jazz musician Olivier Gatto born in Manosque en 1963
The French rock group Café Bertrand
The bass-baritone Vincent le Texier.
Sports
The athlete Salvatore Alario, junior French high jump champion in 1970s
The motocross driver Jean-Michel Bayle born in Manosque in 1969
The swimmer Esther Baron was a member of the EP Manosque club
The amateur French cycling champion 1971 Richard Podesta
The international athlete Gloria Garrido born in Manosque en 1951
The professional racing cyclist Julien El Farès, born in Manosque en 1985.
The racing cyclist Édouard Fachleitner (1921-2008), nicknamed "le berger de Manosque" (the shepherd of Manosque), 2nd in the Tour de France 1947
The middle distance runner (800) Florent Lacasse
The flyweight boxer Karim Guerfi, junior world champion, champion of France, champion of Europe (2013)
Manosque is twinned with:
Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany
Voghera, Italy
