Forcalquier is a town of 5,121 inhabitants (2019) located between 1,302 and 2,965 ft (397 and 904 m) above sea level in the western part of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Renowned for the purity of its sky and air, it covers an area of 10,566 acres (4,276 ha) south of the Lure ranges, west of the Durance fault and the Valensole plateau, and north of the Luberon massif. The city itself extends at an average altitude of 2,135 ft (651 m). Its toponym results from the association of the terms forn (oven) and calquièr (limestone), corresponding etymologically to lime kiln.