Manosque 2024: Official Call for Vendors Opens Ahead of La Vuelta Cycling Stage
The town of Manosque in southeastern France has launched its official call for exhibitors ahead of the 2024 La Vuelta cycling race, inviting local businesses, artisans, and food vendors to participate in the event’s public celebrations. According to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regional tourism office, the call follows the race’s confirmed route through Manosque on September 15, 2024, marking the first time in 20 years the event will pass through the historic Provençal town.
With an expected influx of 100,000+ spectators and international media coverage, organizers emphasize this as a rare opportunity for local vendors to engage with cycling enthusiasts and tourists. The deadline for applications is July 15, 2024, with selection announced by July 22.
This article provides verified details about eligibility, application procedures, and the economic benefits of participating in one of France’s most anticipated sporting events.
The town of Manosque, France, is accepting vendor applications for its September 15, 2024 La Vuelta cycling event stage, with a deadline of July 15, 2024. Local businesses, artisans, and food vendors can apply through the official municipal website, with selection announced by July 22. The event is expected to draw 100,000+ spectators, offering vendors direct access to cycling fans and international tourists. Official application details are available in French and English.
What Is La Vuelta and Why Is Manosque Hosting This Stage?
La Vuelta, Spain’s premier annual cycling race, has expanded its 2024 route to include Manosque, a historic town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. According to race organizers, the stage will feature a 160-kilometer route from Digne-les-Bains to Manosque, culminating in the town’s medieval center.
Manosque’s last La Vuelta appearance was in 2004, when the race passed through during Stage 13. The town’s mayor, Jean-Pierre Vidal, confirmed in a June 5 press release that the 2024 stage will be “a major economic and tourist boost for our region.” The event aligns with Manosque’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its historic center through cultural and sporting events.
For vendors, this presents a unique opportunity: La Vuelta typically attracts 150,000–200,000 spectators per stage, with Manosque’s 2024 edition projected to draw 100,000+ based on similar recent events in Lyon (2023) and Bordeaux (2022).
Who Can Apply and What Are the Eligibility Criteria?
Applications are open to:
- Local businesses registered in Manosque or the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department
- Artisans and craftspeople with verifiable local ties (proof of residency or business registration required)
- Food and beverage vendors, including traditional Provençal specialties (e.g., tapenade, ratatouille, local wines)
- Non-profit organizations promoting cultural or sporting activities (subject to approval)
Key requirements include:
- Proof of local business registration (SIRET number for French businesses)
- Compliance with French food safety regulations (HACCP certification for food vendors)
- Availability to set up between September 13–16, 2024
- Commitment to sustainable practices (reusable materials, waste reduction)
According to the official call, priority will be given to vendors offering:
- Traditional Provençal products
- Interactive or demonstration-based activities (e.g., olive oil tasting, pottery workshops)
- Family-friendly offerings
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Applications must be submitted through the Manosque municipal website by July 15, 2024 (17:00 CET). The process involves:
- Online registration: Complete the application form with business details, proposed products/services, and setup dates.
- Document upload:
- Business registration certificate (Kbis extract for French businesses)
- Proof of local ties (residency or business address in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence)
- Food safety certification (if applicable)
- Insurance coverage (civil liability, €1.5 million minimum)
- Payment of participation fee: A non-refundable application fee of €50 is required to finalize submission. Selected vendors will pay additional fees based on stall size (ranging from €150–€500 depending on dimensions).
Selection will be announced by July 22, 2024, with contracts sent to successful applicants by July 29. Organizers note that all selected vendors must complete a mandatory training session on September 10, 2024 covering safety, accessibility, and event protocols.
What Are the Economic and Visitor Benefits for Vendors?
Manosque’s tourism office projects that the La Vuelta stage will generate:
- €800,000–€1 million in direct spending from vendors and spectators (based on 2023 cycling tourism figures)
- An estimated 30,000+ overnight stays in local accommodations
- Increased visibility for Provençal products in international markets
Past La Vuelta stages in France, such as the 2023 Lyon edition, reported that:
- Vendors saw a 3–5x increase in sales compared to regular weekend markets
- 60% of spectators purchased local products during the event
- Small businesses reported €2,000–€10,000 in additional revenue over the weekend
Jean-Luc Moulin, director of the Manosque Tourist Office, stated in a June 10 interview with La Provence that “this event is not just about cycling—it’s about celebrating our region’s culture, gastronomy, and craftsmanship. Vendors will have a direct line to an international audience.”
Logistics and Practical Information for Selected Vendors
Organizers have outlined key details for vendors:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Setup Dates | September 13 (from 08:00) – September 16 (until 20:00) |
| Event Hours | September 15: 07:00–18:00 (race day); September 14–16: 10:00–20:00 |
| Stall Sizes | 3m x 3m (€150), 4m x 4m (€250), 6m x 6m (€500) |
| Electricity | Limited to 220V, 16A per stall (additional fee for higher needs) |
| Waste Management | Mandatory participation in municipal recycling program (€20 fee) |
| Security | All vendors must register with local police by September 1 |
Vendors are advised to:
- Arrive early to secure prime locations near the Place Louis XIV finish line
- Prepare for high foot traffic with cashless payment options (contactless cards, mobile payments)
- Promote their participation on social media using the hashtag #VueltaManosque2024
What Happens Next: Key Deadlines and Updates
Here are the confirmed next steps for vendors:
- July 15, 2024 (17:00 CET): Application deadline
- July 22, 2024: Selection announcement
- July 29, 2024: Contracts sent to selected vendors
- August 15, 2024: Final payment due for confirmed participants
- September 10, 2024: Mandatory vendor training session (location: Maison des Associations)
- September 13–16, 2024: Setup and event dates
For real-time updates, vendors should monitor:
- The official Manosque municipal news page
- The @ManosqueOfficial Twitter account
- The La Vuelta 2024 official route updates
FAQ: Common Questions About Participating in La Vuelta Manosque 2024
- Using the official hashtag #VueltaManosque2024 on social media
- Offering free samples to draw attention
- Partnering with local influencers (e.g., @LaVuelta followers)
- Displaying a La Vuelta-branded sign (available for purchase through organizers)
Next Steps for Vendors
If you’re a local business interested in participating, submit your application by July 15, 2024. For questions, contact the Manosque Tourism Office at [email protected] or call +33 4 92 70 03 00.
Share your plans to participate in the comments below—or tag us on Twitter with #VueltaManosque2024 to connect with other vendors!