Bcharre is a mountain town perched above the eastern end of the Qadisha Gorge, about 65 km northeast of Beirut. With its red-tiled roofs, olive groves and mountain backdrop, it has the feel of a Mediterranean hill village.
The town is best known as the birthplace of Khalil Gibran, Lebanon's most famous author, whose book The Prophet is one of the best-selling books of all time. The Gibran Museum, housed in a former monastery carved into the rock, displays his paintings, manuscripts and personal effects, and his tomb is in a grotto at the back.
Bcharre is also the main gateway to the Cedars of God, the ancient cedar grove on Mount Makmal about 8 km to the east. In winter, the nearby Cedars Ski Resort attracts Lebanese skiers. In summer, the town is a base for hiking in the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of dramatic gorges and cliff-side monasteries that stretches 50 km below.
The town is popular as a cool summer retreat and a winter ski base, but can feel quiet in the off-season. Note that the road leading east from Bcharre over the mountains into the Bekaa Valley (and to Baalbek) is only open during summer months.