Five discovery routes wind their way through the Geopark’s emblematic heritage sites and sumptuous landscapes. Each of these routes reveals geological and cultural treasures, inviting you to explore the region in an enriching and immersive way.
Routes de découverte
La Route des Galets
La Route du Temps
The Highlands Road
The Memory of Earth Route
The Mountain Route
POILROUX Florence
L’Atelier de la Place L’Atelier de la Place offers ceramic works by talented artists in Digne-les-Bains. Florence Poilroux is a passionate ceramist. Proud of her Digne roots, she draws her inspiration from the specific features and colors of this exceptional region to showcase its richness. From ammonite sculptures to “pentacrine” pendants, fossils are brought to […]
© Timothée Trichet
Gaudichart private refuge
Le Refuge privé de Gaudichart In the heart of the Haute-Bléone mountain range, Gaudichart is an eco-responsible accommodation facility located in the heart of the mountains at an altitude of 1,300 m, with only a short hiking trail for access: disconnection guaranteed! Timothée and Laura welcome you in small groups to the heart of 8 […]
© Chaussegros
Ecolodge 04
In the heart of the Haute-Provence UNESCO World Geopark, Ecolodge la Pastoulière is ideally located at the junction of Provence and the Alps, on stage 17 of La Routo. Gloria and Régis warmly welcome you to their beautifully renovated gîte. Made from carefully selected ecological materials, it will provide you with soothing comfort. Take advantage […]
© Chambres d'hôtes : Le Pin des Arches
Bed and breakfast : Le Pin des Arches
Chambres d’Hôtes – Le Pin des Arches Welcome to Le Pin des Arches, a haven of peace located in Digne-les-Bains, in the heart of the Haute-Provence UNESCO World Geopark. Valérie and Fabrice welcome you to a large house with garden and swimming pool, where you can enjoy a peaceful setting. Whether you’re a nature lover, […]
© CMR Fontaine de l'Ours
The Bear Fountain
Center de Vacances la Fontaine de l’Ours “Listen to nature, feel the music.” Situated in Auzet, in a small mountain village, La Fontaine de l’Ours is a warm and welcoming vacation center, accessible to all, where nature and music are in the spotlight. At the crossroads of the Blanche and Bès valleys, bathed in nature: […]
© Julien Defois
Reconnexion Nature bivouac and trekking guide
Reconnexion Nature Reconnexion Nature offers you an experience: walking in the mountains to reconnect with what’s essential. Immersed in the beauty of life, you can slow down, free yourself from everyday preoccupations, become present again and rediscover the simple joy of living here and now. Julien Defois is a mountain guide based in Seyne les […]
© GAEC l’Étoile du Berger
Association for the promotion of the Sarteau de Draix pear
The aim of this promotion is to enhance the value of this pear by maintaining and preserving the fruit heritage from which it originates, and by processing it into candied fruit and juice.
Provence Gourmande – Chef Frédéric Payan
Cuisine et terroir offers you the opportunity to create culinary events around our Alpes de Haute Provence terroir. Unusual meals, culinary demonstrations, events around our culinary heritage… in short, come and propose your idea and we’ll build your event together. payanfrederic.wixsite.com
Association Intercommunale de Défense de l’Environnement (AIDE)
The AIDE association organizes events to raise awareness of environmental protection among the local population, visitors and tourists.
© Office de tourisme
Atelier Bondil
Immerse yourself in the excellence and elegance of Moustiers earthenware: the Bondil workshop has been perpetuating the work of 17th-century master earthenware makers with rigor and passion for over 40 years. L’Atelier Bondil is a designer of traditional and contemporary styles, with the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label, and is a geopartner, […]
© Office de Tourisme Sisteron Buëch
Sisteron discovery trail: time trail
In the heart of Sisteron, the gateway to Provence, take a journey through religious, military and civil history! In Sisteron, a city huddled within its ramparts for centuries, days were punctuated by the sound of bells and clocks. Civil power, religious power and military power each had their own instruments for measuring time, their own […]
The Road of Time
A true journey through time and space, this discovery route of the Haute-Provence Geopark will introduce you to an astonishing territory that combines past, present and future. From the clue carved out by the Durance at Sisteron, the Route du Temps climbs to Saint-Geniez. In the heart of the Monges massif, you then cross Authon […]
Le Vallon des Eaux Chaudes
This walk, starting from the Thermes, combines built and cultural heritage, the natural environment and contemporary art. It takes you to the Saint-Pancrace chapel and its superb belvedere.
© DELAFONTAINE Jean-Luc
Gite T2 Halte Air et Go – L’hôte antique
Located in the village of Marcoux, in the heart of the Haute-Provence Unesco Geopark, the Hôte-Antique gîte shares its grounds with the Halte Air and Go gîtes. It’s ideally placed for exploring the region’s treasures, and can be booked for a few nights or a week’s stay. From the garden and pool, reserved for your […]
© wego production
Cyclo n°3 – Vallée de l’Asse
Departing from Digne-les-Bains, this tour takes you to the heart of the Asse valley and its hilly landscapes, olive groves and lavender fields, returning via the Col d’Espinouse and its magnificent panorama. This itinerary is part of the northern section of the Route des Galets of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the […]
Hannibal’s Pavilion
This work by Trevor Gould, in a hamlet in Le Vernet, refers to the possible passage of Hannibal, in 218 BC, on his way to challenge Rome… The famous Carthaginian general Hannibal might have passed through the pass overlooking the Passavous de Laou site. At least, that’s what this piece by Trevor Gould, a South […]
The philosophers’ summit
Le sommet des philosophes is part of the “traces” project by herman de vries*. It is one of the works in the Art en montagne collection developed by the Musée Gassendi and the CAIRN Centre d’art. herman de vries has been engraving a series of inscriptions at various locations in the Haute-Provence Geopark since 2001. […]
Edge-stone or medium mountains
CAIRN, a contemporary art center of national interest, invites artists to create in situ on the territory of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Thanks to CAIRN, natural sites become real objects of creation, no longer just backdrops. By working in situ, artists create in resonance with the territory, inviting visitors to walk and encounter their work. The […]
© ©UGPH
La Sirène du Bès
Invited by Joan Fontcuberta, discover Les hydropithèques, half-animal, half-human, whose skeletons were found in the 1950s on the current territory of the Haute-Provence Geopark… The works of artist Joan Fontcuberta offer a critical analysis of information and communication techniques, inviting us to question ourselves. La sirène du Bès is part of the ensemble Les hydropithèques, […]
Roche Rousse Sanctuary
hermann de vries* nature sanctuary shows the process of reclaiming abandoned ruins by nature. It is part of a global artistic approach that has been carried out in and by the region for over twenty years. Everything changes, life is change and metamorphosis, our traces are ephemeral… The Roche Rousse nature sanctuary surrounds an abandoned […]
Windows by herman de vries
Through an artistic installation on the surface of these rocks, herman de vries opens a window onto the past and the invisible, giving us access to a series of geological formations. herman de vries* first came to Digne-les-Bains in 1999 at the invitation of CAIRN center d’art. Since then, he has returned regularly, creating artworks […]
© ©Dronedescimes
Panorama du Blayeul
From the valley, in the Parc forestier du Brusquet, you can observe the Blayeul and understand part of the geological history of the area. The Blayeul mountain is the protector of the middle Bléone and stands like a mighty ridge separating the Bléone and Bès valleys. Today impassable by carriage road, the massif was once […]
Panorama du Col d’Hysope
The Col de l’Hysope (1236 m.) offers spectacular views over the Duyes valley. This panorama is the result of a major geological event linked to the formation of the Alps. You’ll be able to take in the whole Duyes valley, whose eastern edge shows the overlap of the Digne nappe on its foreland. The rocks […]
La Javie orchards
Old fruit trees stand in tortuous silhouette in the Haute-Bléone region. True sentinels of memory, they are now attracting renewed interest, both in terms of heritage and economics. Fertile farmland stretches around the confluence of the Bléone and Arigeol rivers. Long threatened by flooding, but very soon irrigated by canals, they were given over to […]
© ©UGHP
Panorama Saint-Michel
The Saint-Michel hill, between Bléone and Mardaric, is one of the interpretation sites of the Haute-Provence Geopark. It offers a panoramic view of the Bléone valley. The Bléone, which flows through the Geopark, is 67 km long, from the Estrop massif to its confluence with the Durance. Undeveloped in this area, it unfurls its beautiful […]
Le Parc forestier du Brusquet
This park is part of the history of land restoration in the mountains to combat erosion. Today, it’s a place for strolling and discovery, offering you a moment of freshness, escape and relaxation. By the middle of the 19th century, the Brusquet basin was almost entirely bare. Pubescent oaks, sumacs and boxwoods, typical of the […]
Panorama de Lagremuse
From the ruined hamlet, the exceptional view over the Bléone valley and its belt of peaks gives an insight into the geological formation of the area. The view embraces the entire Bléone valley and can be enjoyed after a pleasant walk. The view can be divided into four groups, corresponding to geological units. To the […]
Le Chêne Pierre d’Arc
The Pierre d’Arc oak is one of the remarkable trees listed by the Haute-Provence Geopark. Don’t hesitate to stop and admire it from the roadside! Tree-watching is an exercise to be practiced regularly, inviting us to enjoy the natural world around us, to learn lessons of longevity, greatness and often resilience. This tree is a […]
© ©UGPH
Panorama of Champtercier
From Champtercier, under the blue skies of Haute-Provence, observe the mountains of Digny, as the famous scientist Gassendi once did, to fill up on serenity… These lands are the cradle of the Haute-Provence Geopark, whose landscapes tell the story of 300 million years of history. From Champtercier, along the Bléone to the Pic d’Oise pyramid, […]
© ©UGHP
Le Puy panorama
The Puy hill is the highest point in the commune of Aiglun. At 900 m, it offers exceptional views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. It is one of the interpretation sites of the Haute-Provence Geopark. The hill of Le Puy takes its name from the Latin podium, meaning small eminence. The panoramic view it […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
Panorama du château
The remains of the medieval castle rise above the village. The belvedere offers a beautiful panorama and an insight into the geological history of the Durance valley. The earliest mention of the château dates back to 1068, but its existence certainly predates this. A true feudal fortress, it was almost entirely destroyed during the French […]
Pineapple oak
The pineapple oak is one of the remarkable trees listed by the Haute-Provence Geopark. Don’t hesitate to stop and admire it from the roadside! Observing trees is an exercise to be practised regularly, inviting us to enjoy the nature that surrounds us, to take lessons in longevity, greatness and often resilience from it. This oak […]
The panorama of Beynes
At an altitude of 793 m., in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, the perched village of Beynes offers an exceptional panorama of the Asse valley and tells the story of the Earth. The village rises above the Asse valley, in the heart of the Montdenier massif. Its occupation dates back to prehistoric times, and […]
Bras d’Asse lime kiln
This lime kiln is located on a road leading from the village of Bras d’Asse to the hamlet of Les Oraisonis. Its shape and size make it a remarkable piece of heritage. Until the industrial revolution, almost every village had at least one lime or plaster kiln. The commune of Bras d’Asse alone had seven. […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
The Thoard gypsum quarry
Gypsum, which is used to produce plaster, appears here and there on the hillsides of the Haute-Provence Geopark. The Siron quarry was in operation until 1940. The built heritage of Haute-Provence is inextricably linked to its geology. Gypsum has always been widely used in this region, due to the numerous gypsum outcrops nearby. Formed around […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
The rock of Sainte-Madeleine
This rock (1,100 m.) is a geological curiosity and a cultural site, with its chapel and Andy Goldsworthy’s Art Refuge. It’s also a stone clock… The Sainte-Madeleine rock represents a synthesis of the rich heritage of the Haute-Provence Geopark. It bears witness to a long and eventful geological history. Originating from the seabed and then […]
The Trente pas factory
The Trente-Pas hydroelectric power station, a witness to a bygone economic era, was in operation for over 60 years. Authorized by decree in 1938, the plant used water taken from the Bléone at its confluence with the Chanolette, then conveyed via a 4 km-long structure, including aqueducts and siphons, for a head of around 60 […]
© ©UGPH
Saint-Etienne Church
Marcoux parish church is a fine example of rural Romanesque architecture. Its campanile gives it added charm. The building dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. At the time, it belonged to the chapter of Digne Cathedral. The three-bay building, with its slightly broken barrel vault opening onto a semicircular apse, was listed in […]
The Pinées mine
Located in the clue de Verdaches, in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, this mine is a reminder that the subsoil was once exploited in the region. The clue de Verdaches was carved out by the Bès nearly 6 million years ago in Triassic (-235 MA) and Carboniferous (-300 MA) terrains, some of the oldest […]
© ©UGPH
Our Lady of Liesse
The Notre-Dame de Liesse chapel bears witness to the religious fervor of the 18th century, but also to the fear that the Asse River once inspired, with its devastating floods. The small chapel stands between the river and the road leading to the hamlet of Bellegarde d’Estoublon. Before the construction of the bridge over the […]
© ©UGPH
The Lagremuse ruins
The ruined hamlet overlooks the Bléone valley, offering panoramic views. At its foot, a century-old olive grove adds to its charm. Lagremuse’s ruins proudly stand against the relentless onslaught of time. The site still bears witness to its past defensive vocation. You can still make out parts of the walls of the old fortified castle, […]
La Chapelle Saint-Jean
The Saint-Jean chapel marks the original site of the village of Saint-Jeannet, in the Asse valley. Its fine architecture bears witness to the persistence of Romanesque art in Haute-Provence. Among the remarkable architectural features of the Haute-Provence Geopark are the many Romanesque buildings that mark the area. You’ll find large churches and numerous chapels, such […]
© ©UGHP
The ruins of Saint-Jean church
On the right bank of the Bléone, the site of Saint-Jean is a pleasant place for a stroll. The ruins of the church, built in the late 11th century, offer a timeless atmosphere. The Saint-Jean site was probably occupied as early as the Neolithic period, with a funerary function that grew stronger over the centuries. […]
© ©UGPH
La Chapelle Saint-Christol
This beautiful chapel dates back to the 11th century. Dedicated to Saint-Christophe, patron saint of travelers, it makes a pleasant stopover on the Route Napoléon between Digne-les-Bains and Malijai. Built on the ruins of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa, the chapel belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Victor in Marseille. Originally vaulted, it was badly damaged by […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
The EDF canal
The Canal de la Durance crosses the territory of the Haute-Provence Geopark and marks man’s imprint on a valley that has always been a thoroughfare between the Alps and Provence. In the Middle Ages, the Durance was the “third scourge of Provence”, after the Parlement and the Mistral! Since its development in the 1960s, the […]
© ©UGHP
The Manosque canal
Almost a hundred years old, this canal is a haven of freshness and well-being. It is indispensable to local agriculture and much appreciated by walkers and hikers. Since its commissioning, the Canal de Manosque has revolutionized agriculture in the 13 communes it crosses on the right bank of the Durance, between Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban and Corbières-en-Provence. It’s […]
Gypseries at Volonne castle
The gypseries at Château de Volonne are among the finest in Provence. They recall the presence of gypsum, used to make plaster, in the soil of Haute-Provence. The château, commissioned by Melchior de Valavoire and built in 1607, stands on the village square, flanked by two round towers. It is more akin to a bastide, […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
Les Mélèzes de Chourges
In the heart of the Prads forest in Haute-Bléone, exceptional larch trees can reach a girth of six meters. Prads-Haute-Bléone is a very large commune, and forests cover a large part of its territory. They contain several exceptional trees, including the Chourges larch. Considering that they grow on a north-facing slope, at an altitude of […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
Panorama of Lac de l’Escale
This panorama is one of the landscape interpretation sites of the Haute Provence Geopark. It provides a better understanding of the geological formation of this valley of the Middle Durance. Downstream from Château-Arnoux, the river’s almost rectilinear course is guided by the Middle Durance fault, which cuts through the earth’s crust over several kilometers. Formed […]
© ©MadrigalProd
The Barles slate quarries
At the heart of a remarkable natural environment (Natura 2000), the Barles slate quarries bear witness to a special geological situation, unique in the Haute-Provence Geopark territory. From the end of the 19th to the middle of the 20th century, local residents came here to extract “lauzes” to cover their houses. These “lauzes” replaced thatch, […]
© ©Michel.Boutin
The Fontchaude spring
This constant-temperature spring lies between the Clues de Barles and Péouré, at the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark. The Fontchaude spring owes its name to the fact that it doesn’t freeze in winter. In summer, its water pleasantly refreshes walkers. Its fairly constant temperature is due to a long, deep journey through a karstic (underground) […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
Bird footprints
When geology becomes poetry… This emblematic site of the Haute-Provence Geopark will allow you to imagine a few shorebirds strolling along the beaches… 20 million years ago! The bird footprint sites in the Bès valley represent the capture in stone of an ephemeral moment. The landscape at the time was that of a shallow marine […]
© ©UGPH
The dumpling ravine
The Boulette ravine on the slopes of Blayeul is still active, demonstrating that the history of the Earth continues to be written and read in the landscapes of the Haute-Provence Geopark. This ravine, upstream from Barles, is a favorite observation ground for geologists and surprises hikers by its sheer size. In 1973, it had major […]
© AD 04 - N. d'Ortolli Kaléo
The clue de Sisteron
A geological curiosity, the clue de Sisteron is the patient work of the Durance. It has always been one of the rare crossing points between the Alps and Provence. In Provence, the term “clue” refers to a narrow passage dug by a torrent perpendicular to a mountain range. Sisteron’s clue lies between two limestone formations […]
Le Vieil Aiglun
Overlooking the Bléone valley (830 m.), Vieil-Aiglun and its church of Sainte-Madeleine are a haven of peace, offering one of the finest panoramas in the Haute-Provence Geopark. From this old village, which has been reborn a few years ago, you can observe the relief of the Dignois Pre-Alps, from the Estrop summit to the Valensole […]
© ©UGHP
Our Lady of the Rosary
Built on a hill overlooking the village of Mézel and the Asse valley, this chapel is a pleasant place to walk around. Its old single-needle clock is clearly visible from the village. Notre-Dame du Rosaire (17th c.) is the former parish church of the original village of Mézel, of which a few fragments of the […]
© ©Elsa
Gaubert rock church
Gaubert and its church seem to be protected by the Cousson mountain, the guardian of the Dignois region. Stretched out on a sandstone ridge, the village offers superb views over Digne and the surrounding countryside. Gaubert was an independent commune until the end of the 19th century, and has a very long history. The slopes […]
© ©Michel_Boutin
Le Hameau de la Rouine
In a landscape characteristic of the Haute-Provence Geopark, the famous black earth, this small hamlet seems timeless. This small, Romanesque-style chapel has a single nave crowned by a small bell tower. It was built at the request of the parishioners of La Rouine in 1647. Restored in the 20th century by local residents, it features […]
Our Lady of Lauzière
The walk to this site, which overlooks the Bléone valley, is pleasant and offers a magnificent view of the Bléone valley and the Dignois Pre-Alps. Probably built in the 12th century, Notre-Dame de Lauzière is an excellent example of Romanesque architecture in Haute-Provence, thanks to its simple layout. Its single nave ends in a flat […]
The bell tower of Thoard
A landmark in the Duyes Valley, Thoard’s bell tower-dungeon soars into the Haute-Provence sky, testifying to its rich history. The hilltop village of Thoard is a must-see on the Route du Temps of the Haute Provence Geopark. With its recognizable bell tower-dungeon, it stands at the bottom of a valley that has preserved its identity. […]
© ©️AD 04/Martin Champon
The annalematic sundial
The Thoard analemmatic sundial is one of only forty of its kind in France. Have fun guessing the time… according to your own shadow! This type of dial consists of an ellipse drawn on the ground, on which the hours of the day are marked. The observer places himself on the small dial according to […]
© ©UGPH
The mine gallery
In some of the oldest rocks in the area, Triassic quartzites, we find a cavity that opens onto the side of the road; it’s an old galena mine gallery. Here, in the Clue de Verdaches, the Bès has carved its gorge into a geological structure known as the Dôme de Verdaches. The clear rock (quartzite) […]
© Martin Champon
Our Lady of Bethlehem Church
A must-see on the Haute-Provence Geopark discovery trail, the church of N.-D. de Bethléem, a listed historic monument, is a surprising structure. Set in unspoilt natural surroundings in the heart of the Massif des Monges, the village of Bayons is not short of attractions, including its monumental church! You’ll be amazed by its size (35 […]
© Office de Tourisme Sisteron Buëch
The Written Stone
This monumental inscription, dating from the 5th century, recounts the retreat of one of the last dignitaries of the Roman Empire, Claudius Postumus Dardanus. The Pierre-Écrite is a site with a rich heritage. It bears witness to an eventful era (collapse of the Empire, progress of Catholicism, invasions…), to the history of mankind, but also […]
Fountain of Gigors
Gigors is one of the villages of the Hautes Terres de Provence. Its fountain and plaster mill are precious reminders of life in days gone by. Between two hikes, or as a stopover on the Haute-Provence Geopark discovery route, don’t hesitate to stop off in the charming village of Gigors. The village was once a […]
© OIT Motte Turriers
Melve Tower
Dating back to the 13th century, the Tour de Melve was once part of a defensive system linking 21 castles and watchtowers in the Hautes-Terres de Provence region. It is a stopover on the Hautes-Terres route of the Haute-Provence Geopark. The tower is located at an altitude of 900 m, on a steep slope that […]
© Office de Tourisme Sisteron Buëch
Queen Jeanne Bridge
Crossing this stone bridge over the Vançon is like stepping out of time, into a remarkable natural setting. Ideal for a walk… at the end of the world! The bridge links the hamlets of Vilhosc and St-Symphorien, both in the Entrepierres commune. Once densely populated, they were severely affected by the rural exodus, and the […]
© José Huguet
Chapel and crypt of Dromon
Probably built in the 11th century, this chapel is a truly spiritual place. Nestled in an impressive natural setting, it invites humility and meditation. Clinging to the rock face, N.-D. de Dromon is exceptional for its early Romanesque crypt. The chapel was restored and enlarged in 1682; despite numerous alterations, it retains important Romanesque features. […]
© Thibaut VERGOZ
Malijai Castle
Made famous by Napoleon’s visit, the Château de Malijai is a rare and beautiful example of 18th-century seigniorial architecture in the Haute-Provence Geopark. The château has a rectangular plan with two facades, one on the village side, the other on the garden side. On either side are two round towers topped with glazed tiles. Built […]
© Jean-Luc ARMAND
The 16th-century Château de Château-Arnoux
The Château de Château-Arnoux is one of the architectural jewels of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Its listed staircase is remarkable for its statuary, unique in the south of France. Built between 1510 and 1515, the building’s massive base, latticed archways and cannonieres are still medieval. By contrast, its glazed roof, mullioned and scalloped windows and staircase […]
© Paroisse Cathédrale Digne Asse Bléone Duyes
Notre-Dame du Bourg Cathedral
With its large rose window, regular layout, single nave and four large bays, Notre-Dame du Bourg is one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in south-east France. Romanesque architecture is very much in evidence in the Haute Provence Geopark region, with a number of remarkable buildings, not least Notre-Dame du Bourg. It was built in […]
© SARL Les robines vert-bleu
Apartment T6 Le Château
Châtelains of a moment, welcome to this large and majestic gîte in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, far from the hustle and bustle of the world. Château de la Robine is a large Provencal farmhouse. This 139m² gîte is designed for conviviality and sharing (it used to be a reception hall and then a […]
© SARL Les robines vert-bleu
Apartment T3 Hypocras
In the heart of a charmingly renovated château, you’ll enjoy an environment conducive to relaxation and discovery of a region with a rich natural and cultural heritage. Nathalie and Frédéric welcome you to this Provencal-style gîte (55 m²). On the first floor, with separate entrance, it features a kitchen opening onto the dining and living […]
© Nathalie Le Royer
Holiday cottage T4 Bélà Vista – La Bastida Flora
In the small hamlet of Saint-Jurson, the Bélà Vista gîte is set in a restored 17th-century Bastide. This elegant 60 m² apartment has a terrace with a magnificent panoramic view. It comprises 2 bedrooms (one with 2 single beds and the other with 1 double bed), a convertible sofa (sleeps 2) in the living room, […]
© Franck Le Nedic
Le Jas de Volonne
Ideally located for discovering Haute-Provence, Jas de Volonne offers comfortable guest rooms in the heart of a magnificent estate. Géraldine and Franck welcome you to their Provencal home, with its 4 independent, tastefully decorated bedrooms. Passionate about motorcycling, they will be happy to advise you on the emblematic or secret circuits of their region, and […]
© DELAFONTAINE Jean-Luc
Gite T3 Halte Air et Go – Cheval Blanc
Ecological bioclimatic gîte with panoramic views and swimming pool just a few kilometers from Digne-les-Bains, in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark. This 4* gîte takes its name from the view it affords of the Cheval Blanc mountain (2323 m). It guarantees you a wellness and eco-responsible stay in a wood-frame construction made from ecological […]
© DELAFONTAINE Jean-Luc
Gite T3 Halte Air et Go – Barre des Dourbes
Bioclimatic eco-friendly gîte with panoramic views and swimming pool just a few kilometers from Digne-les-Bains, in the heart of a stunning area between the Alps and Provence. This 4* gîte takes its name from the magical view it affords of the long limestone bar that characterizes the Haute-Provence Geopark. This area, with its rich geological […]
© SARL Les robines vert-bleu
Apartment T2 Près des étoiles
Welcome to the Château de la Robine! Between earth and sky, in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, in a comfortable gîte, you’ll discover one of the purest skies in Europe. From the courtyard of the Provencal farmhouse, take the ancestral staircase to the 3rd floor. You’ll discover a luminous, comfortable 35m2 cocoon (2 pers.). […]
© SARL Les robines vert-bleu
Apartment T2 La Bergerie
Welcome to this “pastoral” gîte set in the heart of a large Provencal farmhouse, in an unspoilt valley that guarantees calm and a change of scenery. You’ll love this gîte (45 m²), tastefully converted from an old farm building with thick stone walls and remarkable beams. You’ll be immersed in a peaceful, ancestral atmosphere, with […]
© SARL Les robines vert-bleu
Apartment T3 Les Robines
Welcome to this gîte located in the former barn of the castle, for a peaceful stay in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark: ideal for recharging your batteries! This rustic country gîte faces the “robines” of the same name, the black marl hills characteristic of the area. It retains a few vestiges of the sheepfold […]
© SARL Les robines vert-bleu
Apartment T4 Le Fournil
Tribes or large families, recharge your batteries in this 10-person gîte in the heart of an exceptional natural environment! Nathalie and Frédéric welcome you to their renovated farmhouse, nestled in one of the valleys of the Haute-Provence Geopark. You’ll discover landscapes with a rich geological history (such as the Robines or Terres noires) and a […]
© SARL Les robines vert-bleu
Unusual accommodation Le Pigeonnier
Welcome to this charming gîte, where you can coo for two and then set off to discover the Haute-Provence Geopark and its astonishing landscapes. You’ll fall in love with this adorable nest (25 m²), restored in the style of Provencal pigeon houses, with its cascading roof and ceramic tiles. This little tower, standing like a […]
Gîte T3 La Bédigue La Ferme du Château
Discover this farm cottage in the heart of the Haute Provence Geopark: authenticity, change of scenery and serenity guaranteed! In the hamlet of Lambert, you’ll discover an unspoilt environment, just a stone’s throw from the Massif des Monges. The gîte is adjacent to a traditional mid-mountain farm where Alessia and Jérôme raise goats, sheep, rabbits, […]
© Lou Cèu Sin
Lou Cèu Sin
Just 8 km from Sisteron, these two B&Bs in exceptional surroundings await you, with swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna… and nature at your fingertips! In Provençal, lou ceu sin means serene sky. At the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, you’ll enjoy an exceptional natural environment: stunning landscapes, a wealth of flora and fauna, pure air and […]
© Hautes Terres de Provence
Luc Richard – Hiking in the mountains
State-qualified AMM, mountain art guide and wilderness survival specialist, Luc Richard invites you to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the astonishing Monges massif, the beating heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark. A passionate mountaineer (originally from the Queyras region), traveler, ecologist and ethnobotanist, as well as a history and literature buff (he is […]
© CHAPON Laurent
Gîte T4 La Maison blanche
In the Bléone valley, this spacious, functional detached house is ideally placed for discovering the Haute-Provence Geopark and the surrounding region. This cosy 4-star self-catering cottage, close to Digne-les-Bains, will give you easy access to the whole département. In a relaxing environment, you’ll appreciate the 67m² living space (lounge, dining room, patio, winter garden). The […]
© AdrienQuintana
Flower camping Le Clôt du Jay
Ideally located in Clamensane, in an unspoilt valley in the Haute-Provence Geopark, Le Clôt du Jay promises you an unforgettable stay and discoveries in an exceptional natural setting, with nature at your fingertips. Nadège and Éric welcome you to their six-hectare estate with spacious pitches, chalets and atypical cabins. Between mountain and river, close to […]
© Office de tourisme Sisteron Buëch
Musée Édith-Robert – Musée Terre et Temps
In the heart of Sisteron, this museum retraces the measurement of human time and the time of the earth. It is a stopover on the Haute-Provence Geopark’s Time Route. In the former 17th-century chapel of the Visitandines convent, listed as a Historic Monument, you’ll discover a variety of rare instruments and objects that help you […]
© Office de Tourisme Sisteron Buëch
Gallo-Roman Museum
In the heart of Sisteron, the Gallo-Roman Museum features exceptional exhibits and a permanent exhibition on the city’s ancient history and burial rites. Segustero was a Roman city, located at the crossroads of important routes, including the Via Domitia. This museum retraces the city’s ancient history, featuring architectural decorations, everyday objects and remarkable statuary. The […]
Sisteron Country Ecomuseum
The Pays Sisteronais Ecomuseum presents a permanent collection and a new temporary exhibition every year. Temporary exhibition 2024: “Carpentry in the 1900s and the Pont de la Baume”.
© Susy Géna-Podesta
Camping Les Prairies***
Located in a unique setting in the heart of the La Blanche valley, this campsite is ideal for lovers of space and nature. You’ll find peace, comfort and relaxation in a family atmosphere. The Vallée de la Blanche is the most alpine of the Haute-Provence Geopark valleys, offering sublime places to discover with friends or […]
© Charles SPETH
Gîte du Levant (T3) – Le Vieil Aiglun
Perched on the foothills of a hill, Le Levant is a charming self-catering cottage in the heart of a 16th-century estate, with a large private garden, views and panoramic pool. In 2003, Annick and Charles Speth (also mountain guides) fell in love with Vieil-Aiglun, an abandoned village in Haute-Provence. They decided to bring it back […]
© Charles SPETH
Gîte du Couchant (T3) – Le Vieil Aiglun
Overlooking the Bléone valley, this charming, detached gîte offers peace and quiet, with panoramic views and swimming pool. In 2003, Annick and Charles Speth (also mountain guides) fell in love with Vieil-Aiglun, an abandoned village in Haute-Provence. They decided to bring it back to life and turn it into a paradise: 3 charming gîtes in […]
© Charles SPETH
Gîte du Midi (T5) – Le Vieil Aiglun
In the heart of a restored hamlet, large, charming gîte (flexible) with panoramic views and pools, set around a sheltered courtyard. In 2003, Annick and Charles Speth (also mountain guides) fell in love with Vieil-Aiglun, an abandoned village in Haute-Provence. They decided to bring it back to life and turn it into a paradise: 3 […]
© Christine Collieux
Apartment T3 Le Galabre
Apartment T3 Le Galabre From this mountain-side gîte, you can enjoy exceptional surroundings and discover the Haute-Provence Geopark, its landscapes and its heritage. With friends or family (4 pers.), you’ll discover comfortable accommodation in the heart of a wild valley named after the torrent that flows just a few steps away. The surrounding landscapes will […]
© Camping Les Eaux Chaudes
Camping Les Eaux Chaudes
Close to the thermal baths of Digne-les-Bains and the hiking and mountain-biking trails of the Terres Noires, Les Eaux Chaudes campsite offers mobile-home rentals and delimited, landscaped and shaded pitches. Would you like to discover the Haute-Provence Geopark or enjoy a health and relaxation break in Digne-les-Bains? Camping des Eaux-Chaudes is close to the thermal […]
© Hôtel Le Saint Michel
Hotel Saint Michel
Just 4 minutes from downtown Digne-les-Bains, the Hôtel Saint-Michel is a pleasant stopover on the Route Napoléon. The Hotel Saint-Michel features 20 comfortable rooms with free wifi. The hotel is located between the train station and the shopping center, close to numerous services and shops. The pleasant Digne-les-Bains lake is just a few minutes away. […]
© Pixabay
Association Intercommunale de Défense de l’Environnement
The AIDE association organizes events to raise awareness of environmental protection among the local population, visitors and tourists alike. Initially set up in response to the gypsum quarry project in Bayons, the Association Intercommunale de Défense de l’Environnement is now positioning itself in the Hautes Terres area around the Massif des Monges both as a […]
© La Ferme du Rouveyret
La Ferme du Rouveyret
Founded in 2011 at the foot of the Siron mountain, in the Rouveyret valley (Digne-les-Bains), the farm raises free-range Aubrac cows and lambs using organic farming methods. Stéphane Estublier is an enthusiast. After studying agriculture, he joined the municipal services of Digne-les-Bains, but still had a childhood dream: to become a breeder. At the age […]
© la grande fistoire d'Annie
Annie’s great story
Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, in the UNESCO Geopark, Annie and Jean-Marc welcome you to their renovated house of character with a mountain feel. They also offer a table d’hôte with tasty and generous cuisine. House with 6 bedrooms and a dining room. There is a choice of 3 rooms with private bathrooms, and 2 […]
© ©AD04 Foehn Photographie
Brasserie de l’Aubrée
In the heart of the Vallée de la Blanche and the village of Selonnet, discover artisanal beers with character, and explore a world rich in taste, tradition and history. Here, it’s all about passion and know-how: each brew is like a unique work of art, reflecting the personality and ingenuity of the brewer. The ingredients […]
© Office de tourisme Sisteron Buëch
Pasta Durance
Handmade, tasty, organic pasta for young and old! Made in the Southern Alps! Anne Cécile makes her pasta from organic flours from Haute-Provence. She pays great attention to each stage of production, from the selection of varieties (digestibility, gluten sensitivity) to low-temperature drying, which ensures authentic taste and preserves nutritional qualities. You’ll love the “Natures” […]
© L'Auberge Montagnarde du Fanget
Auberge Montagnarde du Fanget
Traditional restaurant for lunch and dinner, depending on opening days, and also snack/bar service for snacks and takeaways. Fresh local produce, generous home cooking. Reservations required. We aim to welcome you in a friendly mountain atmosphere in keeping with our values: through our generously-served cuisine, we will offer you a maximum of local products from […]
© Le Maurier-Van Der Ham Christine
Le Maurier
Gîte Rural Le Maurier, on the ground floor of the main house, offers quiet, comfortable T2 accommodation for 4 people. Fully equipped and with its own private garden, this traditional gîte is the ideal base for exploring the wonders of the UNESCO Geopark, Lake Serre Ponçon and the landscapes and small towns and villages of […]
© OT BSP
Fort Vauban de Seyne
The Citadelle Vauban de Seyne bears witness to the valley’s history since the 17th century. It also offers superb panoramic views of the Blanche mountain range and this alpine valley. The citadel itself was built in 1693. At the time, the kingdom was threatened by neighboring Savoy, and Seyne was a border town. Louis XIV […]
© Bleu d'Argens
Bleu d’Argens – Distilling happiness
In the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, immerse yourself in a world of scents and discover a range of 100% natural products. Véronique welcomes you to a beautiful century-old building to show you her passion and her business. You’ll discover an exemplary farm and learn all about lavender, from the seed or cutting to the […]
© © autres versants
Other slopes – Mountain leader – Simon De Bergh
AUTRES VERSANTS – Mountain Leader – Simon De Bergh It’s possible to discover the “Other Slopes” of our mountains, the ones we know less about! Simon de Bergh offers guided hikes around Sisteron, between the Alps and Provence. A professional in outdoor activities, Simon organizes themed walks, hikes and bivouacs in the Sisteronais, Buëch, Lure […]
GAEC La ferme du Château
In the hamlet of Lambert (commune of La Robine), come and discover this traditional mid-mountain farm: goat and sheep breeding, dairy and cheese processing. On this territory, in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, pastoralism is intimately linked to the landscape, relief, soil and, of course, climate. Just a stone’s throw from the Massif des […]
© O.Trioux
Wild and Wooden Basketry
Located in the commune of Mison, on the road to the old village, Vannerie sauvage et bois is one of the geopartners of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Olivier Trioux works with wood in all its forms: utilitarian objects (spoons, bowls, etc.), interior and exterior decorations. He will share his passion for wood and this unique territory, […]
© KARKAM SAFRAN
Le Cabanon
In the secret and magnificent valley of the Duyes, you’ll appreciate the peace and quiet of this little house, which has been converted into a traditional Haute-Provence home. Would you like to travel eco-responsibly and enjoy a setting that’s as aesthetic as it is authentic? Le Cabanon is for you! Transformed into an eco-friendly passive […]
© GAEC l’Étoile du Berger
GAEC l’Étoile du Berger & Association pour la promotion de la Poire Sarteau de Draix
The white Sarteau pear from Draix: a heritage in its own right and a pure delight to discover, in candied fruit, fruit juices or in tarts and cakes. The tall pear trees seem to bask in the sun on the foothills of the Haute-Provence Geopark, in Draix to be exact, in the Haute-Bléone region, close […]
© Mireille Raimondez
The 28
Tapas and wine bar in the evening. Wine cellar. Original concept of a wine cellar offering wine tasting by the glass and local and international specialities in the form of tapas revisited in the evening.
© Joelle Stordeur
Le Champ des Ombelles
This flower farm is located in Ainac and offers fresh or dried flowers. The hamlet lies at the gateway to the Monges, the emblematic massif of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Flowers and dreams! If you climb up to the champ des ombelles, you’ll find an enclosure filled with a hundred varieties of flowers that grow with […]
© Lou Cèu Sin
Gîte Lou Cèu Sin
8 km from Sisteron, in the commune of Entrepierres, you’ll enjoy a space of serenity and comfort in this independent gîte, with swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna in the heart of nature. In Provençal, lou ceu sin means serene sky. You’ll enjoy an exceptional natural environment: the astonishing landscapes of the Haute-Provence Geopark, a wealth […]
Chef Frédéric Payan- Cuisine et terroir
Cuisine et terroir offers you the opportunity to create culinary events around our Alpes de Haute Provence terroir. Unusual meals, culinary demonstrations, events around our culinary heritage… in short, come and propose your idea and we’ll build your event together. payanfrederic.wixsite.com
© Louis Teyssier
Louis Teyssier hiking guide
From the Le Fanget site, Louis Teyssier offers real escapes into the heart of the natural mountain environment of the Blanche, Lac de Serre-Ponçon and Ubaye. An enthusiast from an early age, Louis Teyssier wants to share the “joy of the mountains”. Based at Le Fanget, a Nordic outdoor site, he offers 4-season hikes and […]
© La Robine des Canards
La Robine des Canards
This family-run farm raises fattened ducks under the Provence sun, and offers a range of fresh and canned products. In the heart of the robines, the characteristic black soil of the Haute-Provence Geopark, Clément started raising ducks and processing them on site. He was joined by his wife Jessica in June 2024 to create the […]
© Tis anes
Tis’ânes, Alps and Luberon Nature Stays
With Tis’Ânes, rediscover your nomadic soul and set off to discover the unspoilt territories of Haute-Provence and the Alps! Tis’Ânes offers day trips or itinerant holidays in the Vallée de la Blanche, near Lac de Serre-Ponçon, and in the Lubéron. Félix, Jonquille, O’Malley, Chocolat and a few others will make excellent travelling companions, and you’ll […]
© CCSB
Via Ferrata de la Grande Fistoire
Take to the skies on the Via Ferrata de la Grande Fistoire! Internationally renowned for its aerial route, you’ll conquer a 250-metre wall with breathtaking views… In the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, characterized by large limestone bars (-150 million years old), the Grande Fistoire offers you a unique experience. As you climb, you’ll appreciate […]
© Ferme des Sagnes
Ferme des Sagnes
Mountain sheep farm: lambs, kids. Discovery tour of the farm and its products. Sales (cut & wrapped lamb, sausages, merguez) all year round to order and at farmers’ markets in La Motte du Caire, Estoublon, Clamensane (in summer).
© Fabrice Santangelo
Dinovol Paragliding
Ready to spread your wings? Dinovol Parapente offers discovery flights and tandem paragliding baptisms with a state-certified guide-instructor. It’s time to take to the skies! Don’t wait any longer, take to the skies of the Southern Alps. In total safety, you’ll fly over the mythical Cousson, the sacred mountain of the Dignois, the Andran region […]
© OIT Motte Turriers
Adoux products
In a secret, unspoilt valley, you’ll discover a range of 100% natural products made from wild or cultivated plants: fine lavender essential oil, hydrolats, jams, syrups… Aromatic plants are harvested and cultivated throughout the valleys of the Haute-Provence Geopark, where they benefit from an ideal terroir and climate. Here, at Produits de l’Adoux, you’ll find […]
© Marine Herbomez
Les Chevaux de Roquépine horse farm
TREC, horse and pony rides and carriage rides: take the time to discover one of the emblematic valleys of the Haute-Provence Geopark, the Bès Valley. Les Chevaux de Roquépine is a horse farm affiliated with the French Equestrian Federation. The horses (Franches, Montagnes, PaintHorse, Welshes) will take you to discover a wild valley, where many […]
© L'Art en Chemin
Art en Chemin
This association of mountain guides and accommodation providers combines art and hiking in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark. United by their shared values and passion for their region, the twenty or so guides offer a different way of discovering the Haute-Provence Geopark, focusing on contemporary art and encounters with the region’s natural and cultural […]
© Charles Speth
Hiking France
Hiking France invites you to discover the landscapes and secret treasures of Haute-Provence and the Southern Alps, with hikes and excursions combining nature, geology and art. As a mountain leader, Charles Speth will guide you to the most beautiful sites in the Haute-Provence Geopark. For a few hours or a few days, you’ll discover the […]
The Earth Memory Route
The Memory of the Earth Route winds its way up the valley of the Bès to that of the Blanche. From Carboniferous rainforests to the traces of Quaternary glaciers, 300 million years of history are on display in this sumptuous landscape that has attracted renowned artists.
The starting point for the Memory of Earth Route is the Musée-Promenade, an excellent introduction to the Unesco Geopark of Haute-Provence. The ammonite slab, a true symbol of our region’s geological wealth, is the first site to welcome you. The road then winds along the increasingly wild Bès. The scenery changes at every bend, sculpted by a tormented geology. The road criss-crosses narrow, winding creek valleys, carved out of the rock by the torrent. The valley finally widens between Blayeul and Pic des Têtes. The Col de Maure gives access to the Seyne basin. After a detour through Selonnet, the road takes you back to Digne via the Col du Fanget.
The Mountain Route
La Route des Montagnes explores the Bléone basin and its tributaries upstream of Digne-les-Bains.
Departing from Digne-les-Bains, in the Eaux-Chaudes valley, it allows you to discover the Saint Pancrace massif on foot, overlooking the Thermes and Saint-Jean chapel. After Marcoux and the panoramic view from Saint-Michel over the upper Bléone basin, it climbs to the village of Draix, from where you can hike to the Refuge d’art de Bellon overlooking the Terres Noires. From La Javie, it’s on to Prads-Haute-Bléone and its hamlets nestling at the foot of l’Estrop and Cheval Blanc. Then on to Beaujeu and the Col du Labouret, where the Demontzey park showcases over a century of reforestation work. Two very different mountain environments.
La Route des Galets
The Route des Galets takes its name from the huge accumulations of material brought by rivers at the end of the Tertiary Era to what is now known as the Digne-Valensole basin.
The Route des Galets leaves Digne-les-Bains for the Asse valley. At La Bégude, the road leaves the Asse to climb to the Valensole plateau and its lavender fields. It leads to Moustiers-Ste-Marie. It winds its way through the narrow streets of the earthenware capital before climbing back up to the plateau overlooking the turquoise waters of Lac de Sainte-Croix. Above the village of Sainte-Croix-de-Verdon, admire this dazzling landscape one last time before turning your back on it in the direction of Puimoisson. The route returns to Digne les Bains via the Col d’Espinouse and Le Chaffaut. A total loop of 125 km.
La Route du Temps
The starting point for the Route du Temps is in Sisteron, in front of the Musée Terre et Temps. A visit to this museum will help you understand the gap between Earth time and human time. It’s this gap that geologists are trying to bridge.
After the clue de Sisteron, the Route du Temps winds its way between the Gache and Baume mountains, offering fine views over the Durance basin. Crossing the Chardavon gorge, the Route du Temps enters the peaceful Vançon basin. The Col de Fontebelle offers a change of valley and a shady spot for a stopover in summer. The Route du Temps then zigzags through the Duyes valley towards the perched village of Thoard. Take the time to stop and stroll up to its keep and bell tower. The route then joins the Bléone valley, passing through Champtercier, home of the philosopher Gassendi. After Malijai, return to Sisteron via either bank of the Durance.
The Highlands Road
The Route des Hautes Terres invites you to discover the Motte du Caire region on the back roads north of Sisteron.
The Route des Hautes Terres offers a wide variety of atmospheres. It follows the course of the Durance, crossing a hilly landscape on small roads before descending to the Sasse valley. Then it’s on to Cairo country and its via ferrata. The valley narrows at the Col de Sarraut. We then head north. A new pass, Les Sagnes, and the route returns to the course of the Sasse as it descends the Tourniquets d’Astoin. The wide Bayons basin comes into view, before the clue of the same name chokes the path. Finally, the Route des Hautes-Terres takes you back to Sisteron via the faubourg de la Baume. You’ll discover the imprint left by glaciers and breathtaking landscapes.
Discovery routes map
