Museums & Cultural sites

The Geopark is rich in cultural, historical and artistic heritage. Step back in time and listen to the stories told by our passionate geopartners, who will be delighted to share their knowledge of the area’s heritage. Ecomuseums, Crypt, Maison du Mulet, Citadelle… and many other sites await you.

MadrigalProd

LA CITADELLE VAUBAN SEYNE

The Citadelle Vauban de Seyne bears witness to the history of the valley since the 17th century. It also offers superb panoramic views of the Blanche mountain range and the Alpine valley. The citadel itself was built in 1693. At the time, the kingdom was threatened by neighboring Savoie, and Seyne was a border town. Louis XIV sent Niquet and then Vauban to the site. Niquet had a large base wall built around the large tower and a drawbridge. Vauban then assessed the threat and the terrain, and launched the construction of the fort. You'll discover all this history on site, with real cannons, the impressive cistern and its stalactites, the old bread oven, films and exhibitions. You'll also find the work "Le donjon de l'ours qui dort" by American artist Mark Dion and a temporary exhibition on writer Jean Proal (free admission). La Citadelle is open all year round for group and private visits. The Fort et Patrimoine du Pays de Seyne association also offers guided tours.

MadrigalProd

LA CRYPTE- Crypte Archéologique Notre Dame du Bourg

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CRYPT

The result of three excavation campaigns, the Crypte archéologique de Notre-Dame du Bourg reveals traces of construction on the exact site of the origins of the town of Digne, covering an area of 870 m². Detailed description In 1980, at a time when extensive work was being carried out to save and consolidate the Notre-Dame du Bourg cathedral, the first campaign of archaeological excavations (1987-1988) was carried out inside the building to support the restoration needs of the religious edifice. The first discoveries revealed, among other things, the presence of a large-scale place of worship with traces of its liturgical facilities, whose use lasted from the 5th to the 11th century. These very promising results will inevitably lead to the extension of research into two other areas, outside the site. The first small Christian church, dating from the end of the 4th century to the beginning of the 5th century, and ancient walls from the 1st to the 3rd centuries, will attest to an ancient settlement in the Bourg district. What is spectacular here is that the traces of construction span almost fifteen centuries, and that the steep rise in the ground over time, sometimes up to six metres high, has enabled the remains to be remarkably well preserved. The creation of this museum was only made possible by the launch of an ambitious plan to conserve and showcase the ancient heritage of the Provence-Alpes Côte d'Azur region. The scale and interest of the archaeological discoveries motivated the partners to develop the crypt and make it accessible to the public. Length of visit: 1h30, with 23 explanatory panels. Audio guide in French and English. A "DignArkeo" application available on tablet or free download, which can be transported on a smartphone in French, Italian or English versions. Crypt staff can also respond to requests for free guided tours of the cathedral for groups, by prior arrangement.

Crypte Archéologique Notre Dame du Bourg

THE MOUSTIERS EARTHENWARE MUSEUM

The earthenware produced in Moustiers had the reputation of being "the finest in the kingdom" at the time of Louis XIV. The museum showcases 5 centuries of masterpieces through an exceptional collection. Detailed description In an atmosphere conducive to pleasure, education and knowledge, more than 300 extremely rare pieces of remarkable quality are on display. Moustiers' earthenware production is as vibrant as ever, and contemporary pieces are also on display. The museum can be visited on your own or with a guide. Guided tours for groups and individuals

Adrien Noat

THE GASSENDI MUSEUM

The Musée Gassendi presents encyclopedic collections in the fields of art, local history and the physical and natural sciences. Detailed description Opened in 1906, the Musée Gassendi is a permanent, evolving exhibition space. It is part of the Ambulo museum cluster in Digne-les-Bains. Visitors discover a dialogue between collections of natural sciences, ancient art and contemporary art, along a pathway designed to resemble a mountain trail - the building's steep incline is alleviated by an elevator and a series of staircases. The visit to the museum continues outdoors with the Mountain Art Collection, which can be discovered on foot. Visitors become hikers, immersing themselves in the wild landscapes of the UNESCO Geopark to encounter works created in nature and abandoned villages, by contemporary artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, herman de vries, Mark Dion, Paul-Armand Gette, Trevor Gould, Stéphane Bérard, etc... These "place-works" offer a real experience, for a stopover or an overnight stay (reservation required www.refugedart.fr).

Musée_Gassendi

GALLO-ROMAN MUSEUM

In the heart of Sisteron, the Gallo-Roman Museum presents exceptional exhibits and a permanent exhibition on the town's funeral rites and ancient history. Segustero was a Roman city, situated at the crossroads of important routes, including the Via Domitia. This museum retraces the city's ancient history, offering a tour of architectural decors, everyday objects and remarkable statuary. The museum's "Musée de France" collections include a collection from a mausoleum built by a wealthy family in the Early Empire, and a large number of items excavated from the Bevons mausoleum. The contemporary, interactive and evolving display will ensure that your visit is as enjoyable as it is instructive. The museum is housed in the d'Ornano building, which also hosts temporary exhibitions. You can continue your visit by discovering Sisteron (time trail, cathedral, citadel). The town is also the starting point for the Route du Temps, which crosses the Haute-Provence Geopark.

MadrigalProd

MUSÉE TERRE ET TEMPS

Located in the heart of Sisteron, this museum traces the evolution of human time and earth time. 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 Monument Historique, you'll discover various instruments and rare objects that help you understand the workings of time and the mechanisms of the earth: Foucault pendulums, clepsydras, sundials, mysterious instruments and rare objects. You can continue your visit with the Earth and Time tour in the heart of the city, taking visitors from religious time (the chapel and cathedral) to military time (the Citadel) and civil time (the public clock). As for the Route du temps, it will take you through the Haute-Provence Geopark territory on the same theme, discovering astonishing landscapes. The museum hosts summer exhibitions.

MadrigalProd