Outdoor activities

The Geopark’s territory boasts exceptional landscapes in terms of their beauty and diversity. Our geopartners will help you discover these treasures through “nature” activities that will delight young and old alike. On foot, by bike, on horseback, paragliding… you’ll discover the region’s geological, artistic and cultural heritage, as well as its incredible biodiversity. Our geopartners will be delighted to guide you through these magnificent places.

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LUC RICHARD
HIKING ART MOUNTAIN

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 the author of several essays and travelogues), Luc has hiked extensively around the world on his own. This experienced guide, certified by the Gassendi Museum, guarantees unexpected insights and unforgettable moments. Every year, he organizes several self-guided treks (here and elsewhere) and itinerant hikes focusing on contemporary art (Andy Goldsworthy's Refuges d'art) and the extraordinary geology of the massif. Luc will provide you with the keys to understanding the works in the mountain art collection and deciphering the treasures of the Geopark and Geological Nature Reserve. He also knows how to cook three-star bivouac meals, but that's a secret!...

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TIS'ÂNES

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 quickly become attached to them. Through their contact, you'll discover another kind of travel, one where you take your time. Following in the footsteps of the peddlers and shepherds of yesteryear, free of your bags, you'll make your way through the countryside, between peaks and valleys, following the drailles, the transhumance paths that are being rediscovered today. You'll have some surprising encounters with animals - marmots in Le Vernet! - and discover the exceptional landscapes of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Tours and accommodation options are tailored to your needs.

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Via Ferrata de la Falaise de Meichira-LeNaturographe

MECHIRA CLIFF VIA FERRATA

Just 30 minutes from Digne les Bains, the Via Ferrata de Prads-Haute-Bléone is the most alpine of the Haute-Provence Geopark's via ferrata. Sensations guaranteed! Starting at an altitude of 1000 m. and with a 300 m. vertical drop, this via ferrata will take you to new heights! The route (length 600 m., duration approx. 3 hours) is classified as fairly difficult, with a Difficult variant (escape route possible halfway up); it faces south-west. You'll come across some of the oldest thurifer junipers, emblematic shrubs of the region and its limestone cliffs, and a number of animals that have made this rocky environment their home or fly over the area. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with a sumptuous panorama overlooking the massif and the summit of Estrop, the tutelary mountain of the Geopark of Haute Provence. On the way back, you'll cross the forest overlooking the village of Prads. Specific equipment is essential. Professional supervision recommended.

LeNaturographe

VIA FERRATA DE LA GRANDE FISTOIRE

Take to the skies with the Via Ferrata de la Grande Fistoire! Renowned for its aerial route, it will take you to 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 will offer you unparalleled sensations. As you climb, you'll appreciate the beauty of the landscapes: varied relief, views of the Pre-Alps, the imprint of human activity (villages, arboriculture...). You'll also get a glimpse of the biodiversity of the rocky environments and, if you keep your eyes open, maybe even a few of the emblematic species of the French Alps! This adventure is carried out in complete safety, using suitable equipment and accompanied by a qualified guide. The itinerary is rated from difficult to very difficult, and takes from 2 to 4 hours to complete (with the possibility of escapes): 60 m. footbridge, the bombu (slope), the recumbent slab, 3 zip lines and, for the most adventurous, the Nepalese bridge and its great wall! Open daily, booking essential.

CCSB

VIA FERRATA DU ROCHER DE NEUF HEURES

Conquer a 150-million-year-old cliff! The nine-hour via ferrata du Rocher promises unforgettable sensations and memories. Its fun and varied route faces south-east and offers several itineraries. It is classified as fairly difficult to difficult (750 m, duration 50 min to 4 h) and is reached after an approach walk (45 min) from downtown Digne-les-Bains. You'll enjoy breathtaking views over the town and the Bléone valley. You'll also catch a glimpse of some of the iconic landscapes of the Haute-Provence Geopark, including the Pic de Couard and the Barre des Dourbes, a long limestone bar 19 km long. The via ferrata is perfectly integrated into its environment, and information panels help you to discover the animals of rocky environments and their habitat (birds, bats). Remember that it is essential to have specific equipment (hire from the Digne-les-Bains Tourist Office, free access if you have your own equipment). Professional supervision recommended.

Office de Tourisme Provence Alpes Digne-les-Bains

MANDALA VOYAGES

Based in Prads-Haute-Bléone, Mandala Voyages takes you on a voyage of discovery of the natural and cultural riches of the Haute-Provence Geopark, in a spirit of zen and adventure. A veteran of Himalayan trekking, Yvan Théaudin has been a mountain guide for over twenty years, and has always held strong human values. "RESPECT is our starting point: for hikers and travellers, for the men and women who live in the area, for nature and the environment...". He created Mandala Voyages to awaken emotions, spark human contact and bring about change, so that "everyone can come home different". Mandala voyages will take you on a journey in the footsteps of Alexandra David-Neel, offering you unforgettable, sensitive experiences. We offer yoga-randos, weekly hikes for all levels, and stays to discover this astonishing region (Haute-Bléone, Refuges d'art, Trois évêchés, grand tour du Verdon, Vallée de la Blanche and many more...). Some hikes are accompanied by donkeys.

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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 heritage. Each guide has his or her own particular sensibility, and the formula "For each type of hiker, his or her own guide" is a winner every time! You'll have a choice of approaches (yoga, geology, literature, creation, sophrology, biodiversity...) and accommodation options. All mountain professionals have been trained in the theme of art in the wilderness, and will lead you through the Art en montagne collection (Ambulo, Centre d'art contemporain d'intérêt national) to discover works by Andy Goldsworthy (Refuges d'art), herman de vries, Johan Fontcuberta, Paul-Armand Guette...

Charles Speth

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 slow down, free yourself from everyday concerns, become present again and rediscover the simple joy of living in the here and now. Julien Defois is a mountain guide based in Seyne les Alpes. He will guide you through the most beautiful landscapes of the Haute-Provence Geopark. For a few hours or a weekend, you'll get to know the wildlife that inhabits this area, following in the wolf's footsteps. During our itinerant stays in refuge or bivouac, you'll be able to admire the beauty of sunsets and sunrises, as well as that of the stars. Julien will be delighted to share his passions with you."

Julien Defois