Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIKING TO SCULPTURES: REFUGE D'ART
In the mountains around Digne, British contemporary artist Andy Goldsworthy has created incredible outdoor
sculptures along a 150km hiking circuit through awe-inspiring alpine landscapes. Called the
Refuge d'Art
, the
loop passes giant rock hives and cairns that stand like sentinels, and several resurrected ancient stone structures -
also artworks - that you can sleep inside (advance arrangements required).
Working with local municipalities and Digne's Musée Gassendi, Goldsworthy plans to keep developing the pro-
ject as long as he's alive.
Étoile Rando
(
www.etoile-rando.com
; 6-day hikes €700)
guides all-inclusive six-day
hikes in English, spending nights in restored ruins and rural
auberges
. Digne's tourist office has information on
day hikes to accessible sites, but consider making a longer journey of it.
Sights & Activities
Fondation Alexandra David-Néel
MUSEUM
( 04 92 31 32 38;
www.alexandra-david-neel.org
; 27 av Maréchal Juin;
2hr tours 10am, 2pm & 3.30pm)
Paris-born writer and philosopher Alexandra David-Néel
- among France's great historical figures - was the first woman to enter (in cognito)
Tibet's temples. Later she settled in Digne. This museum pays brilliant hommage to both
the woman and Tibet.
Journées Tibetaines
(Tibetan Days) happen in August or Septem-
ber.
MUSEUM
Musée Gassendi
( 04 92 31 45 29;
www.musee-gassendi.org
;
place des Récollets; adult/student €4/free;
11am-7pm Apr-Sep, 1.30-5.30pm Oct-Mar, closed Tue)
This museum displays com-
pelling contemporary art by Andy Goldsworthy, natural-history exhibits, and works by
16th-century philosopher-scientist Pierre Gassendi.
Via Ferrata du Rocher de Neuf Heures
(ww.ot-dignelesbains.fr; 6am-8pm high season, 8am-5pm low season)
To conquer
Digne's
via ferrata
course (
Click here
)
, gather necessary equipment (€12) from the tour-
ist office (
Click here
)
, which also has camping info.
HIKING
