Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ALPES-DE-HAUTE-PROVENCE
One of the highest and wildest parts of France, and indeed Europe, Alpes-
de-Haute-Provence presents a sharp contrast to the foothills and valleys of
the Var to the south and the rolling Vaucluse to the west. Summers are hot,
winters are bitterly cold and life in these harsh mountains is hard - which is
why so much of Haute-Provence is sparsely inhabited. The Durance river
flows through the region to meet the Rhône north of Aix, and tributaries
such as the Verdon cut spectacular gorges through the limestone rock of the
mountains, adding to the breathtaking views, cool clear air and pocket wil-
dernesses of this beautiful region. The area also offers a range of sports from
white-water canoeing, to hang-gliding, to high-country walking.
1. PARC NATUREL REGIONAL DU VERDON
Along the river Verdon, this regional park is a huge patchwork of landscapes from
the neatly cultivated lavender fields of the sunlit Valensole plateau to the forested
hills and pastures of the Artuby, the awesome chasms of the
Grand Canyon du Ver-
don
and the beginnings of the Alps. There are brilliant blue lakes created where the
Verdon has been dammed. This is a paradise for hikers, with a network of 700 km
(450 miles) of paths, bridleways and ancient mule highways.
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2. CITADELLE DE SISTERON
Squatting on a steep-sided crag, high above the narrow valley of the River Durance,
the formidable defences of the Citadelle guard one of the strategic gateways to
ramparts, crowned by towers and a graceful chapel, are an awesome piece of military
engineering. In summer, they become the venue for the Nuits de la Citadelle, a festiv-
al of music, theatre and dance.
PldelaCitadelle•OpenApr-Nov:from9amdaily
(Apr & Oct: to 6pm; May: to 6:30pm; Jun & Sep: to 7pm; Jul & Aug: to 7:30pm;
Nov: to 5pm); other times by appt only (call 04 92 61 27 57) • Adm
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