Alpes de Haute Provence Holiday Guide
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A department offering coastal towns and mountain resorts
The Alpes de Haute Provence is the department that really marries together the sunny heat of coastal and western Provence, with the green meadows and snowy mountains of the Alps. The areas of the Alpes de Haute Provence that lie near to the Var are text book Provencal, but the scenery changes vastly as you journey north in the department.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Alpes de Haute Provence
1. Mountain sports
The department has some very good mountain resorts where you can ski, snowboard, climb, toboggan and take part in other seasonally appropriate mountain activities.
2. Verdon Gorge
The Verdon Gorge (or Verdon Canyon), one of the most impressive and beautiful natural canyons in the world, is found lying in the Alpes de Haute Provence department as well as the Var. This incredibly dramatic canyon is not only an awe-inspiring sight with its massive depth and brilliant turquoise waters, but also a great place for activities such as canoeing, canyoning, rock climbing and rafting.
3. Relax with spa treatments
The department is notable for its great spa resorts, so make the most of this wonderful natural resource and take the waters or treat yourself to a spa treatment or relaxing holiday in towns like Digne les Bains.
4. Enjoy all things lavender
In the southerly and westerly parts of the Alpes de Haute Provence you can find acres upon acres of gorgeous lavender fields. The lavender farms often open to visitors and offer guided tours of the farms, the perfume distilleries and farm shops, which sell lavender based products. Several towns also hold lavender festivals, with the 5-day festival in Digne les Bains (early August) being quite spectacular!
5. Entrevaux's steam train
You can take a ride on a real old steam train in Entrevaux. It's an experience not to miss, and one that the kids will love, but you need to check with the tourist office for times when this is available, as it is only possible on certain Sundays in the summer season. The line runs from Nice to Digne.
Top 5 towns and cities in the Alpes de Haute Provence
1. Digne les Bains
The departmental capital, or prefecture, is Digne les Bains, a lovely old spa town. The town is a very popular tourist attraction, as not only does it have a delightful old centre with cafés, restaurants, bars and shops, but also the spa baths with their natural hot springs and medicinal qualities. Digne is set in beautiful countryside, surrounded by fields of lavender and the Lavender Festival, held at the beginning of August each year, is really worth attending for a full five days of fun, fireworks and feasting.
2. Sisteron
Sisteron is a lovely town to visit or to use as a base for a holiday in the Alpes de Haute Provence. There are quite a few historic sights to enjoy, with mediaeval battlements and a Provencal Romanesque cathedral heading the list. The town is well equipped for holidaymakers, offering all the usual comforts and facilities.
3. Valensole
Valensole (the name means Valley of the Sun) is a village rather than a town, but is typical of its area, authentic and picturesque. It is also one of the most important lavender producing centres in Provence, and the scent of lavender is always in the air, adding to the charm. There are quite a few historic features to discover, including old fortifications, wash houses and houses. A visit to the Bee Museum is an interesting diversion!
4. Forqualcier
Forqualcier is another delightful village, packed with charm and fascinating architecture. Among the most important sights are the cathedral and a convent, but everywhere you look there are smaller but lovely features, with traditional wrought iron balconies to the houses, ancient doorways, old winding streets and plenty of history to find. The market, held every Monday morning, offers the experience of a very French and typically Provencal way of shopping.
5. Moustiers Sainte Marie
Moustiers Sainte Marie is a perfect place to stay when visiting the fabulous Verdon Gorge. It's a picture book pretty town, set beside one of France's most wonderful natural sites, and is also the most important French centre for the production of earthenware tiles. You can visit the many tile workshops in the town to learn more about this old craft, and also enjoy the stunning setting, the boating lake and superb walking trails that surround the town.
Food and drink in the Alpes de Haute Provence
Food and drink in this department is more than just food and drink. It is akin to a religious experience, with the sun-blessed fruits and vegetables, olives and olive oils so common to Provence, marrying with the Alpine delights of the mountains. Specialities include ratatouille, Pistou (basil) sauce, lamb stew, cheeses from cows, goats and sheep, cured meats and sausages, honey, wines and the aniseed flavoured aperitif, Pastis.
How to get to the Alpes de Haute Provence
You can fly into Nice, Marseille or Grenoble. British Airways, Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Flybe and Bmi Baby are among the airlines that currently have direct flights between some or all of these airports and the UK. Meanwhile, SNCF trains run into the department and link to TGV stops at Avignon, Nice and Marseille.
