The 14 things to do in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

A stop in one of France's most planned department? Discover the must-see in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

It is in the heart of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur that is located in the middle of nature. Enjoying a very advantageous context, there is a pure and sunny air in the year. Visiting the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a real delight.

Here you can admire and visit exceptional villages, green nature, mountains and lakes. This department in the south of France enjoys exceptional sunshine all year round. Moreover, Gap is the highest prefecture in France, but also that where there is the strongest sunlight.

In this department, the marriage of the Alps and Provence gives it lavender scents and a color spectrum definitely placed in the green/blue. Whether in the summer or winter season, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a place that is unanimous.

Discover these lands with our must-see and do in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

1. Digne-les-Bains

The prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is also a spa town. Indeed, the hot water sources of the Digne-les-Bains valley are a curiosity that we visit all year round.

The place is perfect to go hiking in nature, make via ferrata or climbing in the open air.

2. Mercantour Park

Would you like to know what this makes a land without human presences? If so, welcome to this natural park of nearly 69,000 hectares. Here nature is queen and Man follows the movement.

Take great views of Lake Allos. It is a natural catalogue of over 2,000 species of flowers and plants. This is why this wild biodiversity is one of the richest in the country. Think about covering, because the park is located over 2,300 meters above sea level.

3. Great lakes

Located advantageously in the French Alps, this is the ideal place to discover some of the great lakes in the Alps.

Castillon-sur-Verdon

Located in the Natural Park of Verdon, Castillon is an artificial lake. Like most lakes in the region, many water activities are organized on its shores. Also, hiking or visiting the village of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon in the heights.

Quinson

It is judged as the wildest lake in Verdon. It extends over 11 kilometers, making it the least touristic lake of this selection. It is in fact constituted by a succession of several lakes. It was the Quinson Dam that created this provision.

Sainte-Croix

This is the largest lake in Verdon lakes. Its area is 2,200 hectares. On this artificial lake, the emerald color of water will envy the largest number of bathing and enjoying the beaches along the shores. All normal nautical activities can be practiced here.

Pedal, kayaking, windsurfing or fishing and catamaran.

Esparron de Verdon

Lake Esparron is a must-see in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. He's called the pearl of the Verdon. A small typical Provencal village overlooking the lake. Not to be missed.

Serre-Ponçon

This lake is actually the second largest artificial dam in Europe. Indeed, this very large dam makes 2,800 hectares of land. It is no less interesting to discover. A great biodiversity has developed around it. You will have the feeling of having the sea in the mountain.

4. Historical roads

In order to visit the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence as it should be, the department also had mythical roads.

The lavender road

This is one of the most emblematic panoramas in the region. Lavender is the sacred plant, which we never fail to honour here. Thus, discover the flowery fields of this famous flower, visit the distilleries, stop in workshops discovered and taste local products.

The road to the labellized villages

It is a question of passing through the twelve labled villages « Villages and character cities » of the region. Here you will discover an atypical architectural heritage and pass through alpine mountains. You can see the lavender fields and beautiful views.

The road to the train

This “road” is not a specific sense of the term. In reality, it is a railway route between Digne-les-Bains and Nice . This road is unique. Indeed, it is only 1 meter wide. There are more than 150 kilometers that pass through the mountains. An atypical and picturesque road.

La route des Grandes Alpes

This road allows you to connect Lake Geneva, the largest part of which is located in the border area between France and the Switzerland to the Mediterranean sea. Needless to mention how much longer the Parc du Mercantour, passing through Barcelonnette and the Ubaye valley by various passes is exceptional.

The road of Napoleon

As its name suggests, it is proposed here to redo Napoleon’s itinerary. Indeed, the emperor has taken this route from the Juan Gulf to Grenoble on his return island of Elbe . Hiking routes offer to pass through its tracks.

5. Gorges de la Méouge

The Méouge takes its source in the Drôme. Here you can relax or indulge in other more sporting activities. The sandy beaches along the river are ideal for rest. If you prefer more animation, why don’t you go down the Méouge by kayak in the spring. Making paragliding to admire its sky curves is also a possible option.

6. Barcelonnette

It is unthinkable to visit the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence without passing by Barcelonnette. In the heart of the Ubaye valley, the small mountain town is only a few steps away from the Italy .

Depending on the seasons you visit it, it has two very different faces. In the summer, its green looks are perfect for mountain rides. In winter, it turns into an appointment for skiing. Its busy streets and Mexican influence of some houses give it a special appeal.

7. Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye

It is a green setting on 22,000 hectares that welcomes you here. The village of the Upper Ubaye Valley offers many striking shows, between large alpine lakes and peaks of an altitude of around 3,000 meters.

8. Sisteron

It is one of the flagship cities if you go to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. With a unique historical heritage, its authentic environment remains the most appreciable. The citadel dominates the city and looks at the Durance.

An extra step on the road to Napoleon to add on your list of things to do in the region.

9. Allos

More doubt here on the charm of mountain villages. Located in the upper Verdon valley, the village of Allos is 1,400 metres above sea level.

It is a real stop of freshness along the Mercantour Park. It should be noted that the largest natural lake in Europe is 2 230 metres from the valley.

10. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

It is the entrance of the Verdon Gorges. Within the region's natural park, the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been home to renowned regional pride for three centuries. The delicate faience has made the reputation of this village in a setting of scrubland and olive trees unique to the region.

11. Mane

This village of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is labelled « Villages and character cities » . Its particularity comes from the fact that it is perched on a shambutt. It is very close to other famous villages such as Manosque, Forcalquier or the Lurs.

12. Rougon

A unique village in the heart of the Verdon Gorges. Indeed, nestled on a rocky spur, it defies the laws of attraction.

It is this suspended village that gives all interest to this village. Things to do in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to discover the breathtaking views of Rougon on the Gorges du Verdon.

13. Jausiers

The natural setting that surrounds the village of jausiers leaves dreamy. At the gates of the Mercantour Park and the Haute Ubaye, this large mountain town does not have to complain about its locality.

If you don’t know what to do in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, visit the church of Saint-Nicolas de Myre. The baroque style of the building was inspired by the style of the churches of the Piedmont region in Italy.

14. The Gorges du Verdon

These gigantic limestone cliffs offer an amazing show. The Verdon Nature Park is a protected area. As a result, fauna and flora are preserved. Kayaking on the Lac de Sainte-Croix in the Gorges du Verdon is one of the favourite freshwater activities in the summer season.

This is the point not to be missed if you are going to visit the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

How to get to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence?

To get to this department of the South, a wide choice of possibilities is offered to you.

By plane:

From France you can at four different airports in the region. Marseille-Provence International Airport located in Marignane, or Nice-Côte d’Azur. Otherwise, Hyères-National Airports Toulon and d Avignon - Provence.

Check out the different offers on an online flight comparison as Skyscanner to make you an idea of the shortest and most interesting journey for you.

By train

If you prefer not to use the aircraft, the option to take the train is possible. From any big city in France, get to the train station Marseille or Nice. Then you can reach the stations of Sisteron, Digne, Serre-Ponçon or Val d’Allos in TER or with bus connections;

Another train arrives in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The train des Pignes that passes through the railway of Provence. It is a tourist train that connects each day Nice to Digne-les-Bains, via the Pays d’Annot-Entrevaux, the Haut-Verdon valley, the Asse valley.

By bus

The bus lines cover the entire territory if you want to visit the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. They also serve towns and small villages for the Ubaye valley, the Val d’Allos, the Verdon country, the Bléone valley and the Durance.

By car

You can also reach the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region by road, with the car or by car, by taking the highways or nationals of the country.

If you come from Paris, you will take the highway A6 , while if you come from Marseille or Nice, you will have to take the highway A51 .

Where to stay in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence?

Whether you want to spend a weekend or longer stay in the region, hotels, campsites, holiday homes, hostels and Airbnb will be easy to find.

For more information on the hotel style and options they offer, consult a a hotel comparison . Then, if you prefer a more rural holiday, unusual accommodation is on Airbnb. A house all made of green wood, a yurt in the middle of the forest or a renovated farmhouse, you will find your happiness in this region of wonders.

On average, count about 60 € to 100 € per night in the area.