As the name suggests, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence combines the sun of Provence with the beauty of the Alps, and between the high mountains, the Verdon gorges and the Durance valley, the department offers you an incredible variety of Landscapes and activities.
In winter, the northern part of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is transformed into an immense playground. With 11 ski resorts, including the famous Pra-Loup and Val d'Allos-La Foux, the department offers 720 kilometers of pistes To all fans of alpine skiing, snowboarding and boardercross. But its 7 Nordic high-quality areas will also delight fans of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and biathlon. In summer, between Mercantour, Luberon and Verdon, the department invites you to enjoy these wonderful natural sites by pacing the 6000 kilometers of footpaths and numerous mountain bike routes. But, to vary the pleasures, you can practice many other activities : horse riding, climbing, golf, kayaking, rafting, paragliding...
After having filled up with oxygen, discover the heritage of the Alpes de Haute-Provence. Visit Digne-les-Bains to admire the Notre-Dame-du-Bourg cathedral and its archaeological crypt, the ammonite slab and the Gassendi museum. Then go to Manosque, the provencal, with its ancient ramparts, its church of Saint-Sauveur, its clock tower and especially its sweetness of life. But also visit Forcalquier, the city of the 4 queens, to appreciate its citadel, its cathedral, its old town and, in the vicinity, the cupolas of Saint-Michel Observatory, the abbey of Valsaintes and the castle of Sauvan. Finally, make a short break in the villages and cities of character that enamel the department : Mane, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Simiade-la-Rotonde...
During your excursions, enjoy the beauty and the diversity of the natural landscapes of the Alpes de Haute-Provence. To the north, in the Mercantour National Park, revel in the splendor of the peaks, valleys and high lakes. To the south, discover a unique site in Europe : the gorges of Verdon and their magnificent canyon furrowed by turquoise waters. Nearby, fall under the spell of the plateau of Valensole and the fields of lavender which extend to the horizon. But also take the roads of the Luberon to admire the perched villages, the olive groves and, on the way, make a few gourmet stops to taste the local flavors : Sisteron lamb, Banon cheese, lavender honey, génépi…