One of the most scenic routes through Provence is the tail end of autoroute 81 and its continuation to national route 75, which finally ends in Grenoble. Just at the junction where the four-lane highway becomes a two-lane local road, the medieval citadel of Sisteron towers over the town beneath on the slopes towards the Durance river.
Sisteron
Traditional rural town in the foothills of the Alps
In summer, Sisteron is quite busy with tourists, searching out the water sports on the Durance and beyond. The bridges that cross the Durance river offer spectacular views of both the town, the medieval walls and buildings and the rocky cliffs that seem to explode out of the ground around the town.
Leaving Sisteron, we recommend the route nationale 75 heading north to Grenoble. The road is spectacular with vistas towards the snow-capped peaks of the lower Alps.
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Events in Sisteron
Events in Sisteron
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Sisteron
As so often with a location that seems too good to be true, Sisteron has lived through ages of being a fortress of ultimate defense to a target of ferocious attacks. Since its existence in Roman times, the town has been regularly sacked, burned, and bombed, most recently by the allied forces in World War II, and stubbornly rebuilt.
Despite all the damaging attacks, there is still some of the old to be admired in Sisteron. You can wander through the narrow winding streets and alleys of Old Sisteron, a small part in the centre of the town, or admire the medieval towers still standing, although the old walls in between are long gone.
Sights & Attractions in Sisteron
Close by these towers and the old part of the town is the 12th century Cathedral of Notre Dame des Pommiers, an attractive medieval Provençal church, whose name is deceiving. "Pommiers" here does not mean apple trees, as it does in everyday French, but comes from the Latin 'pomoerii', meaning between the walls of the town - a wisdom we found in the Guide Michelin.
Still, Pommiers (as in apple trees) would be an apt designation for a major church in Sisteron. In the valleys beyond the town you can see vast stretches of fruit orchards, no doubt some of them with sparkling apples. Fruits aside, Sisteron is famous for its local lamb. Everywhere in France, a gigot (leg of lamb) from Sisteron is an indication of sumptuous quality.
Dining in Sisteron
Restaurants in Sisteron
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La Bonne Etape Restaurant, Chateau Arnoux St Auban
One of the best restaurants in the region
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Chateau Arnoux on the 'Route Napoleon'. A gastromic experience in great surroundings and atmosphere.
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L'Olivier Restaurant, Digne-les-Bains
Family run restaurant with good home cooked style food
This restaurant serves a mix of French Provencal and Mediterranean influenced dishes.
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La Fabrik Restaurant, Digne-les-Bains
Traditional French restaurant
Every dish in this restaurant is made in-house and they serve traditional French food.
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Taj Restaurant, Digne-les-Bains
Small Indian restaurant in the centre of Digne les Bains
This small restaurant offers Indian and vegetarian food to eat in or take away.
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Le Bleu Cerise Restaruant, Digne-les-Bains
Restaurant, tea room and bar in the centre of Digne
This little restaurant has a large outdoor seating area for the summer, or tables inside for colder days.
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La Table de Panturle Restaurant, Banon
Small restaurant in the centre of the village
This little restaurant has just 25 seats and offers a small menu, including vegetarian options that changes depending on the season.
Nightlife in Sisteron
Bars & Clubs in Sisteron
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Popular riverside spot for a drink and a bite to eat
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
A bar & restaurant in the centre of Aix
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
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Le Scat Nightclub
Jazz club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, live music & a great atmosphere
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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Mistral Nighclub
Trendy club in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, international DJ's & acts
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
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Bokao's Nighclub
For dance, electro and retro sounds and a non-stop party atmosphere
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Popular wine bar with live music, 15 mins form the Palais des Papes
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
Things to do in Sisteron
The local market (Wednesday and Saturday) is bustling and fun, as so many are in Provence. Why spend your euros in a restaurant when you can assemble a treasure from what's available at the market, some cheese, a sausage, roasted chicken, a loaf of bread and a basket of fruit? Then head down to the banks of the Durance for a sun-filled picnic.
Things To Do in Sisteron
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Plan d'eau des Marres
A large arftificial lake close to Sisteron centre
This lake boasts a huge 5000m2 area and is dedicated purely to swimming.
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Gorges de la Meouge
A large limestone canyon great for hiking and swimming
The Méaouge canyon is classed as a biological reserve thanks to its diverse flora and fauna, some of which come from as far away as north Africa and Iberia.
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Geoparc de Haute Provence, Digne les Bains
A UNESCO accredited site bordering the French Alps and Provence
This unique natural area was designated as a 'Geoparc', the first of its kind, by UNESCO in 2000 and has since become the model for the development of Geoparks across the world.
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Plan d’eau des Ferreols, Digne-les-Bains
Watersports lake and a separate swimming lake
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
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Free walks & tours, Digne-les-Bains
Outdoor activities, walks, museum visits - all free
In Digne les Bains the tourist office offers a number of different outdoor activities, guided walks and visits, all free of charge.
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France-Balloons Hot Air Balloons, Luberon
Hot air balloon flights over Provence
France-Balloons operate from various bases throughout France. Their newest balloon base is located half way between the Alps and the Mediterranean at Forcalquier, in Haute Provence.
Watersports in Sisteron
Watersports in Sisteron
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Plan d’eau des Ferreols, Digne-les-Bains
Watersports lake and a separate swimming lake
Located on the Route de Nice, close to the city centre, the waters of Ferréols has free parking and is accessible by public transport or by bicycle through a cycle track.
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Verdon Canoe, Gorges du Verdon
Paddle down the gorge in canoe or a kayak
Explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon by paddling down the river in canoes or kayaks. A fun activity for everyone to explore the beautiful Gorges du Verdon and paddle on the beautiful blue water.
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Les Guides Action and Aventure, Aiguines
A passion for adventure with many outdoor activities
A team of state qualified guides sharing their enthusiasm for great outdoor activities with you.
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Lac de Sainte Croix, Gorges du Verdon
Beautiful lake in the Gorges du Verdon
A really fabulous lake with excellent leisure facilities and watersports.
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Aventure et Nature Watersport, La Palude sur Verdon
The best way to explore the Verdon Gorge!
The vastness and richness of this protected site offers an extraordinary dimension to sports such as rock-climbing and canyoning.
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Raille Lake Watersports
Sailing, windsuring, watersports and more in this lake near Apt
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
Holiday Rentals in Sisteron
Holiday Rentals in Sisteron
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La Pastorale Villa, Viens
7 bedroom Villa in Viens. Sleeps 14
This superb house, a completely renovated old sheepfold located in Viens, offers you peace and serenity for a stay in the heart of the Luberon.
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Lou Souleou Villa, Viens
4 bedroom Villa in Viens. Sleeps 8
Located in the Luberon Park between the villages of Viens and Saint Martin de Castillon is this architect-designed villa with swimming pool for 8 people to rent for a dream vacation.
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La Farandole Villa, Viens
7 bedroom Villa in Viens. Sleeps 14
Come and discover this magnificent bastide with a breathtaking panorama! It is located less than 2 km from the center of Viens. The 250m2 house can accommodate up to 14 people in its 7 air-conditioned bedrooms.
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La Bastide Des Grands Platanes Villa, Saint-Martin-de-Castillon
13 bedroom Villa in Saint-Martin-de-Castillon. Sleeps 25
Superb vacation rental in Provence for this majestic property on 2 hectares with heated swimming pool and tennis court in the Luberon.
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Le Domaine De Battarel Villa, Saint-Martin-de-Castillon
6 bedroom Villa in Saint-Martin-de-Castillon. Sleeps 12
Discover this Domaine for rent for twelve people in Saint-Martin-de-Castillon in the Vaucluse, on the border with the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
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Le Domaine De Saint Pons Villa, Villars
3 bedroom Villa in Villars. Sleeps 6
Property for vacation rental in the Luberon - Le Domaine de Saint Pons
Hotels in Sisteron
Hotels in Sisteron
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Le Grand Paris Hotel, Digne-les-Bains
Four star hotel and restaurant in the centre of Digne
This hotel is centrally located and offers 16 rooms to stay in.
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Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa, Mane
Rural hotel & spa in Provence - L'Occitane spa, member of Relais & Chateaux
A partnership between those in charge at l’Occitane (natural beauty products) and professionals working in the hotel and spa sectors.
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Pre Saint Michel Hotel, Manosque
Excellent value chic retreat in Provence
An excellently priced option located deep in the countryside of Provence. This is a beautifully decorated hotel, with a lovely swimming pool and a highly regarded restaurant. The rooms feature neutral colours, Provencal furniture, flat screen TV and wifi - some also have private terraces.
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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
A restored stone farmhouse with great views of Mont Ventoux
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
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Hostellerie du Val de Sault Hotel, Sault
Located right in the heart of the Vaucluse, in the middle of a beautiful Provençal forest
This hotel is made up like a small village with a dozen Provençal houses, dominating a valley with fields of lavender and spelt and magnificent views of the Ventoux.
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La Bastide de Moustiers Hotel, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Gastronomic hideaway in the lavender fields of the Var
La Bastide de Moustiers is a house full of charm situated in the north of Provence close to Verdon National Park.
How to get to Sisteron
Transfers for Provence
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Marseille Taxis
Taxis in Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Airport Transfers
Reliable private airport transfer & taxi service
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Passenger transport, aerial photography, freight , etc...
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in Sisteron
Property for Sale in Sisteron
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Villa for Sale | VAL240008
4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 240m² Villa in Var
Set in the prestigious Domaine de Terre Blanche, Villa Augusta is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
Villa for Sale | VAL240008
€3,200,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
4 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 330m² Villa in Var
Elegant villa in the sought-after Terre Blanche estate
Villa for Sale | VAL240033
€3,750,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
6 bedroom, 428m² villa in Var
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
Villa for Sale | VAL250082
€9,800,000 -
Villa for Sale | val260153
4 bedroom, 320.95m² Villa in Tourrettes
This contemporary property, inspired by neo-Provençal architecture, offers approximately 300 sqm of living space and is set within a beautifully landscaped 3,300 sqm garden, providing a private living environment.
Villa for Sale | val260153
€4,500,000 -
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
10 bedroom, 9 bathroom, 1350m² plot in Var
An exceptional estate in landscaped grounds
Land (Plot) for Sale | VAL250058
€39,850,000 -
Villa for Sale | VAL260137
6 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 186.24m² Villa in Alpes-Maritimes
This property enjoys exceptional, panoramic views over the sea and the surrounding hills, offering a constantly changing spectacle throughout the hours of the day and the seasons. Nestled in absolute tranquility, sheltered from any disturbance, it perfectly embodies the Provençal art of living, where nature, light, and serenity come together.
Villa for Sale | VAL260137
€1,100,000
























































