Skip to main content

Sisteron

Traditional rural town in the foothills of the Alps

Featured in
Towns & Villages
Updated

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.

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.

Jump to

  1. History & Culture in [locality]
  2. Sights & Attractions in [locality]
  3. Dining in [locality]
  4. Events in [locality]
  5. Things to do in [locality]
  6. Cycling in [locality]
  7. Hiking in [locality]
  8. Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
  9. Watersports in [locality]
  10. Families in [locality]
  11. Nightlife in [locality]
  12. Chalets in [locality]
  13. Villas in [locality]
  14. Holidays Rentals in [locality]
  15. Hotels in [locality]
  16. Campsites in [locality]
  17. How to get to [locality]
  18. Property For Sale in [locality]

Watch this

History & Culture in [locality]

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 [locality]

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.

Sights in Provence

See all Sights in Provence

Dining in [locality]

Restaurants in Provence

See all Restaurants in Provence

Events in [locality]

Events in Provence

See all Events in Provence

Things to do in [locality]

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 Provence

See all Things To Do in Provence

Cycling in [locality]

Cycling Routes in Provence

See all Cycling Routes in Provence

Hiking in [locality]

Walking Routes in Provence

See all Walking Routes in Provence

Yachts & Sailing in [locality]

Watersports in [locality]

Watersports in Provence

See all Watersports in Provence

Nightlife in [locality]

Bars & Clubs in Provence

See all Bars & Clubs in Provence

Chalets in [locality]

Chalets in Provence

See all Chalets in Provence

Villas in [locality]

Villas in Provence

See all Villas in Provence

Holidays Rentals in [locality]

Holiday Rentals in Provence

See all Holiday Rentals in Provence

Hotels in [locality]

Hotels in Provence

See all Hotels in Provence

Campsites in [locality]

How to get to [locality]

Transfers for Provence

See all Transfers for Provence

Property For Sale in [locality]

Property for Sale in Provence

See all Property for Sale in Provence

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.

See allLatest News & Reviews
Splashworld Provence, Monteux
24 Hours in Avignon in 2018
Top 5 spa breaks in Provence for 2019
Unique Provence wedding venues for 2019

Upcoming Events

Provence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.

See allUpcoming Events
Jazz musicians
the main market square in sarlat la caneda
A trail runner in the mountains of Sospel
Cadenet Farmers Market in Provence
Chestnut Festival, Collobrieres
Liszt Festival, Uchaux