Sisteron
Traditional rural town in the foothills of the Alps
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.
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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
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Parfumerie Molinard, Grasse
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
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Chartreuse du Val de Benediction, Villeneuve les Avignon
This Carthusian monastery heralds back to the 14th century when it was built for Pope Innocent VI. The monastery consisted of a church and three cloisters which made it the largest monastery in France.
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Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse
This historic perfume factory is in the heart of the Old Town and is one of the oldest in Grasse, constructed in 1782.
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Musee de la Lavande
This a popular museum to visit for anyone following the Lavender routes around Provence, attracting around 50,000 visitors per year.
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Mathieu Lustrerie Museum, Gargas
This museum houses a collection of around 250 chandeliers and a large library and collection of photos dedicated to these wonderful pieces of art.
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Musee Estrine, Saint Remy de Provence
Since 1989 the association ‘Présence Van Gogh’ has developped an important artistic programme, loyal to the desires of the great Dutch artist who lived in St.Remy de Provence between 1888-1889 who wished that ‘living artists are not unjustly unknown’.
Events in [locality]
Events in Provence
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
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Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Provence, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & 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 Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
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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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
A 5 bedroom chalet set in a small development located in the quiet enclave of Le Châtelard
Price: €2,600,000
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Villa for Sale
A newly built villa ideally located within walking distance from the town and beaches.
Price: €3,045,000
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New development for Sale, Val d'Isere
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Price: €4,150,000
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Villa for Sale
SOLE AGENT - Stylish Villa in Saint-Tropez – Peaceful, Stylish & Exceptionally Well-Located
Price: €7,590,000
