Sisteron

Visit Sisteron, Provence

Sisteron is a town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, 60 kilometres south of Gap en route for the Mediterranean.

A town in a picturesque setting Sisteron is on the banks of the Durance River with mountains behind - or rather, it stands at the foot of a great ravined mountain that is practically in the town centre called the Rocher de la Baume - and below a large citadelle.

Exploring Sisteron

Above all, it is the citadelle on the rocky slope at the east end of the town that is the big attraction. Dating originally from the 11th century then later enhanced, then fortified by Vauban, it still dominates the town although part of the citadel was destroyed in 1944 by an allied bombardment.

Within the citadel you can also see the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Chateau, an exhibition of paintings by Paul Maudonnet and a film explaining the history of the citadel. A part of the interior of the citadel is also devoted to Napoleon, who passed through the town during his famous return from exile in Elba.

Below the citadel you can also see extensive defensive ramparts including several medieval towers.

When you have finished with the citadel and the splendid viewpoints, descend to the old town of Sisteron, which is picturesque with narrow streets lined with ancient houses, and has an abundance of fountains. Noteworthy monuments include the clock tower and the 12th century Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

Several museums can be visited in Sisteron. Our two favourites are The Museum of Terre et Temps ('earth and time') which contains an eclectic mix of items related to telling the time and the passage of time; and the Museum of Old Sisteron, with artefacts dating back to neolithic times discovered in the region.

Attractions near Sisteron

There are numerous walks that will introduce you to the surrounding countryside - ask for details at the Sisteron tourist office according to how ambitious you are! The villages of Authon and Saint-Geniez are among the most picturesque.

Many visitors discover Sisteron when following the Route Napoleon.

Tourist classifications for Sisteron: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 3*; Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Sisteron, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Seyne-les-Alpes 37km; Simiane-la-Rotonde 39km; Valensole 39km; Montbrun-les-Bains 40km; Oppedette 40km; Manosque 42km; Riez 43km; Moustiers 44km; Sault 44km; Greoux-les-Bains 48km; Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt 53km; Colmars-les-Alpes 54km; Gorges du Verdon 56km; Apt 56km; Castellane 59km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Sisteron

Sisteron tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie) - religious monument (22km) : Jardins du château de Sauvan - remarkable garden (31km) : Jardins du prieuré de Salagon - remarkable garden (31km) : Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (39km) : Domaine de Charance - remarkable garden (44km) : Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (47km) : Lac de Serre-Poncon - site of natural beauty (48km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (51km) :

French version: see Sisteron (Francais)