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Ideas for day trips
The town of Sisteron is ideally situated in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
so that you can organise a number of day trips whilst staying here for several days.
Sisteron can also serve as a stop-off point on your itinerary through the region.
As you’ll see, there’s something for all ages and all tastes.
Here’s a quick photo tour of everything you can do and discover.
We wish you a good trip and a lovely stay...
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TO DO ABSOLUTELY
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Whether you’re taking a short or long drive along the magnificent Route Napoléon,
Sisteron makes for a lovely stop halfway along the route.
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The Valensole plateau and its lavender are a must-see – best visited in late June.
There are numerous lavender festivals held in our region.
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At the heart of your stay in Sisteron lies the majestic Citadel,
which boasts over eight centuries of history and architecture.
In July and August, a host of performances (theatre, dance, singing, etc.)
are staged there during the Nuits de la Citadelle.
What could be better than a lovely swim at the Sisteron lake,
in the Méouge Gorges or at Lac de la Germanette near Serres.
There’s also the option of going rafting.
Every Monday during the season, the Forcalquier market is the largest market in Provence.
On the way back to Sisteron, a place so dear to Jean Giono, discover
Ganagobie Monastery and the pretty hilltop village of Montfort.
Sisteron is also a region rich in culture. Discover the Gallo-Roman Museum right next to the PATIO,
as well as the Museum of Time and the vast Roman Catholic Cathedral of Les Pommiers,
dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Thyrse, at its very heart.
The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence also offer the chance to get a breath of fresh air and discover sports that allow
you to push yourself to the limit : paragliding in Châteauneuf-de-Chabre, gliding at the Sisteron International Flying Club, the Grande Fistoire via ferrata in La Motte-du-Caire, and rock climbing in Orpierre
or at the Rocher de La Baume in Sisteron, and adventure mountain biking on multi-day tours.
A short getaway is just what you need to take your time exploring the hilltop villages of the Buëch
near Sisteron : Valernes, Upaix, Ventavon, Mison, Sigoyer, Thèze, Le Poët, Valavoire, Saléon …
An orientation board offers a view of this invigorating, sun-drenched valley.
What better getaway than a trip to the village of Banon,
known for its organic, farm-produced AOP goat’s cheese wrapped in a leaf in autumnal colours.
Whilst there, be sure to visit the renowned bookshop Les Bleuets, with its 120,000 books
and over 20 sections. On the way back, the little village of Lurs is well worth a detour.
Whether by bike, motorbike or car, what a wonderful journey it is to Mont Ventoux,
passing through the Montagne de Lure, known for its ridges overlooking the Vaucluse
in the distance, and returning via the Albion plateau.
A great getaway in the Luberon : Gordes, Sénanque Abbey, Les Bories,
the red rocks of Roussillon or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
A quick visit to the château and the village of Lourmarin is also a must.
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Before setting off on another getaway, you’ve earned an afternoon of relaxation
at SOPHIE’S COTTAGE : a small seasonal salad, sunbathing, a stroll through the fields on foot
or by bike, a game of pétanque and, of course, a lovely massage with essential oils...
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A short break to sample specialities from the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Hautes-Alpes :
lamb shanks with herbes de Provence or slow-cooked lamb, mountain honey
or lavender honey, fougasse with anchovies and the unmissable tourton, a fritter filled with a variety of flavours.
You might also leave with a few jars of ‘pieds paquets’ stewed in tomatoes and white wine.
Just a stone’s throw from Sisteron, you’ll discover the Haute-Provence Global Geopark,
recognised by UNESCO : mysterious and hidden sites, splendid panoramic views and characteristic landscapes
dot the route. Examples include the Pierre Ecrite in Saint-Geniez, the chapel and crypt at Dromon
and the gigantic Pénitents des Mées.
Children have plenty to enjoy in Sisteron, where activities are mainly enjoyed in the fresh air.
Tree-top adventure courses, horse riding, a visit to the Vallée Sauvage
in Saint-Geniez, volleyball by the lake or even padel – there’s plenty of inspiration to be found.
Nestled between the Gorges du Verdon, Lake Sainte-Croix and the lavender fields,
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, with its gold star
award. You can visit it after stopping off at the thermal spa in Gréoux-les-Bains.
North of Sisteron, head towards Gap for a tour of Lake Serre-Ponçon, where water sports
reign supreme. Take a stroll around or on the water, at the Demoiselles Coiffées
or Notre-Dame de Laus, as well as in the town of Embrun and its lake.
A short drive down to the magnificent landscapes of the Baronnies Provençales,
the Gorges de la Méouge, lavender fields, villages and the market in Nyons, renowned for
its PDO olives. And what could be better than a lovely show at the Château de Grignan.
Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy themselves all year round in the lovely region of Sisteron : there are numerous trails
on the map, such as the famous Trou d’Argent at the Rocher de la Baume, the Tour de la Colle
and the Tour du Bois de Buche. A lovely climb through the Molard forest takes you to the
Jabron Valley, which stretches for over 40 km and can be explored on foot, by bike or by car.
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Sisteron also knows how to have a good time : the Fête de la Musique,
the 14 July fireworks display, Rues en Fête in July and August, the Lamb Festival,
Passage du Fort and the Handmade Days. Not to mention the magnificent Nuits de la Citadelle.
And coming soon : a stunning, spacious conference and performance venue.
All you need to do is book at PATIO DE SOPHIE or COTTAGE DE SOPHIE
to enjoy all these wonderful adventures under the sun of our beautiful Provence...
Not to mention that our landscapes are just as beautiful in autumn – the perfect time
to go for a walk and be pampered on your return to the LE PATIO DE SOPHIE hotel.
Whether you’re coming to Sisteron to spend Christmas with your family or are passing through Sisteron
on your way to join them, LE PATIO DE SOPHIE welcomes you with a cosy and warm atmosphere.
Please also feel free to contact us to find out about our programme for 31 December
or Valentine’s Day in February.
Entre Gorges du Verdon, lac de Sainte-Croix et champs de lavande,
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, est l'un des Plus Beaux Villages de France avec son étoile d'or
suspendue. Vous pouvez vous y rendre après être passés au spa thermal de Gréoux les Bains.