Gentle cycling on the Durance: from Sisteron to Manosque

Treat yourself to a unique escape between mountains and rivers: head for the Durance à Vélo trip, an 84 km journey in the heart of the Alpes de Haute Provence, from Sisteron to Manosque.
This gentle, accessible, and contemplative route follows the river's course, through unspoiled landscapes, characterful villages, gourmet stops, and natural heritage. Here, every pedal stroke becomes a promise of freedom and escape.

Programme

Day 1: From Sisteron to Château-Arnoux

Your adventure begins at Sisteron, the “pearl of the Durance”, dominated by its hilltop citadel. Stroll through its lively streets, discover its typical restaurants and let yourself be seduced by the lively atmosphere of this gateway town to Provence.

Recommended lunch : L'Oppidum, an address where local specialties – including Sisteron lamb – are passionately enhanced.

Overnight stay possible in Sisteron : Hotel Le Tivoli, ideally located opposite the citadel, with secure garage for bicycles.

The route takes you into the heart of the agricultural plains, between apricot orchards and olive groves, all the way to Volonne. This charming medieval village, nestled at the foot of two towers, can be explored along its ramparts or via the Chemin des 2 Tours, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the valley.

Relaxing stopover or overnight stay : Sunêlia L'Hippocampe**** campsite in Volonne, Accueil Vélo label.

The road continues to Château-Arnoux, the end of your first stage.

Night in Château-Arnoux : Hotel La Bonne Etape, an unmissable address where Chef Jany Gleize and his team offer you a unique experience in Provence.

Day 2: From Château-Arnoux to Manosque

Further on, head towards the village of L'Escale, whose eponymous lake is bordered by a bird sanctuary. A haven of biodiversity where birds accompany your wanderings. Then comes Malijai, with its castle on the banks of the Bléone River.
It is impossible to miss the impressive natural site of the Pénitents des Mées, spectacular cliffs sculpted by erosion, true mineral sentinels marking the entrance to the UNESCO Geopark of Haute-Provence.

• Hiking advice: borrow it Penitents' Path to admire these rock formations from a height of 114 meters.

Lunch break : La Petite Marmite du Pêcheur, whose specialty, bouillabaisse in three courses, blends land and sea with fresh products.

The route joins Prayer, "small town in the countryside". A mecca for almonds, it is home to the Perl'Amande factory, which promotes this emblematic fruit through delicious and authentic creations.

Continue to Villeneuve, where the route crosses that of The Mediterranean by Bike. Here, Land of Oc invites you to a sensory interlude in its bucolic garden and its factory shop, dedicated to organic teas, perfumes and treatments.

A footbridge crossing the Largue leads to Volx, a village surrounded by exceptional landscapes. Don't miss theThe Olive Tree Ecomuseum, which offers an interactive and sensory immersion in the civilization of the Olive Tree.

Finally, the route ends at Manosque, the city of Jean Giono and a thousand-year-old city with a rich heritage. Stroll through its historic center, then let yourself be seduced by a unique sensory experience at L'Occitane en Provence : visit of the factory, stroll in the Mediterranean garden and discovery of the museum-shop.

Night in Manosque : La Bastide de l'AdrechAn ideally located guesthouse, 5 minutes from the town centre, in a wooded and very quiet setting.

Practical information for your stay on the Durance by Bike