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.

Program

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

Direction the village of L'Escalewhose eponymous lake is bordered by a bird sanctuary. A haven of biodiversity where birds accompany your travels. Then comes Malijai, with its castle on the banks of the Bléone.
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: faites quelques pas sur le Penitents' Path to admire these rock formations from a height of 114 meters.

Before your lunch break, treat yourself to a short detour of just 2,5 km to reach the Lothantique factory outlet in PeyruisFor three generations, this family business has been creating a world of well-being inspired by the scents of Provence. A gentle respite to discover perfumes, body care products and home products, with fragrances that evoke the landscapes and memories of Haute-Provence.

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

Between cycling and gourmet food

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.

Après la traversée du pont à sept arches sur la Durance voici La Brillanne. Que diriez-vous d’une pause fraicheur ? Chez Scaramouche, artisan glacier de Haute-Provence, on élabore avec passion sorbets, glaces et créations gourmandes à partir d’ingrédients rigoureusement sélectionnés, entre grands classiques et saveurs inspirées du terroir provençal.

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. Il propose une immersion interactive et sensorielle dans la civilisation de l’Olivier.

Finally, the route ends at Manosque, ville de Jean Giono et cité au riche patrimoine. Flânez dans son centre historique et prenez le temps de découvrir cette ville millénaire dont les différentes époques ont façonné le patrimoine et l’identité.

Nuit à Manosque : La Bastide de l'Adrech, une maison d’hôte idéalement située à 5 minutes du centre-ville, dans un environnement boisé et très calme.

Practical information for your stay on the Durance by Bike