Villa Gaia Hotel & Pension
Hotel restaurant
MoreGeology: A Journey Through 300 Million Years of History
Dive into the heart of the UNESCO Haute-Provence Geopark for an extraordinary geological adventure, where every step reveals a fascinating chapter in the history of our planet. This 3-day stay invites you to explore an exceptional territory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a veritable open book on 300 million years of natural evolution. Through forests, mountains, and valleys, let yourself be enchanted by the landscapes sculpted by the forces of the Earth.
The stay in summary
- Duration : From 3 days / 2 nights. You can lengthen or shorten the route according to your preferences.
- Location: in a loop from Sisteron, passing through Digne-les-Bains and Seyne
- On-site travel : by car
- Period : All year round
- Solo or as a couple
- The little extras : suggestions for “irresistible” experiences.
A geological journey through time and emotions for three days of unforgettable discoveries
- Travel through time in Sisteron and Digne-les-Bains
- In search of Earth's footprints
- Stories of stone and landscapes
Programme
Explore the Carboniferous Rainforest, dive into ancient seas populated by creatures from the Secondary and Tertiary eras, and explore the traces of the Quaternary glaciationsAt each stage, the landscapes, both majestic and mysterious, invite you to a total immersion in an exceptional geological and natural heritage.
Three days of unforgettable discoveries
Le Haute-Provence Geopark is much more than just a territory. It is an invitation to travel through time, a sensory exploration that transports you through the deep history of the Earth. Sisteron à Digne-les-Bains, passing through Seyne, each stage of this circuit reveals geological curiosities, striking landscapes and unmissable sites.
Day 1: A journey through time in Sisteron and Digne-les-Bains
Your adventure begins at Sisteron, gateway to the Geopark. Discover the region's geological treasures, then Embark on the "Route du Temps", an initiatory journey punctuated by surprising landscapes and exceptional sites such as the Défilé de la Pierre Écrite or the Dromon chapel. In Digne-les-Bains, the Promenade Museum takes you on a journey through 300 million years of Earth's history.
Lunch : a culinary stop on the road of time in Saint-Geniez, in a secret valley with captivating landscapes! At the restaurant Le Dromon, discover home-cooked cuisine that showcases local produce.
Evening in charming accommodation
Nuit à Villa Gaia, Charming Hotel & Gardens In Digne-les-Bains, Anne-Françoise and Georges-Eric welcome you to their home in the heart of a large garden. You'll appreciate the charm of this 19th-century family home and the meals prepared with fresh, local produce.
Day 2: In search of Earth's footprints
Explore the Bès Valley, where contemporary works of art blend harmoniously with natural and geological heritageDiscover the famous Ammonite Slab, an emblematic site of the Geopark, and walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs through the astonishing fossilized footprints. The 185-million-year-old Robine Ichthyosaur will be another highlight of this day of geology discovery.
Lunch : A gourmet stop at La Robine des Canards. Here, Clément and Jessica raise fattened ducks and offer a range of fresh and canned products. You can select exceptional products for your picnic of the day.
Bistro evening
Night at L'Hotel Le Vieux Tilleul**At the foot of the citadel of Seyne, this old farm and its bistronomic restaurant are an unmissable stop in the Blanche valley, absolutely not to be missed!
Day 3: Stories of stone and landscapes
The last day takes you through the Route des Garcinets. Geological curiosities such as the Grosse Pierre and the slumps of the Pont de Reynier are revealedYou will explore picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes. You will then return to Sisteron, the beating heart of this unique geological territory.
Lunch : taste local specialties at the Chez le Poète restaurant, in the heart of the village of Selonnet. Here, it's a pleasure to stop for the simplicity that brings the place to life and for the local cuisine prepared by the hostess, Florence Michel.
"Irresistible" Experience :
Enjoy special moments throughout your stay: a wellness break at the Haute-Provence Thermal Spa in Digne-les-Bains, an encounter with geology through guided hikes, or even an artistic exploration at the Goldsworthy Art Refuge. Each step is designed so that you fully experience the beauty and richness of the Geopark.
A stay at your own pace :
This tour, which can be adapted to suit your needs, allows you to discover one of the most beautiful geoparks in the world and 300 million years of history.. Between geological discoveries, human encounters and well-being. Whether you are passionate about nature, history or geology, this stay is an invitation to explore the soul of a preserved territory, where the Earth tells its story in every corner of the rock.
