Starry skies and outdoor adventures in the Alps of Haute Provence

From some of the purest starry skies in Europe to the powerful reliefs of the Southern Alps, the Alpes de Haute Provence offer a unique playground where astronomy interacts with outdoor activities.
From Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire to the Ubaye Valley, from Digne-les-Bains to the Verdon, this stay invites you to look up at the infinitely vast at night, and to explore exceptional landscapes by day.

Programme

Day 1: Head in the stars at Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire

The stay begins at Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire, under one of the clearest skies in Europe. The visit to theObservatory of Haute Provence opens the doors of the dome of the famous 1,93 m telescope, associated with the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1995, awarded the Nobel Prize in 2019.

The discovery continues at Astro Center, with a spectacular immersion thanks to the 8K planetarium and the instrument park, to explore the mysteries of the universe.

The night passes at the Hotel Le Galilée***, a hotel with modern and welcoming amenities. It is the ideal place to observe the sky and participate each year in the "Summer Astro" astronomy festival.

Evening in Saint-Michel-l'Observatoire.

Day 2: Ubaye Valley: starry skies and outdoor activities

Direction the Ubaye Valley, classified territory International Starry Sky Reserve and a prime location for outdoor sports. BarcelonnetteA city with a unique heritage and multiple influences, the discovery continues at theBarcelonnette Mercantour Observatory, a center dedicated to astronomy and nocturnal biodiversity. Stargazing evenings celebrate the exceptional purity of the Ubaye sky, with the possibility of observing the stars, day and night.

A gourmet break at the Côté Jardin restaurant, before joining Pra Loup, an iconic resort in the Southern Alps. Summer and winter alike, the site offers a wide range of outdoor activities in an environment of larch forests and magnificent landscapes, at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park.

Installation at Marmotel & Spa* by Sowel Collection, combining comfort and a warm atmosphere. Dinner is served at the restaurant The 1600, at the front of the slopes, for a friendly moment around fresh and local produce.

Day 3: Local produce, mountains and well-being

Before leaving the Ubaye Valley, an unmissable stop at the Ubaye Country House, a showcase of local know-how bringing together artisans and producers from the valley.

The road then leads towards the Blanche – Serre-Ponçon valley, with a stop at Montclar, a friendly village resort with a wide range of activities. How about trying out the Yooner in winter or mountain biking on the Bike Park trails in summer? Then at Seyne, a charming village surrounded by mountain peaks.

Lunch is served at The Old Linden Tree Table, bistronomic restaurant nestled in a wooded park on the banks of the Blanche.

The afternoon is devoted to Digne-les-Bains, a capital of well-being and nature, in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Haute-Provence Geopark. A short hike to discover the Refuge d'Art "The Thermal Baths, a unique work by Andy Goldsworthy blending contemporary art and heritage.
Then it's time to relax at Haute Provence Thermal Spa, with a water play area, sauna and hammam.

The night unfolds at theDigne-les-Bains Golf Resort Hotel by Adonisa haven of peace in the heart of a vast green estate.

Day 4: Verdon and mineral landscapes

The last day leads to Castellane, gateway to the Verdon Gorges Depending on your mood, let the sensations begin with a rafting trip down the Verdon, or to an unusual experience under the stars at Camping Chasteuil Verdon Provence, in a geodesic dome offering total immersion facing the night sky

The stay continues at Annot, city of sandstone. A hike on the Sandstone Trail up to the King's Chamber allows you to discover a remarkable natural site, between geological curiosities, biodiversity and legends.

Lunch at the restaurant MeadowA friendly address showcasing local cuisine.

The end of the stay can be extended on board the Pignes Train all the way to Nice, a legendary line offering spectacular panoramas through tunnels, viaducts and alpine landscapes.

Practical information for your stay: Starry skies and outdoor adventures