Citadel of Sisteron
Historical site and monument
MoreSisteron
Sisteron, between the Alps and Provence
Discover the town of Sisteron and its heritage, such as the emblematic Citadel, its narrow streets, and museums. A journey through geological time also awaits you with the Rocher de la Baume, carved out by the Durance River. Taste local specialties such as Sisteron lamb or Alpine apples. Numerous events punctuate the year, with the highlight in summer being the Nuits de la Citadelle festival. An essential stop on the legendary Route Napoléon, Sisteron is also on the Way of St. James and the La Durance à Vélo cycling route. It's an ideal starting point for many activities.
Sisteron, a historic town in an impressive setting
Sisteron is a must-see town in the Alpes de Haute Provence. It has long been the gateway between Provence and the Alps. Indeed, the Durance, the river that runs at its feet is a very important communication route. In Roman times, the Via Domitia, the great road that led from Italy to Spain, crossed the Durance at Sisteron and Cavaillon only.
Called the pearl of Haute Provence, the city is still as attractive as ever. The Citadel which dominates it is one of its emblems, like the rock of La Baume which faces it. It is notably an unmissable stop on the Route Napoléon.
Le Baume rock, a remarkable geological heritage is adorned with vertical layers of limestone, a true geological curiosity and an extremely photogenic place!
The unmissable Citadel
Access and location
Reach Sisteron via one of the most beautiful roads in France
You can reach Sisteron by several routes. It is notably served by the A51 and the RN85, the emblematic Route Napoléon.
What to do in Sisteron?
To discover Sisteron, The Citadel is of course a must-see. As you reach the summit, you'll have a magnificent 360° view. On the way back down, stroll through the narrow streets (called andrones here), the shopping streets, and visit art galleries like the Galerie Domnine or the Espace d'Ornano, as well as artists' studios. Sisteron is in fact classified as a Town and Crafts.
Download the mobile app which guides you through three discovery trails. There is also a virtual tour to take before, during, or after your visit!
A city for families
For family vacations, the city offers many activities. To cool off during the summer, head to the lake located in the city center with its beaches, children's playgrounds and wooded areas. Take your children by the hand and then set off to discover the heritage thanks to the Randoland treasure hunts. Your children will no longer drag their feet! Still in the city center, don't miss the tree climbing park to spend a good time with the family. And for young and old, the Little Train easily takes you to the citadel.
Something to delight athletes
From Sisteron you can enjoy many sporting activities. Cycling with “Les balcons de la Durance”, an unmissable 50 km getaway. Easy hiking with the “Sentier botanique du Molard” which offers a 360° panorama of the Sisteronais valley… Mountain biking, climbing, trail running, horse riding…
The Provencal market
To eat local food during your stay or to bring back a little bit of the region in your suitcases, the Sisteron market takes place on the Clock Square all year round, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Don't forget to taste the seasonal fruits and vegetables, the cheeses, but also the jams and honey, the biscuits, different fruit juices, the preserves of local products... You will meet Sisteron locals at the market who are attached to their land.
Did you know?
Ernest Esclangon, the inventor of the speaking clock, was born in Mison, a few kilometers from Sisteron!
Our favorite stays with a stopover in Sisteron
From the citadel of Sisteron to the luminous landscapes of the Alpes de Haute Provence, our holiday ideas invite you to discover Sisteron during a stopover and take you far beyond: villages of character, wide open spaces, local know-how... Let yourself be inspired by these getaways to experience in complete freedom.
Storming the citadels, immersing yourself in the built heritage
Picture : credits AD04-Magical Itinerary Journey to the heart of time: museums and cultural treasures
Picture : credits AD04 Foehn Photography Geology and built heritage in the Alpes de Haute Provence
Picture : credits AD04-Nicolas Duye
Where to stay?
For your vacation in Sisteron, explore our selection of hotels and campsites to suit all your needs.
Where to eat?
During your stay in Sisteron, whether you prefer savory or sweet, you will taste many local specialties, such asSisteron lamb or the Apple of the Alps. Sisteron lamb benefits from the famous Red Label attesting to superior quality in terms of production and taste. It also has a IGP (Protected Geographical Indication).
Our restaurant owners are delighted to offer local products to delight your taste buds. 7-hour lamb, rack of lamb with apples, Pieds et Paquets, Provençal stew with polenta, pistou soup...
Throughout the year, multiple events take place in Sisteron
Sisteron's life is punctuated by numerous events... In May, every 2 years, the Lamb Festival perpetuates the tradition of Sisteron's lamb. From June and throughout the summer period, a large number of events take place: exhibitions, concerts, meetings, book fairs, Expo Fairs... In winter, the Christmas market and the traditional exhibitions of nativity scenes and santons mark the end of the year.
The Nights of the Citadel
Serving as a setting for the open-air theater, the citadel hosts a cultural event every summer: "Les Nuits de la Citadelle," the first and oldest festival in Provence. Music, theater, and dance enchant its walls.
Around Sisteron
Flying in the skies of Sisteron
The Sisteron-Vaumeilh International Aero Club is a renowned gliding club in France. Whether you're planning short or long flights, tandem or solo, come fly in this location renowned for its climate, ideal for gliding. From mid-March to the end of September, instructors will take you on a journey of discovery in a glider. Treat yourself to 20 minutes or more of unforgettable sensations in the skies of the Alpes de Haute Provence. Enjoy the view of the peaks!
And if you'd like to fly with a group, the discovery flight is also available by plane for 1 to 3 people! Guaranteed emotions to share.
Cycling on the road: The Durance by bike
This cycling route follows the Durance River from its source in the Hautes-Alpes to its confluence with the Rhône in Avignon, passing through the Alpes de Haute Provence. The stages can be completed at your own pace.
The pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela and Rome
Traced as closely as possible to the Domitian Way (Via Domitia), linking Rome to Spain, the Way of Saint James crosses the Alpes de Haute Provence.
By following this 145 km route from Venterol to Cereste, passing through Sisteron, you will cross some very beautiful natural and heritage sites.
Answers to your questions
The surrounding villages not to be missed