Between Provence and Dauphiné, the Citadel of Sisteron stands, blocking the sky with its walls, its bastions, and its keep. Henry IV said, "It is the most powerful fortress in my kingdom."
Description
Accrochée à un éperon rocheux au-dessus de La Durance, entre Provence et Dauphiné, l’impressionnante silhouette de la citadelle se dessine dans le ciel de Sisteron. Fleuron du patrimoine architectural et historique de la ville, dont elle est le symbole, cette forteresse est un ensemble d’ouvrages d’époques différentes, depuis le XIIIe siècle pour le rempart supérieur et le chemin de ronde jusqu’au XIXe siècle pour les importants remaniements apportés à la face nord.
A visit to the site has many surprises in store, including the dungeon occupied by Prince John Casimir of Poland in 1639, and the incredible staircase carved into the rock, which provides direct access to the city's north gate.
La restauration et la mise en valeur des lieux, réalisées par l’association "Arts, Théâtre, Monuments" (ATM), sont particulièrement réussies et la visite offre, outre une vue imprenable sur Sisteron et la Durance, un grand moment de culture et d’histoire.
The site is enhanced by a sound trail accompanying the visitor, but also by a museum with a room dedicated to the passage of Napoleon, an admirable film "Citadel, ship of men…" and an equally remarkable exhibition on "Vauban and his predecessors".
Visitors will also be able to discover an identically reconstructed "zigzag" drawbridge. This original architectural element is of major interest for the visit to the monument, as the rare structures of this type have all disappeared today.
Due to the many steps throughout the tour, access by stroller may be difficult, we advise you to bring a baby carrier.
Details concerning animals : Les chiens sont autorisés, tenus en laisse, pour la visite de la citadelle. Des sacs à déjections canines sont à disposition sur la 1ère terrasse.
Other details
En raison des nombreuses marches tout au long de la visite, l’accès en poussette est difficile. Nous vous conseillons de vous munir d’un porte-bébé.
Comfort and amenities
Services
Equipment
Activities
Accessibility
Rates / opening
Prices
Full price: € 7,50
Reduced rate: €6,50 (students, job seekers, RSA beneficiaries, Museum Passport)
Child (6-14 years): €3,50 ((6-14 years) €2,50 from the 2nd child)
Person with a disability: €3,50.
Free for children under 6 years old, accompanying guides.
Group rate from 10 people.
Annual card for residents of Sisteron and surrounding areas (Aubignosc, Bevons, Entrepierres, Le Poët,, Mison, Noyers-sur-Jabron, PeipinRourebeau, Sigoyer, Saint-Geniez, Salignac, Sourribes ThèzeUpaix, Val Buëch-Méouge, Valbelle, Valernes, Vaumeilh, Vilhosc): €10 (upon presentation of proof of residence) and €3,50 (€2,50 from the 2nd child).
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes.
Opening
From 01/10 to 15/10/2026 every day from 9 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes.
From 16/10 to 31/10/2026 every day from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes.
From 01/11 to 11/11/2026 every day from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes
*Schedules subject to change.