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
Perched on a rocky spur above the Durance River, between Provence and Dauphiné, the impressive silhouette of the citadel stands out against the sky above Sisteron. A jewel of the town's architectural and historical heritage, of which it is the symbol, this fortress is a collection of structures from different periods, from the 13th century for the upper rampart and the patrol path to the 19th century for the major alterations made to the north face.
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.
The restoration and enhancement of the site, carried out by the association "Arts, Théâtre, Monuments" (ATM), are particularly successful and the visit offers, in addition to a breathtaking view of Sisteron and the Durance, a great moment of culture and history.
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 : Dogs are allowed on a leash when visiting the citadel. Dog waste bags are available on the first terrace.
Other details
Due to the many steps throughout the tour, access by stroller may be difficult, we advise you to bring a baby carrier.
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, Peipin, Rourebeau, Sigoyer, Saint-Geniez, Salignac, Sourribes Thèze, Upaix, 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 21/03 to 31/03/2026 every day from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes.
From 01/04 to 31/05/2026 every day from 9 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes.
From 01/06 to 30/06/2026 every day from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes.
From 01/07 to 31/08/2026 every day from 9 a.m. to 19:30 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes
Closing at 18:30 p.m. on festival performance evenings.
From 01/09 to 30/09/2026 every day from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.
Ticket offices close 1 hour before the monument closes.
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.