Seyne-les-Alpes

Visit Seyne-les-Alpes, Provence

Seyne-les-Alpes is a (slightly remote) village situated on the side of a hill at high altitude and against a mountainous backdrop in the north-east of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department.  It is officially listed as a 'village of character'.

Exploring Seyne-les-Alpes

Note: the 'real' name for the town is simply Seyne, although the longer version of Seyne-les-Alpes is commonly used.

Your visit to Seyne will start by wandering through the narrow streets of the old village, admiring the houses themselves (including some half-timbered houses), small open squares, a public washhouse, and the many small architectural features that are characteristic highlights of a Provencal village.

Among the most important monuments to discover in Seyne-les-Alpes is a 12th century stone tower, and other historical defences such as the ramparts of the original village, reinforced and increased by the well known military engineer Vauban in the 17th century, at which time Fort Vauban was also built and now dominates the village.

You will also see also the 14th century gate through the town defences on Rue Basse, the small 12th century roman style Church of Notre-Dame of Nazareth and the baroque style Chapel of the Penitents.

One interesting idea in the village is the so-called eco-museums, individual buildings renovated to show what life was like here in centuries gone by. There are four of these, including a traditiona artisan workshop and a school.

The town has a long tradition of raising mules - ideal for working on the mountain slopes at high altitude and previously the main form of transport through the valleys. This tradition is celebrated as part of the annual village fete on the second saturday in August, an ideal day to visit the village.

Because of its proximity to the mountains Seyne-les-Alpes is popular as a visitor resort in both summer and winter.

The photo of Seyne-les-Alpes is copyright

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (the region and department for Seyne-les-Alpes) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Seyne-les-Alpes, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Sisteron 37km;

Seyne-les-Alpes tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Lac de Serre-Poncon - site of natural beauty (18km) : Col d'Allos - site of natural beauty (20km) : Lac d'Allos - site of natural beauty (31km) : Col de la Cayolle - site of natural beauty (32km) : Domaine de Charance - remarkable garden (35km) : Col de la Bonette - site of natural beauty (36km) : Place Forte de Mont-Dauphin - national monument (41km) : Poligny - town of art and history (45km) :

See more places and a map at places near Seyne-les-Alpes