Digne-les-Bains travel guide

Visit Digne-les-Bains (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)

The town of Digne-les-Bains is situated on the river Bléone and below the Cousson mountain in a region of thermal springs, in the centre of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of south-east France (it is also the 'capital' of the department, although Manosque is a larger town).

The town refers to itself as 'capital of lavender' because the flower is grown in large areas of the surrounding countryside.

Note: until 1988 the town was known simply as Digne, and is often still referred to by that name. The second part of the name was added because of the town's association with thermal baths and spas.

Explore Digne-les-Bains

It is an important local town and Digne-les-Bains has a wide range of shops and all facilities. It is in the medieval heart of Digne-les-Bains that your visit will focus.

The most important monument in Digne-les-Bains is the roman style Cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Bourg, dating from the 11th-13th centuries. Of more recent construction, the Cathedral of Saint-Jerome is a gothic style edifice from the 15th-16th century (although the facade was rebuilt in the 19th century).

Elsewhere in Digne-les-bains you can see parts of the original city fortifications, and various sculptures added to enhance the town towards the end of the 20th century.

The thermal spa waters, that have attracted visitors here since Roman times, are still one of the main attractions for visitors to the town and a wide range of treatments and related leisure activities are available making Digne-les-Bains the perfect destination for a week of rest and relaxation.

Attractions nearby

One of the most unusual sites close to Digne-les-Bains is an extensive bed of fossilized ammonites dating back 200 million years covering around 350 square metres. It is found a little way north of the town and contains an estimated 1500 examples of the fossils up to 70cm in diameter.

Other local highlights include the 'Musée de la Réserve Naturelle Géologique de Haute-Provence', best known for its extensive butterfly gardens; and the Botanic Garden of the Cordeliers, with a focus on aromatic and medieval plants, situated in a medieval convent.

The countryside around Digne-les-Bains is very attractive, with mountains and valleys, fast flowing streams and lavender fields, and is a pleasure to explore. Numerous opportunities exist for hiking and cycling.

Digne is also a popular stopping point for visitors exploring the historic Route Napoleon.

You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence guide and the Provence guide.

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Map of Digne-les-Bains and places nearby

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