Seyne-les-Alpes travel guide
Visit Seyne-les-Alpes (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France)
Book a visitSeyne-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'.
Explore 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.
It was also at this time that Fort Vauban, that now dominates the village, was built.
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 traditional 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.
Attractions nearby
Because of its proximity to the mountains Seyne-les-Alpes is popular as a visitor resort in both summer and winter, and of course it is the mountains that are the primary attraction of a visit.
A very popular trip from here is to the Lake of Serre-Poncon, about 30 kilometres to the north. The lake is one of the largest artificial lakes in France and in a dramatic setting surrounded by mountains.
You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence guide and the Provence guide.
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Hotels in Seyne-les-Alpes
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Map of Seyne-les-Alpes and places nearby
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Lake Serre-Poncon
Among many beautiful Alpine lakes we mention the Lac de Serre-Poncon because of its spectacular setting and wide range of leisure activities
Lake Serre-Poncon guide
Barcelonnette
Barcelonnette has an attractive town centre, and also a good number of substantial 'Mexican villas' adding character to the town
Barcelonnette guide
Embrun
The historic centre of Embrun is usually visited at the same time as the leisure lake of Lac de Serre Poncon
Embrun guide
Colmars-les-Alpes
In the mountain village of Colmars highlights include the Fort de Savoie and fortified medieval gateways
Colmars-les-Alpes guide
Digne-les-Bains
As well as being a spa town, the medieval centre of Digne-les-Bains also merits exploration
Digne-les-Bains guide
Vallee de l'Ubaye
Starting near the Lac de Poncon, the Vallée de l'Ubaye is one of the scenic highlights in the Alps
Vallee de l'Ubaye guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Address: Seyne, Digne-les-Bains, Provence, 4140, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.351389, longitude 6.356944
Plan your visit to Seyne-les-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Clue de Barles: site of natural beauty (15 km)
- Source - Verdon: site of natural beauty (16 km)
- Lac de Serre-Poncon: site of natural beauty (18 km)
- Col d'Allos: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Lac d'Allos: site of natural beauty (31 km)
- Col de la Cayolle: site of natural beauty (32 km)
- Domaine de Charance: remarkable garden (35 km)
- Col de la Bonette: site of natural beauty (36 km)
- Sisteron: recommended detour (37 km)
- Mont-Dauphin place forte (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (41 km)
- Place Forte de Mont-Dauphin: national monument (41 km)
- Poligny: town of art and history (45 km)
Market days in Seyne-les-Alpes, France
Regular market(s) are held in Seyne-les-Alpes each Tuesday & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Seyne-les-Alpes (Francais)