Sisteron is a town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, 60 kilometres south of Gap en route for the Mediterranean.
A town in a picturesque setting Sisteron is on the banks of the Durance River with mountains behind - or rather, it stands at the foot of a great ravined mountain that is practically in the town centre called the Rocher de la Baume - and below a large citadelle.
Exploring Sisteron
Above all, it is the citadelle on the rocky slope at the east end of the town that is the big attraction. Dating originally from the 11th century then later enhanced, then fortified by Vauban, it still dominates the town although part of the citadel was destroyed in 1944 by an allied bombardment.
Within the citadel you can also see the Chapel of Notre-Dame du Chateau, an exhibition of paintings by Paul Maudonnet and a film explaining the history of the citadel.
A part of the interior of the citadel is also devoted to Napoleon, who passed through the town during his famous return from exile in Elba: many visitors discover Sisteron when following the Route Napoleon.
Below the citadel you can also see extensive defensive ramparts including several medieval towers.
When you have finished with the citadel and the splendid viewpoints, descend to the old town of Sisteron, which is picturesque with narrow streets lined with ancient houses, and has an abundance of fountains. Noteworthy monuments include the clock tower and the 12th century Cathedral of Notre-Dame.
Several museums can be visited in Sisteron. Our two favourites are The Museum of Terre et Temps ('earth and time') which contains an eclectic mix of items related to telling the time and the passage of time; and the Museum of Old Sisteron, with artefacts dating back to neolithic times discovered in the region.
Attractions near Sisteron
There are numerous walks that will introduce you to the surrounding countryside - ask for details at the Sisteron tourist office according to how ambitious you are! The villages of Authon and Saint-Geniez are among the most picturesque.
You can find more travel ideas in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence guide and the Provence guide.
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Hotels in Sisteron
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Map of Sisteron and places nearby
Visit near Sisteron with France This Way reviews
Digne-les-Bains
As well as being a spa town, the medieval centre of Digne-les-Bains also merits exploration
Digne-les-Bains guide
Forcalquier
Forcalquier is a pleasant Luberon town with several interesting historic monuments
Forcalquier guide
Mane
The citadel above the village is the principal monument in the small Provencal village of Mane
Mane guide
Seyne-les-Alpes
In the mountain village of Seyne you can see various parts of the medieval defences that once stood here, and a pretty village
Seyne-les-Alpes guide
Simiane-la-Rotonde
The medieval castle with its domed rotunda is just one of the sites of interest in the lovely village of Simiane-la-Rotonde
Simiane-la-Rotonde guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Tourist classifications for Sisteron
Sisteron is classified as a recommended detour town (plus beau detour)
Address: Sisteron, Forcalquier, Provence, 4200, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.191, longitude 5.9472
Plan your visit to Sisteron, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Prieuré Notre Dame (Ganagobie): religious monument (22 km)
- Clue de Barles: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- Jardins du prieuré de Salagon: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Jardins du château de Sauvan: remarkable garden (31 km)
- Clos de Villeneuve: remarkable garden (39 km)
- Domaine de Charance: remarkable garden (44 km)
- Moustiers: most beautiful village (44 km)
- Colorado Provencal: site of natural beauty (47 km)
- Lac de Serre-Poncon: site of natural beauty (48 km)
- Barrage de Gréoux: site of natural beauty (49 km)
- Source - Verdon: site of natural beauty (50 km)
- Verdon: regional natural parc (51 km)
Market days in Sisteron, France
Regular market(s) are held in Sisteron each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Sisteron (Francais)