Camping Sisteron

Have you been to Sisteron?

Often called the “Pearl of Haute-Provence”, Sisteron offers visitors a unique experience and breathtaking scenery. Set into rock, this medieval town borders Dauphiné and has the distinctive feature of being situated on the banks of the Durance river and on the slopes of two mountains. One of these peaks is Rocher de la Baume, a true geological marvel located on the other side of the river.

Although the first fortifications that surrounded the town have disappeared over the years, many historical monuments are still standing, thanks to careful restoration work carried out from 1956 onwards, such as:

• The citadel, with its almost vertical layers, which overlooks the city.
• The five towers
• The remains of the ancient monastery
• The Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Pommiers (Notre-Dame et Saint-Thyrse)

Did you know…?

The jewel in Sisteron’s crown is undoubtedly its citadel, classified as a historical monument. The Citadel of Sisteron has survived Antiquity and the Middle Ages, along with numerous wars and invasions. The oppidum of the Vocontii, destroyed upon the arrival of the Romans in 27 BC, has been rebuilt and renovated with stronger defences on numerous occasions. In the 11th century, the idea of a “château” at Sisteron emerged with the construction of the upper rampart, the parapet walk, and a keep. Subsequently, Jean Erard, the military engineer of King Henry IV, began developing a series of bastioned terraces in the late 16th century. Finally, it was Vauban, following the invasion by the Duke of Savoy, who established a new defence plan in 1692, with Nice and Savoy carrying out the most recent work in the mid-19th century.

Activities

Despite Sisteron’s rich heritage, exploring this small town only takes a day, or even a few hours, for the most time-pressed visitors. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, so you can wander through the picturesque cobblestone streets and andrônes (narrow streets with steps) of the old town. An accessible route that is suitable for wheelchairs has been introduced by the tourist office. Setting off from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame et Saint-Thyrse, follow the visite vieille ville (old town tour) sign and pass the Musée Terre et Temps, making your way to the Plan d’Eau des Marres, the perfect spot to swim, relax or take beautiful photos of the citadel. A free 1.5-hour guided tour is provided by Sisteron’s Culture and Heritage Department during the summer months!

The region’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for strolling and hiking in the town’s surrounding area. The area enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, which makes it even more attractive to visitors.

Among the must-see places to visit, don’t miss the chance to explore the Gorges de la Méouge, an incredible natural sight you can tour on foot, horseback or bike using the numerous signposted paths. There, you can admire the turquoise river flowing between waterfalls, whirlpools, swimming holes, shingle beaches and lush green gorges.

As you’ll have realised by now, there’s so much to see and do in Sisteron and its surrounding area. Make sure you take some time to explore it during your camping holiday in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.