Sisteron, citadel of the Southern Alps

Published on July 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Straddling the departments of Hautes-Alpes and Alpes de Haute-Provence, Sisteron and its superb citadel occupy a remarkably strategic site. This ancient medieval town is a must-see when exploring the southern Alps! Whether you're interested in history, monuments or culture, Sisteron is a town on a human scale that's sure to hold your interest. So set aside some time to explore the narrow streets of Sisteron, which are steeped in history.

Sisteron village centre at the foot of its citadel

Summary

Sisteron, a small town steeped in history
Sisteron the gourmet
Where to stay in Sisteron?

Sisteron, a small town steeped in history

Overlooking the Durance River, Sisteron offers visitors a remarkable site.

Sisteron clings to the cliffs dominated by its citadel, while opposite, the Baume rock overlooks the whole.

This gives the town a real picture-postcard landscape, but one that's still very much alive thanks to the town's 7,000 inhabitants!

The Sisteron Citadel, built between the 11th and 12th centuries, is built around the chapel and the Chemin de Ronde.

The remarkable views from the Guérite du Diable or the Terrasse panoramic viewpoint overlook the centre of Sisteron and the Baume rock.

Admission to the citadel is charged, but guided tours are available on request. The site is open from March to November.

Back in town, take the opportunity to admire the imposing facades of the old houses. There are a number of monuments scattered around the old part of Sisteron.

These include the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame and the famous Tour de l'Horloge with its elaborate bell tower.

The fortifications of the citadel of Sisteron

Sisteron the gourmet

The Sisteron region produces some remarkable specialities that are renowned far beyond the region's borders.

Sisteron lamb, for example, is served at festive meals. Several of the town's restaurants feature this typical local dish.

Another local treasure is theolive oil produced around the town, which is sold directly from local producers.

Take home a tasty souvenir of the region, and make your choice from the olive growers at Domaine des Oulettes.

Finally, lavender lights up the fields between June and July.

The lavender routes radiate out from the town of Sisteron.

Several producers sell products made from this plant treasure.

Lavender fields near Sisteron in the Southern Alps

Where to stay in Sisteron?

Le Patio de Sophie is a charming 3-star hotel located right in the centre of the historic town of Sisteron.

The decoration of the establishment is a strong point of the hotel Le Patio des Sophie!

You'll discover a magnificently renovated complex where every detail has been taken into account and enhanced.

As a bonus, the hotel has comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities (flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi).

What's more, the deluxe suite of over 40 m² also offers a pleasant SPA bath in which to relax!

A hearty continental breakfast is served every morning.

The restaurant La Table du Patio welcomes you for lunch and dinner.

You can also park your car in the hotel's private car park.

Booking.com

3* Hotel Le Patio de Sophie

Hotel Le Patio de Sophie offers a shared lounge and air-conditioned en suite rooms. Hotel Le Patio de Sophie offers a shared lounge and air-conditioned en suite rooms.

8.5 Very good

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£158 / night

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Practical information

👉 When should you come and enjoy the historical treasures of Sisteron?

In this part of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, the Mediterranean climate is clearly pronounced, with plenty of sunshine all year round and rapidly rising temperatures in summer.

Winter is much colder, especially when the famous mistral wind blows.

But the town of Sisteron offers a year-round programme of entertainment.

🚌 How do I get to the Sisteron area?

Sisteron is accessible via the A51 motorway from Aix-en-Provence and Manosque.

From Gap to the north, Sisteron can be reached in 40 minutes (60 kilometres).

If you choose to travel by train, the SNCF offers several connections from Paris to Marseille-Saint Charles station (TGV).

From there, take a TER connection to Sisteron SNCF station.

The nearest airport is Marseille-Provence.

🚌 Where can I park in Sisteron town centre?

The centre of the town of Sisteron offers almost 1,000 parking spaces. Parking in the streets of the centre is paid for and regulated.

However, there are 9 free car parks a little further away from the town centre.

There are also free car parks near the citadel, which fill up quickly in July and August.