Haute Provence

On the heritage side, the city of Digne-les-Bains has Gallo-Roman and Medieval remains. Explore the two Cathedrals (Romanesque and Gothic) and learn about the city's urban history. The Archaeological Crypt is particularly astonishing to visit. Then go through the small narrow and high streets of the old center (Montée Saint-Charles takes you back to the Middle Ages). Very interesting city tours are offered at the Tourist Office.

On the museum side, you must discover the Gassendi Museum (named after the famous philosopher and astrophysicist Dignois, contemporary of Descartes in the Age of Enlightenment). There is also the incredible house that belonged to this exceptional woman, explorer and renowned orientalist, Alexandra David-Neel. The city also has a beautiful cinema complex where all the latest releases are presented. The cultural season is provided by the Centre Culturel René Char: concerts, theater, dance throughout the year. The library is also worth a detour! Pleasant and spacious, it is the perfect place to read and relax at the same time.

In terms of festivities, when summer comes, the season is marked in August by three major unmissable events: the Corso de la Lavande (traditional parade of floats and brass bands), the Lavender Fair and the music festival "Les Potes of the Top".

This part of Haute Provence is the heart and seat of UNESCO Géoparc de Haute Provence. It offers to discover and understand the formation of our landscapes and the cultural traditions that have developed here. We are fortunate in Digne-les-Bains to house the very first Geoparc in the history, the one that sparked vocations all over the world. The geopark highlights a large number of natural sites and has a "Musée Promenade" which combines both an artistic route and a geological interpretation center. Within the Museum, the tuff waterfall is incredible to contemplate. Not far from there, you will see the Ammonite Slab containing 1,500 ammonite, nautilus or pentacrine fossils over 320 m². Among the must-sees, the Ichthyosaurs of La Robine and Chanolles are accessible by equipped hiking trails. These marine reptiles are 90 and 107 million years old respectively!
This part of Haute Provence is an open-air museum. Yes, works of art are installed in the surrounding nature and offer another way to explore and perceive our environment. We have a unique collection of works by Andy Goldsworthy (Refuge d'Art), herman de vries, Richard Nonas, Joan Fontcuberta, Paul-Armand Gette, Jean-Luc Vilmouth, Trevor Gould or

 Stéphane Bérard.

How can you resist the call of nature when you are in Haute Provence? How can you resist the urge to get your eyes and lungs full? On foot, by bike, hanging from paragliders or even clinging to the cliffs, all means are possible to meet nature. You do not know how to do it ? So call on our professional guides. There is a wide choice of outdoor activities to recharge your batteries.

At the confluence of the Bléone, Mardaric and Eaux Chaudes rivers, the city is distinguished by the beneficial presence of mountain water. For self-care, well-being or physical activity, the city combines the multiple benefits of water. Digne les Bains is a health resort with a solid national reputation.