On the Route Napoléon, Sisteron stands proudly at the foot of a majestic citadel that dominates the landscape facing the Rocher de la Baume. This town, nicknamed the Gateway to Provence, at the confluence of the Buëch and Durance rivers, is an eternal passage between the Alps and the Mediterranean… visiting Sisteron is a no-brainer! Its natural and historical heritage opens the Route du Temps, its old town immerses you in a fascinating past, highlighted with modernity, its dynamism makes it one of the Most Beautiful Detours in France! So if you are wondering "What to see" or "What to do in Sisteron?" this page will guide you to the cultural riches of this town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, invite you to discover its Provençal traditions on the Lavender Routes, and you will know why Sisteron is an essential Green Holiday Resort, at the gateway to the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park.
At the heart of the heritage of Haute-Provence
Explore the hidden treasures of Sisteron
A visit to Sisteron is worth the detour and deserves to linger there for several days. Of course, a visit to the citadel is one of the must-sees… but it would be a shame to miss out on a visit to the city!
Take the time to stroll through the small alleys, the straight street and the flowery avenues, the city center is home to many treasures: private mansions, Provencal plasterwork, medieval facades, sculpted doors. You will discover a small Provencal town full of charm with varied shops and services, art galleries, museums and many craft shops, brasseries and restaurants that make it as pleasant to stroll as to go shopping or to be tempted by a specialty.
The city offers a maze of stairs and small vaulted streets called "andrones", it is pleasant (and easy) to get lost there! Fortunately everything is done to make your visit pleasant, the city map available at the Tourist Office is very well done and will guide you on the three visiting circuits in the city, depending on the time you have you can follow the "journey of time", "old town", "tourism" or why not all 3!
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Our virtual tour application
Dive into the history of Sisteron in a different way
A free virtual discovery application will guide you in French or English as you explore the city: a fun and modern way to immerse yourself in Sisteron's past, with beautiful reconstructions!
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Sisteron with the family in a fun way
Solve the puzzles and earn your diploma
If you are with children, we also offer two Randoland itineraries, to visit the heart of the city while having fun or to go around to the citadel. 4 game sheets, according to the age of the children, invite you to discover the city. Will you be able to solve all the riddles to receive the Sisteron diploma of honor? At the end of the discovery, it will be given to you by the Tourist Office… if all the answers are correct!
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Sisteron at your own pace
Take a guided tour
The city tour is completely independent, but in summer, there are free guided tours, don't deprive yourself of the pleasure of following our guides, their anecdotes and their southern accent make all the difference!
Easy parking
Find your parking or campervan area near the center
There are many car parks available to you: at the northern entrance to the city before the tunnel and at the southern entrance on Place de République where the Town Hall and Tourist Office are located, at the lake, or around the SNCF train station.
There are two areas for camper vans, a 5-minute walk from the town centre: at the northern entrance to the town (from where you can easily access the citadel on foot during the day via a footpath), and towards the station where the flat, tarmacked car park welcomes you in peace and quiet, while being in the immediate vicinity of the town centre and shops.
The little train allows you to discover the historical heritage of the city through a guided tour from the Tourist Office, where you can buy your tickets, to the entrance of the Citadel. GOOD DEAL = on presentation of the train ticket you will be entitled to a reduced rate at the Citadel! You have had a good rest on the train… you will be able to calmly climb the stairs of the Citadel and, once the visit is over, you can take the little train back to the city center. This is a visit that will satisfy young and old alike!
The Nugget of Sisteron
Discover the Citadel of Sisteron
The Citadel is the emblematic monument of Sisteron, classified as a Historic Monument, it is open from the end of March to mid-November and enchants thousands of visitors every summer! A must-see…
The stairs of the Citadel are part of its charm, (notably the magnificent underground staircase dug into the rock...) and then the view is worth it! The Citadel offers an exceptional panorama of the city and all the surroundings, from its first terrace accessible all year round, and especially from the keep and the patrol path.
This vast collection of military works from various periods is closely linked to the history of the city, remodeled many times, destroyed in August 1944, it is today admirably restored and maintained by the Art Théâtre et Monument association which organizes there each year one of the most beautiful cultural festivals in the region: the Nuits de la Citadelle.
You will discover a museum that evokes the passage of Napoleon, an exhibition of horse-drawn vehicles, the Notre-Dame du Château Chapel (15th century) and temporary exhibitions. Sound terminals are available to tell you the history of the place in several languages.
At night, the Citadel dons its light costume, twice awarded in 2009 (1st National Prize in the Lights Competition – Heritage Ribbons Prize). It is dazzling!!!
Our accessibility advice
We have put together a comfortable plan for families with strollers, people with reduced mobility and in wheelchairs, to easily visit the city from the Tourist Office to the Citadel.
In season, the little tourist train allows you to take a tour of the city without getting tired, and you can access the first platform of the Citadel with a reduced rate, a beautiful terrace overlooking the city with audio guides. The rest of the Citadel will only be accessible to those who can go up and down its countless stairs.
The capital of Label Rouge lamb
Enjoy Sisteron lamb
Lamb in Sisteron is a real institution, you see it everywhere, it adorns the shop fronts, decorates the roundabout and it even has a festival dedicated to it! Its reputation is well established, a Label Rouge signs its superior quality, its breeds and its origin, around Sisteron of course. But what we appreciate the most is its taste! It is our butchers, caterers and restaurateurs who will make you discover its white meat, delicate and fragrant, which almost melts in the mouth it is so tender. We have many specialties based on lamb, but if you want to bring some back in your suitcases, the trotters and canned packages, prepared locally in Sisteron are ideal. Discover them in the shops or at the Tourist Office!
Unmissable hikes on foot, by bike or mountain bike
Go on an adventure around Sisteron
Your stay in Haute-Provence
Your vacation in Sisteron
For a stopover or a longer stay, you will find everything in Sisteron to make your visit enjoyable. Comfortable hotels, quality catering for gourmets and those in a hurry, several guest rooms, holiday cottages just a stone's throw from the town, whether you are looking for a large Provencal farmhouse with a swimming pool for a reception or a nice campsite in a green setting, here is everything to help you prepare your holiday in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. So don't wait any longer, book now!
What is Sisteron known for?
A stage on the Route Napoléon, the town of Sisteron is known for its Citadel, facing the Baume rock, at the foot of the Durance, it marks the passage between the Alps and Provence.
What is Sisteron’s specialty?
Sisteron lamb is the most famous specialty of Sisteron, it has benefited from a Label Rouge since 1995, a sign of superior quality. Sisteron lamb is raised in an area around Sisteron, from local rustic breeds. Its meat is particularly white and tender.
Where to swim in Sisteron?
It is possible to swim in Sisteron in a body of water developed in summer: the Marres lake. If you prefer wilder spots, swimming in the river in the Méouge gorges will delight you!
Is life good in Sisteron?
Clean and well-flowered, the town of Sisteron is welcoming to the many tourists who visit it each year. It benefits from a Provencal climate, with pleasant sunshine in summer.
Is Sisteron worth the detour?
Sisteron is an unmissable stopover, if you don't know it you should spend one or two days there. This small town, on the edge of the Durance, has on its heights an incredible Citadel with a breathtaking view of the Alpine peaks, you need to count half a day if you want to fully enjoy it. The town spreads out at its feet, with many shops and restaurants alongside artisan shops, art galleries, museums and monuments including the cathedral. The old town can be discovered on foot, passing from alleys to small squares by small andrones which will take you to the foot of the ramparts.
