Sisteron is a small fortified town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region. Its perched citadel, typical andrônes and medieval heritage won us over. Discover a city steeped in history at the crossroads of Provence and the Dauphiné!
Discover our ideas for what to do in Sisteron, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Sisteron worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Sisteron is well worth a visit. We were seduced by this small medieval town nicknamed “the Pearl of Haute-Provence”. Its strategic position between Provence and Dauphiné gives it an authentic charm.
This is one of the most beautiful villages in the Southern Alps, which you can visit at sunset or by night. See prices, photos and availability.
1. Climb up to Sisteron Citadel
We were impressed by this perched fortress overlooking the Durance valley. The Citadelle de Sisteron, built between the 11th and 16th centuries, offers an exceptional panorama of the Alps. Discover its ramparts, watchtowers and underground passageways. The climb may seem tough, but it’s well worth the effort. We recommend that you allow time to explore the entire site and enjoy the views.
- Open from March to November, opening hours vary according to season
- 7.50 € adult, reduced rates available
- See the latest news on the official website here
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on Provence, subscribe:
2. Admire the Rocher de la Baume from the ramparts
The Rocher de la Baume is one of Sisteron’s most photographed landscapes. The majesty of this limestone cliff over 400m high fascinated us. You can admire it from the ramparts of the citadel, where we spent long moments contemplating this stone giant. The changing light throughout the day transforms its colors and offers a striking natural spectacle. The rock is also home to a prehistoric cave that bears witness to the region’s long history of human occupation.
- Accessible from the ramparts
- Price: Included in citadel entrance ticket
- Tip: Best light in late afternoon
3. Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers Cathedral
This 12th-century cathedral’s Provençal Romanesque architecture won us over. The building, built of local stone, features a sober, elegant facade typical of Romanesque art. Inside, we admired the sculpted capitals and ancient frescoes that bear witness to the skills of the craftsmen of the time. You’ll also discover a beautiful historic organ and several works of sacred art. The atmosphere here invites contemplation after the hustle and bustle of a visit to the citadel.
- Open daily, opening hours vary
- Free admission
- Tip: Respect silence and Mass times
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Visit Sisteron’s Gallo-Roman Museum
This small museum introduced us to the ancient history of Sisteron and the surrounding region. The collections feature archaeological artefacts found during local excavations: pottery, coins, jewelry and tools testify to daily life in Gallo-Roman times. You can admire funerary stelae and fragments of sculptures that reveal the importance of this ancient city. We appreciated the quality of the explanations, which helped us understand the evolution of the area. The tour perfectly complements the visit to the citadel, providing an in-depth historical perspective.
- Opening times vary according to season, please enquire.
- Free admission
- See the latest news on the official website here
5. Follow the Earth & Time route through the city
This thematic tour guided us through the geological and human history of Sisteron. Explanatory panels mark out an itinerary that leads from ancient remains to evidence of medieval times. You’ll discover how the site’s particular geography has influenced its urban development. We particularly appreciated the explanations of the city’s architectural evolution. This self-guided tour is a highly rewarding way to complement your visit to the main monuments.
- Accessible at all times
- Free
- Allow about 1h30 for the visit
6. Stroll along the historic Rue Droite
This main street in the historic center plunged us into Sisteron’s medieval atmosphere. Lined with old houses with stone facades, the Rue Droite retains its original layout and authentic character. You’ll discover traditional shops, artisan workshops and facades adorned with remarkable architectural details. We enjoyed strolling along this lively thoroughfare that links the various historic districts. Carved doors, mullioned windows and antique signs bear witness to the town’s rich commercial past.
- Free access at all times
- Numerous shops and restaurants
- Ideal for local shopping
7. Explore Sisteron’s typical andrônes
These characteristic covered passageways fascinated us with their unique architecture. Sisteron’s andrônes, tunnels dug beneath the houses, bear witness to the art of building in the mountains. You’ll discover these vaulted corridors, which enabled people to circulate sheltered from the elements while saving urban space. We explored several of these passages, which create a mysterious maze in the old town. Each andrône has its own architectural particularities and offers a different perspective on the medieval organization of urban space.
- Free access, respect private property
- Several andrônes in the historic center
- Bring a flashlight for darker days
8. Count the towers of the walled city
Tour de la Médisance, Tour Notre-Dame, Tout du Fort… The towers that line the ancient ramparts tell the story of Sisteron’s defensive history. These remains of medieval fortifications bear witness to the town’s strategic importance in the Middle Ages. You can identify several types of tower, each adapted to its specific military function. We enjoyed this tower hunt, and particularly appreciated the more recent Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower) with its bell set in wrought iron.
- Free tour of the historic center
- Visible towers in the town and citadel
9. Find the statue of local hero Paul Arène
This statue pays tribute to Paul Arène, a writer and journalist born in Sisteron in 1843. This monument introduced us to this man of letters, friend of Daudet and chronicler of Provence. This sculptural work testifies to local pride in its illustrious children. Paul Arène’s writings and Parisian chronicles have helped raise the profile of Provençal culture. We enjoyed this cultural stopover, reminding us that Sisteron has produced some of the most outstanding figures in French literature.
- Located in the city center
- Free access at all times
- An ideal moment for a cultural break
10. Cooling off at the Plan d’eau des Marres
A refreshing break after a visit to the historic town. The Plan d’Eau des Marres features an artificial lake surrounded by green spaces where you can relax. We enjoyed this leisure area with its water sports and picnic areas. The area is ideal for families, with its children’s playground and walking trails. In summer, the supervised swimming area allows you to cool off while enjoying the unspoilt natural surroundings on the outskirts of town.
- Open from June to September for swimming
- Free access, parking available
- Picnic areas and children’s playgrounds
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Other attractions in and around Sisteron
We discovered other activities that perfectly complemented our visit to Sisteron. These additional attractions allow you to extend your stay and explore the surroundings of this beautiful Provencal town.
Take a ride on the Citadelle tourist train
This little train saves you having to walk up to the citadel, while offering a guided tour of the town. The tour allows you to discover the history of Sisteron from the comfort of your own home.
Tree climbing in the Citadelle forest
This sporting activity enabled us to discover the forest surrounding the citadel from a different angle. The tree courses are suitable for all levels and offer original views over the valley. Find out more here.
Follow one of the hiking trails around Sisteron
Some hiking trails lead above the Rocher de la Baume, on the Gâche mountain. The panoramas are exceptional. These walks allow you to discover the remarkable geology of the region and observe the local flora and fauna. See prices, photos and availability.
How to get to Sisteron + parking
Where is Sisteron
- In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, PACA region
- Gap: 50min drive
- Digne-les-Bains: 1h drive
- Marseille: 1h30 drive
A map will soon be available to help you find your way around.
How to get there
- By car via the A51 (Sisteron exit) or national roads.
- By train from Marseille.
- Regional buses also serve the city.
Parking in Sisteron
- Several free parking lots are available in the town center and near the citadel.
- The Baume parking lot offers direct access to the historic center.
Useful tips for visiting Sisteron
How long and when?
- Allow a full day to visit the citadel and historic center.
- Spring and autumn offer an ideal climate, with fewer crowds than in summer.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
- Start at the citadel in the morning when it’s cooler, then head down to the historic center.
- Bring good shoes for the climbs, old cobblestones and stairs.
Visiting with children
- The “Plan d’eau des Marres”, the accrobranche and the little tourist train will delight the youngest.
- The citadel, with its ramparts and underground passageways, is a favourite with children.
- Beware of uneven ground and bring water in summer.
Restaurants
We haven’t tested any Sisteron restaurants yet. But on our list are: Restaurant Il était une fois, Restaurant Le Canap and Restaurant L’Araignée Gourmande (BiB Michelin), just a few kilometers from Sisteron, in Laragne-Montéglin.
Visiting Sisteron in winter
Winter offers a special atmosphere, with the citadel sometimes covered in snow and fewer tourists. We like this season for its tranquility, even if some outdoor activities are limited. The monuments remain accessible and the Provencal charm works all year round.
