Things to do around Sisteron | Activities in Provence & the Alps

Things to See & Do in the Region

Discover Provence, the Alps, and the legendary landscapes of the South, less than a 3-hour drive away

Located in the heart of the Alpes de Haute Provence, among picturesque villages, wild mountains, and fields of lavender, La Maison des Hôtes is an ideal starting point for exploring an exceptional region combining Provence, the Alps, nature, and green tourism, whether you stay in our guest rooms like in a hotel or enjoy complete independence in our “Le Colombier” cottage.

Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, biking, motorcycling, scenic routes such as the Route Napoléon, or are simply looking for well-being, unspoiled landscapes and authenticity… it’s all here.

Must-see attractions less than 15 minutes away

One of the most spectacular in France, pure adrenaline

Thrills guaranteed with its footbridges and Nepalese bridge. Ideal for lovers of verticality.

5 minutes away (Le Caire) This is the star attraction of the valley and it’s right next door to us! Known as one of the most beautiful in France, it offers a dizzying 60-meter footbridge and giant zip lines. It’s an unforgettable experience for sports enthusiasts, with courses adapted to different levels.

Our tip: Remember to reserve your equipment at the Cairo tourist office. If you don’t climb, go just to see the show, it’s impressive!

Hikes in the Grand Vallon and Les Monges (5–20 min)

Immediate departures from the house or a few minutes away:

ridges, forests, viewpoints, alpine meadows… a paradise for green tourism and nature.

Find all the information you need about hiking around La Mote du Caire here >>https://www.sisteron-buech.fr/explorer/villages/la-motte-du-caire/<<

La Motte-du-Caire & its small shops

A charming Provençal village, accessible on foot, on the historic route of the Pilgrimage of Saint James.

BCM Café

A friendly spot in the heart of the village, the BCM Café welcomes locals and visitors alike throughout the day. With morning coffee, a bar, light meals, and entertainment, it’s a real hub for socializing and meeting people.

Practical info
Place du Pied de Ville – 04250 La Motte-du-Caire, France
+33 (0)7 83 87 73 81

Approximate opening hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (closed on Mondays, varies depending on the season)

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/bcmcafe_bar/

Bona Bona Ppétit

Local caterer offering on-site cooking (paella, couscous, festive dishes), event services, and a market presence. Specializes in convivial events and large-volume services.

Practical information
464 Route de Sisteron – 04250 La Motte-du-Caire
+33 6 70 88 08 76
bonabonappetit04@gmail.com

Social media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonabonappetit04/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bona_bona_ppetit/

Domaine du Brask

A site combining an orchard (apples), tourist cottages (Les Cottages du Brask), the La Grange restaurant, a nature campsite, a fishing lake, and outdoor activities. A place combining agriculture, tourism, and nature.

Practical information
Domaine du Brask – 04250 La Motte-du-Caire
Website:
https://www.lebrask.fr/

Social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091985059541
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lescottagesdubrask/

Activities and restaurant depending on the season – check social media for opening times.

Sandrine Roudier Entressangle grocery store

An essential local shop for everyday village life, the grocery store sells food, everyday items, and local services. It welcomes customers of all ages and is actively involved in local life.

Practical information
Rue Sainte-Catherine – 04250 La Motte-du-Caire
04 92 68 36 00

Approximate opening hours:
• Monday to Saturday: 7:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. / 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday & Saturday afternoons: closed
• Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

These establishments actively contribute to the economic, tourist, and social vitality of the town by offering essential services, welcoming spaces, and attractive activities for residents and visitors alike.

Starting point for numerous cycling and hiking trails in beautiful mountain landscapes.

No need to take the car to marvel at the scenery. Many trails start directly from our guest house. Whether you’re looking for an hour-long stroll after lunch or a longer hike along the ridges to admire the view of the Alps, we can show you the way.

Tip from the house: Ask us, we often have maps or secret itineraries to share with you!

La Motte-du-Caire Aerodrome – Gliding & gentle thrills (5 min)

Just 5 minutes from La Maison des Hôtes, La Motte-du-Caire Aerodrome is a unique place, ideal for discovering gliding in one of the best sites in France.

Supervised by passionate professionals, you can:

fly over alpine landscapes,
glide silently over the ridges,
admire Provence, the valleys, and the mountains from the sky,
and enjoy a gentle, poetic, and accessible aerial experience.

It is a rare, immersive activity, perfect for lovers of nature, wide open spaces, and motorless aerial sensations.

La Ferme d’Aimel – 10 minutes

A friendly and authentic discovery farm, ideal for understanding local agricultural life and meeting animals in a peaceful natural setting.

On site, you can:

approach and feed the farm animals,
discover how a local farm operates,
take part in educational activities,
buy local products from the farm and the surrounding area. A simple, family-friendly and welcoming outing, perfect for immersing yourself in the authentic spirit of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

La Ferme du Col – 15 minutes

An authentic educational farm where you can:

meet the animals,
taste farm products,
learn how cheese is made,
take part in workshops. A warm, educational, and local place.

Less than 30 minutes away

The Méouge Gorges / canyon (25–30 min)

A wild paradise. A listed natural site, perfect for swimming, walking, rock jumping, and picnics in turquoise waters.

35 minutes away This is the natural jewel of the region. Imagine a turquoise river winding through limestone rock, forming natural pools (known as “water holes”) and waterfalls.

Our tip: In the height of summer, this is a very popular spot. We recommend going early in the morning (before 10:30 a.m.) or late in the afternoon to enjoy the peace and quiet.

Sisteron (20 min)

The “Pearl of Provence,” dominated by its vertiginous citadel.

A city steeped in history on the road connecting Provence and the Alps.

The Citadel of Sisteron – 20 minutes

Overlooking the town and the Durance River, the Citadel of Sisteron is one of the region’s iconic monuments, perched between Provence and the Alps.

A must-see, it offers:

spectacular views,
a fascinating historical journey,
scenic spaces,
unique views of the valley and mountains. A classic, not to be missed during your stay.

The Gallo-Roman Museum of Sisteron – 20 minutes

An intimate museum that showcases the archaeological treasures found in the Sisteron area.

You will discover:

mosaics,
sarcophagi,
everyday objects from Gallo-Roman times,
and evidence of a rich ancient past.

The Paleogalerie in Salignac – 25 minutes

A fascinating place for young and old alike, dedicated to prehistory, fossils, and the evolution of life.

The Paleogalerie offers:

immersive exhibitions,
impressive fossils,
fun and educational experiences. A site combining nature, science, and discovery.

Hautes Alpes Canyoning – Bayon Canyon – 25 minutes

👉 https://hautes-alpes-canyoning.fr/

For adventure lovers, the Bayon Canyon is one of the most beautiful spots in the area.

Accompanied by qualified professionals, enjoy:

jumps,
abseiling,
natural slides,
crystal-clear pools, in a wild and unspoiled setting. An intense and fun outdoor activity to enjoy with family or friends.

La Vallée Sauvage – 25 minutes

An animal park nestled in a preserved environment, dedicated to mountain animals and local species.

You can see:

marmots,
wolves,
birds of prey,
ibex… A perfect nature outing for the whole family.

The Sisteron “Lake” (20 min)

Relaxation for the whole family.

25 minutes away If you are looking for a supervised swimming area that is easy to access and has amenities (showers, snacks), this is the perfect place. Located at the foot of the Citadel, the setting is magnificent. The water is warmer than in the river and the lawns are perfect for lounging in the sun.

Our tip: Ideal for cooling off after visiting the Sisteron market on Saturday morning.

Cycling & cycle touring routes

Hilly roads, charming villages, gentle passes, open landscapes.

A perfect playground for lovers of cycle touring, road cycling, or e-bikes.

Less than 45 minutes away

Apiland – World of Bees – 40 minutes

https://www.apiland.com/

A vast museum space dedicated to bees, honey, and beekeeping.

Apiland offers:

guided tours,
activities,
tastings,
educational workshops. An unmissable outing to understand the importance of these little guardians of nature.

The Muséoscope du Lac de Serre-Ponçon – 45 minutes

Located above the lake, the Muséoscope tells the incredible story of the construction of the Serre-Ponçon dam, one of the largest in Europe.

You will discover:

immersive installations,
poignant testimonials,
the history of the submerged village,
an exceptional view of the turquoise lake.

The Colorado Provençal (40–45 min)

Extraordinary landscapes of red and orange ochres, paths sculpted by the wind: a site unique in France, worthy of a movie set.

The villages of the Luberon (45 min – 1 hour)

Forcalquier, Banon, Saint-Étienne-les-Orgues, Simiane-la-Rotonde…

Provençal charm, old stone buildings, and magnificent panoramas.

Tallard Aerodrome – The temple of air sports (35 min)

30 minutes from the house, the Tallard aerodrome is an internationally renowned site, known as one of the best spots in Europe for air sports.

There, you can try your hand at or treat someone to:

freefall/skydiving,
paragliding,
microlight flying,
and introductory flights in a plane or helicopter.

It’s a legendary place for those who want to experience one of the greatest thrills of their lives, with exceptional views of the Alps, Lake Serre-Ponçon, and the surrounding valleys.

1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes

Serre-Ponçon Lake (35 min – 1 hour)

A day trip. One of the largest lakes in Europe, surrounded by the Alps, ideal for:

swimming
paddleboarding/sailing
nature outings
relaxation

It’s a bit like the “sea in the mountains.” If you’re staying with us for several days, it’s worth making the trip to see this vast blue expanse. You can go boating, paddleboarding, or simply swimming in a magnificent setting.

Digne-les-Bains (1 hour)

Spa town and lavender capital.

Well-being, relaxation, and treatments.

The House of Alexandra David-Néel – Digne-les-Bains – 1 hour

House-museum of the great French explorer, the first Western woman to enter Tibet in 1924.

Here you can discover:

her exceptional life,
her travels,
her writings,
her spiritual and humanistic world. An inspiring visit, combining culture, exploration, and philosophy.

Visit to L’OCCITANE in Manosque – 1 hour

An iconic brand in Provence, L’OCCITANE opens its doors for a unique sensory experience.

On the program:

a tour of the workshops,
an explanation of how natural cosmetics are made,
Mediterranean gardens,
a shop selling perfumes, essential oils, and Provençal skincare products. A fragrant and authentic experience.

The Museum of Prehistory of the Gorges du Verdon – Quinson – 1 hour 15 minutes

One of the largest prehistory museums in Europe, located in a typical Provençal village.

It offers:

life-size reconstructions,
modern museography,
themed tours,
a total immersion in human history. Perfect for a cultural outing with the family.

The Ubaye Valley (1 hour 15 minutes)

Imposing mountains, powerful rivers, and authenticity.

Perfect for outdoor activities: alpine hiking, rafting, mountain biking.

The Verdon Regional Natural Park (1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes)

The famous Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe.

A natural wonder to explore on foot, in turquoise waters or through panoramic views.

Aix-en-Provence (1 hour 30 minutes)

Art, markets, fountains, narrow streets, and a gentle, elegant Provençal atmosphere.

At the gateway to the French Riviera.

Ski resorts less than 2 hours away

From La Maison des Hôtes, you can easily access several family-friendly ski resorts nestled in the Alpes de Haute Provence, ideal for a day in the snow in winter or a refreshing outing in summer.

Between downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and high-altitude panoramas, these resorts offer the perfect blend of nature, well-being, and green tourism, with the authenticity of the Provençal mountains.

Montclar Resort – 1 hour 20 minutes

Located between Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Alps, Montclar is a family-friendly resort offering:

downhill skiing
cross-country skiing
snowshoeing
magnificent views of the valleys
a gentle, accessible, and sunny atmosphere

An ideal destination for a Provençal day in the snow.

Pra Loup resort – 1 hour 30 minutes

One of the most iconic resorts in the Ubaye Valley, renowned for:

its large ski area
its larch forests
its authentic alpine atmosphere

Perfect for experienced skiers and families alike.

Le Grand Puy – 1 hour 30 minutes

An intimate resort with local charm, ideal for:

learning to ski
enjoying nature away from the crowds
trying out winter sports in a warm atmosphere

A perfect place for simplicity, calm, and panoramic views of the Southern Alps.

Chabanon – 1 hour 20 minutes

A gentle, wooded resort, very pleasant for:

downhill skiing
night skiing (depending on the season)
snowshoeing

Very convenient for an impromptu snow outing.

Crévoux – 1 hour 40 minutes

An authentic resort in the heart of the mountains:

wild landscapes
renowned Nordic skiing area
a truly alpine atmosphere

A place much loved by lovers of nature and gentle skiing.

An ideal region for winter… and summer

These resorts, accessible in less than 2 hours, perfectly complement the La Maison des Hôtes experience:

between Provence, the Alps, lavender, skiing, hiking, cycling, well-being, nature, swimming and walks along the Route Napoléon, desires may change but the beauty remains.