Sisteron-Buëch

A land of light, flavours and scents

Massif des Monges et du Buëch
Département et Région : Alpes de Haute-Provence et Hautes-Alpes / Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Principaux cols : col de la Pigière, Signal de Lure, col de Fontbelle
Stops on P'tites Routes du Soleil®: Salerans / Sisteron, Sisteron / Digne-les-Bains

Summary

Bicycle loop suggestions
Our major passes
Bicycle events
Bicycling in Sisteron
Summer in Sisteron
Other seasons
Other events
Services
Summer in Sisteron
Témoignages
FAQ
Access
Contacts
Other villages and resorts close to Sisteron

Suggestions for cycling loops around Sisteron

Our grands cols

Col de Fontbelle : At the heart of the UNESCO Geoparc de Haute-Provence, the Col de Fontbelle links Sisteron to Digne les Bains. Culminating at 130m, it's a cyclist's paradise right in the heart of nature.
Montée de Chabre: Culminating at an altitude of 1300 m, the Montée de Chabre is a cyclotourist's paradise with a gradient of around 12% in places! The climb covers a distance of 12 km, with a difference in altitude of 690 m between the gorge road and the tarmac limit. Magnificent panoramic views of the Ventoux, Écrins and Montagne de Lure
Col du Perty: The Col de Perty offers incomparable panoramic views of Mont Ventoux and the Alps
Col Saint-Jean: The Col Saint-Jean links the Gorges de la Méouge from Lachau and Eygalayes to the village of Laborel, on the Route des Princes d'Orange. Its ascent and views over the Provençal Baronnies are particularly popular with cyclists! This little mountain road is very seldom used: a real paradise for cycle touring enthusiasts!
Col de Carabès: Located at an altitude of 1,261m, the Col de Carabès links the Drôme and Hautes-Alpes regions.
Col de Pommerol / La Fromagère: The Col de Pommerol, or Col de la Fromagère, is a crossing point between the Hautes-Alpes and Drôme departments. It is accessible via the Crête du Suquet and Crête de Raton trails. The pass overlooks the Eygues state forest.
Col des Tourettes: The Col des Tourettes gives access to the Haute Vallée de l'Oule, a patchwork of intensive farming, traditional winegrowing, lime trees and orchards of unrivalled quality.

Events around cycling

July 7, 2024: Grand Prix Cycliste de Turriers/la Motte/Faucon
July 17, 2024: Passage of the Tour de France 2024 (Rosans > Serres)
July 21, 2024: Le défi des 8 grimpées du Céans
July 30, 2024: Cols Réservés 2024: la Montée de Chabre
August 6, 2024: Cols Réservés 2024: Col de Pommerol
October 13, 2024: Cyclocross du Poët

Sisteron is also present at the Roc d'Azur (mountain biking) and the Salon du Randonneur.

Add to a roadbook

Cycling in Sisteron

Amateur, adepte or lover of two wheels, this is your home! Between the Alps and Provence, the Sisteron Buëch is a paradise for cycling in all its forms: mountain biking, road biking, gravel, VAE...
Strap on your bike and come explore the natural treasures of Sisteron and the Provencal Baronnies. Every pedal stroke will bring you a little closer to the beauty and serenity of these unique landscapes.

Vélo en Sisteron Buëch: a paradise for cycle touring enthusiasts
At the heart of the Parc naturel régional des Baronnies provençales and the UNESCO Geoparc de Haute-Provence, between the majestic mountains of the Alps and sunny Provence, Sisteron opens the doors to its picturesque back roads, ideal for cycle touring enthusiasts. The diversity of the routes and the beauty of the landscapes await you, between the legendary Mont Ventoux and the great passes of the Hautes-Alpes.

A varied playground: diversity of routes and beauty of landscapes
Discover while pedaling a mosaic of wild valleys, winding gorges and passes with the scent of Provence. The routes will take you through iconic passes such as:
- Col de Fontbelle
- Montée de Chabre
- Col du Perty
- Col Saint-Jean
- Col de Carabès
- Col de Pommerol / La Fromagère
- Col des Tourettes

Each circuit offers breathtaking views and total immersion in the unspoilt nature of the Provençal Baronnies.

Routes for all cyclists
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, our routes are designed to satisfy every desire:
- Shared routes: perfect for a friendly discovery of the surrounding area.
- Reserved passes: sporting challenges for thrill-seekers (Montée de Chabre July 30, 2024 and Col de Pommerol / La Fromagère August 6, 2024)
- Family loops: accessible, safe routes for sharing unforgettable family moments.

Our local itineraries
- La Durance à vélo is an invitation to cycle the cycle route (V862) along the Durance valley, between Briançon (Hautes-Alpes) and Avignon (Vaucluse), over a distance of 438 km. In the Hautes-Alpes region, the route starts in Briançon, then follows the course of the Durance down to Sisteron.
- Les P'tites Routes du Soleil® crosses the Pre-Alps to reach the Mediterranean from Thonon-les-Bains to Nice, a distance of over 900 km!

Espace Cyclosport FFC Sisteron Buëch
Welcome to the espace cyclosport FFC Sisteron Buëch! Everything here is designed with cyclists in mind. The routes are carefully marked and maintained, offering an exceptional cycle-touring experience. Take advantage of the warm welcome from the locals and the many services dedicated to cyclists to make your stay even more enjoyable.

Turnkey cycling holidays
Let's get away on two wheels! By bike, mountain bike or gravel, on your own power or with electric assistance, with a guide or on your own, as a star or on your own: we can offer you tailor-made trips to discover the Sisteron Buëch region!

Washing and recharging stations
If you've enjoyed our trails to the full... that's a good sign! A sign that you'll be back for more... but the bike could probably do with a little cleaning: wash stations are at your disposal in Sisteron, Authon, Clamensane.
Need to recharge your VAE? Our Sisteron, Laragne-Montéglin and Orpierre offices offer free Bosch charging stations.

https://www.sisteron-buech.fr/fr/j-ai-envie/pars-aventure/roue-libre

Summer in Sisteron

Located in the heart of Haute-Provence, Sisteron is a summer destination par excellence, offering a variety of activities and discoveries for visitors of all ages. Whether you're an avid hiker, a lover of historical heritage, or simply in search of culinary delights, Sisteron has something for everyone.

Hiking and outdoor activities
Sisteron is a paradise for nature and hiking enthusiasts. The region offers numerous marked trails suitable for all levels of hiker. Among the most popular is the trou de l'argent, a hike offering breathtaking views of the Durance valley and Sisteron's famous Citadelle.
With family or friends, don't hesitate to discover the accrobranche (accessible from 3 years old accompanied) at the foot of the citadel, climbing on the famous Rocher de la Baume or the new discovery farm the Domaine d'Aimel.
A refreshing break at the plan d'eau des Marres (free) is a must and only a 5-minute walk from the town center.

Entertainments and events
Summer in Sisteron is punctuated by numerous festivals and cultural events. The Festival des Nuits de la Citadelle is one of the highlights of the season, attracting internationally renowned artists for open-air concerts, plays and dance performances. Don't miss Rues en fête, 2 summer evenings dedicated to music in the streets. Wednesday and Saturday markets are particularly popular, transforming the town into a place of flavors and colors.

Heritage and history
Sisteron is rich in historical heritage. The Citadelle de Sisteron, perched on a rocky spur, is a must-see. This historic monument offers not only a fascinating history lesson, but also spectacular panoramic views over the Durance valley and surrounding mountains. The historic center invites you to stroll around and discover its architectural treasures. Free guided tours are offered by the town's cultural department. Discover our new augmented reality application that lets you immerse yourself in the history of this medieval town. Free to download from the stores: Sisteron Buëch, découverte virtuelle.
For a refreshing break on hot summer days, Sisteron's three museums offer cool spaces and captivating exhibits: the Musée Terre et Temps, the Musée Gallo-Romain and the Écomusée du Pays Sisteronais.

Provencal gastronomy
Local specialties, often based on fresh, local produce, will delight gourmets. Don't miss Sisteron lamb, renowned for its exceptional quality and taste. The region's markets abound with local produce: cheeses, olive oils, honey, seasonal fruit and vegetables. Restaurants offer authentic Provencal cuisine, highlighting Mediterranean flavors with aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary and lavender.

Sisteron is therefore not only a must-see in Haute-Provence, but also the starting point for discovering our destination: in addition to outdoor activities and our 5 lakes, our nuggets to discover include the Méouge Gorges, the great Provencal market of Laragne-Montéglin, the circuit of perched villages, the medieval villages of Orpierre and Rosans, the petites cités de caractère® of Serres and Garde-Colombe, the Massif des Monges... and that's not all!

cathédrale de sisteron

Returning in the off-season

Sisteron, nestled between the Alps and Provence, reveals itself in a different light during the spring and autumn seasons. Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, this period offers a serenity and authenticity conducive to discovering this historic town.

In spring, the first rays of sunshine illuminate the majestic citadel (open from late March to mid-November) perched on its rock, overlooking the Durance valley. Gardens bloom, dotting the town with bright colors and intoxicating fragrances. Alleys and squares slowly come to life, café terraces fill with locals and visitors enjoying the mild climate. It's the perfect time to explore the surrounding circuits, such as the Col de Fontbelle, which offers a panoramic view of the Route du Temps.

In autumn, nature takes on golden and coppery hues, creating an enchanting tableau as in the Gorges de la Méouge. The surrounding fields adopt warm colors, while the soft autumn light magnifies the old stones of the citadel and the old town. Local markets abound with seasonal produce, mushrooms and other autumn delights. It's also the ideal season for hiking, whether on foot, bike, mountain bike or horseback.

Sisteron, in the off-season, is a veritable showcase of tranquility and beauty. Whether in spring or autumn, every visitor can find a unique charm here, a perfect blend of nature, history and Provencal culture.

Other events

May (even years): Fête de l'agneau
July-August: Festival des Nuits de la Citadelle
July 24, 2024: Rues en fête
August 7, 2024: Rues en fête
August 17, 2024: Fête médiévale Sisteron
October 2024 Sacrée Méouge, La Méouge sans moteur
October 26, 2024: Marché aux fruits anciens à Orpierre

Cyclist in front of the'église de Montmorin

Services

Office de Tourisme Sisteron Buëch
1 place de la République
04200 Sisteron
04 92 61 36 50

Bureau de Sisteron
Bureau de Laragne-Montéglin
Bureau de Serres
Bureau d'Orpierre
Bureau de Rosans

Open year-round and marked Accueil vélo : dedicated guide L'aventure en roue libre, repair kit and topos/guide sales in our 5 offices, Bosch battery chargers in Sisteron, Laragne-Montéglin and Orpierre.

Bike boxes at Sisteron, Laragne-Montéglin and Serres SNCF stations.

Charging/inflation stations:
- Sisteron
- Authon/Col de Fontbelle
- Clamensane

Further information: accommodation and restaurants

favorite

Salérans / Sisteron

27,61 Km

1 h 50 min

Salérans

favorite

Sisteron / Digne-les-Bains

60,82 Km

5 h 00 min

Sisteron

Témoignages

Excellent welcome at Sisteron Tourist Office. The office has the "accueil vélo" label, and we were able to leave our bikes and panniers in a safe place for the day while we visited the town. Excellent point for all bikepackers passing through Sisteron! Bastien Guillot

Gorges de la Méouge. A refreshing change from the well-known Gorges du Verdon.
Beautiful sky-blue colors, a magnificent waterfall! @nono_ninette

Welcome to Sisteron, a beautiful town in Southern France If you're in Aix this is a perfect day trip as you can take a direct train or bus here and it's about an hour away ;) @mia.in.france

FAQ

What is Sisteron's gastronomic specialty? L'agneau label Rouge !
In what year was Sisteron the arrival and departure city of the Tour de France? 2020
What major itinerary was inaugurated in 2023 in Sisteron? La Durance à vélo

Access

Autoroutes A51: north and south exit at Sisteron

SNCF train stations
Sisteron
Laragne-Montéglin
Serres

Bus stops
Sisteron (bus station)
Laragne-Montéglin
Serres

Road access
from Aix-en-Provence, freeway A51 direction Gap exit n°22 (Sisteron-Sud) or n°23 (Sisteron-Nord)
from Grenoble, Route Napoléon RN 85 or RN 75