Sisteron / Digne-les-Bains

From Sisteron, embark on one of the longest climbs along the whole P’tites Routes du Soleil® cycle route. Why not use it as an excuse to go and visit the animal park at Saint-Geniez or to stop for a bite there or in Authon. After riding along close to the Monges Range and crossing the Col de Font-Belle (a pass at 1,304m), you’ll discover the Duyes Valley. Enjoy the lovely views both from the Col d’Hysope (1,236m), which you come to on a descent, and all along the road leading down to Thoard and then Digne-les-Bains. Note that there is a short but quite lovely climb to the Pas de Bonnet (886m) a short distance before arriving at the town of Digne.

Don't miss:

• La Vallée Sauvage animal park at Saint-Geniez: to see both wild animals from the region’s mountains, such as marmots, deer and wild sheep, and farm animals, all living in 15 hectares of nature, including woodland.
• Digne-les-Bains: the county town of the département, or French county, of Alpes de Haute-Provence as well as a thermal spa resort (specializing in treating respiratory and rheumatic complaints). It stands in the heart of the UNESCO Géoparc de Haute-Provence, lies along the route Refuges d’Art, dedicated to Land Art, and became home to pioneering Eastern explorer Alexandra David-Néel. All told, Digne provides visitors with many surprises! 
• Thoard: the main settlement in the Duyes Valley, this perched village was built on a rocky outcrop and is overseen by its 12th-century bell-tower. 
• UNESCO Haute-Provence Geopark: created in order to protect and preserve the area’s exceptional geological heritage, this geopark served as model for the development of many further such parks around the globe.