Come and discover Haute-Provence’s enchanting outdoors on foot : as a local hiking guide, I will lead you through unspoiled and confidential nature. My favorite playground ? A region between Provence and the South Alps, combining the best of these 2 territories : the sun and the lavender, thyme or rosemary smells coming from the South… and the alpine relief, suitable for mountain activities ! As a mountain guide living in Sisteron, I propose half-day, full day excursions or short trips around Provence.
Walking, hiking through Provence and the South Alps with a local guide
admire a sunset over Lure mountain, discover the famous Gorges of Méouge, climb over Ceüse cliff, explore local caves around Sisteron…
to discover how to identify and use local wild plants, follow local artist’s footsteps, go on botanical explorations, observe animals tracks..
to entertain yourself and your children, playing a game to discover local species, solve mysteries and enigmas
Must-seen hikes around Sisteron, between Alps and Provence
Whether you just enjoy walking, are an experienced hiker, all levels of difficulty are possible, from the gentle walk to a great trek, at altitudes from 200 to 2,500 metres. Come and discover the wonderful « gorges », dug by impetuous rivers (Verdon, Méouge…) over calcaire cliffs. Attend a sunrise or a sunset over the French South Alps for a great panorama. Admire the mountains from the Sisteron Citadelle. Sneak into the « Trou de l’Argent » cave, over the Baume cliff. Enjoy a picnic at the edge of the Monges lake…
Lure mountain and the Luberon
The Lure mountain stands out from the line of high peaks of the Southern Alps. It dominates the eastern part of the Luberon and lands of Haute-Provence so dear to Jean Giono. Classified as a biosphere reserve by the UNESCO, the Lure mountain is also a great 4 seasons playground : snowshoes hikes during winter, botany walks in spring or sunset during summer.
The « Trou de l’Argent » cave
The Trou de l’argent is a vertigo hike : it first crosses a cave and then runs through a cliff hanging path, leading you to this wonderful cave into the calcaire cliff. Caution: this hike is only for experienced and well-equipped hikers.
The less-known Gorges of Vançon river
Not as famous as the Méouge, the Vançon is a secret river descending from the Monges mountain range. Besides the lovely river you can explore, land art, forests and abandoned villages are also part of the visit.
The Ceüse cliff, viewpoint over the French South Alps
A majestic rocky cliff, world-famous among climbers, rises in a semicircle around the forest, revealing on the other side a vast plateau of meadows.
The Meouge canyon
Bathed in warmth and sunlight, the gorges de la Méouge are renowned for the quality of their waters and their grandiose scenery. Shaped by the same named stream, the Gorges de la Méouge is a protected site (Natura 2000 Zone).
Observe sunrise or sunset
The Gâche mountain, the old castle of Mison or the Monges mountain range are my favorite location to see the most incredible sunrise/sunset. Book an early morning or sunset hike !
Secret routes into the Monges mountain range
Infinite spaces, immense horizons over the South Alps and Provence, soft shaped ridges, steep slopes, deep valleys, tormented reliefs… all the ingredients for a hike out of the beaten tracks are here !
Theme tours – Unusual guided walks
Come and live an atypical experience surrounded by nature! Want to track wildlife ? To get lost in the forest after dark while listening to stories or observing the starry sky ? To get to know Alpine and Mediterranean plants ? To meet a producer in the region for a visit/tasting (honey factory, brewery, farm or lavender farm…) ? Come for one of my theme tours !
WATER HIKES
Come for a waterfall or a river trailpath : we will explore the shores of well-known rivers (Verdon, Méouge) or little-known streams. You will learn more about specific flora and fauna living there. I provide landing nets to observe them !
FOLLOWING ALEXANDRA DAVID-NÉEL’S FOOTSTEPS…
Known as a Belgian–French explorer and spiritualist, Alexandra David-Néel (1868-1969) traveled through Tibet, India, China and Japan… before coming to spend the end of her life in Digne-les-Bains. We will follow in her footsteps, you will learn more about her astonishing life.
BOTANIC EXPLORATION OF PROVENCE GARRIGUE
Provence hills are full of aromatic plants. What is called garrigue in the South of France is this type of scrubland that grows on limestone soils after fires and clearcutting. I will present the specific flora composing garrigue and the fauna living there, but also how it appears, how long it lasts, why we can see garrigue in some places, pine groves in some others, oak forest elsewhere.
PROVENCE HILLTOPH VILLAGES AND LOCAL HERITAGE
I will lead you towars typical Provencal hilltop villages around the Durance valley. We will do a short hike in the neighborhood before visiting 1 old village combining architectural and artistic distinctive features.
LAVENDER ROUTES
The lavender fields are among the most beautiful landscapes in Provence. Beyond the picture-postcard landscapes, this colorful walk among lavender fileds will surely provide you information about the numerous uses of lavender. This iconic flower has been used for millenia in the form of essential oil for healing.
THE FARM HIKE – TASTING LOCAL PRODUCTS
Farms around the countryside are rich in activities. Come for a friendly and playful moment to discover flavors, nature, history and local know-how (honey, apple, lamb or lavender fields…).
GEOLOGY WALKS
Within the Haute-Provence UNESCO Global Geopark, we will see fascinating geological folds and patterns, preserved fossils and rocks in all their diversity. I will explain the somewhat complicated geology in the area (influence of the uplift of the Alps and Pyrenean thrust). You will also understand the links between geology and human activities (agriculture, industry, construction, heritage, etc.)
OBSERVING WILDLIFE TRACES
Wildlife is so difficult to observe when walking in a group… fortunately it leaves traces in its wake! We will learn how to find and then identify clues related to fauna (fur, mark, meal traces, eggs, nests…). This hike can be organized into the wood (forest animals) or around a pond (aquatic fauna).
MOONLIGHT WALKS
Turn off your headlamp, we are going for a moonlight hike into mountain forest ! Be silent to listen to the animals of the night, accustom your eyes to the darkness, understand how the fauna and flora adapt… let’s go out at sunset and come back once night has fallen.
Family Activities
Discover nature activities suitable for the whole family: discovery of the river and small fishing using a landing net, investigation games to meet wildlife living in our mountains, Escape Game around the little-known heritage of Sisteron..
TREASURE HUNT
Want to know better the biodiversity of the area, while having fun? I organize a real giant investigation game where you are the heroes ! You will have to you solve the mystery of a worrying disappearance of animals in the area to reach the reward.
LAND ART AND ARTISTIC ACTIVITIES
After a short walk in the forest, where you will learn more about fauna and flora. We will stop for a moment of artistic creation. You will be invited to collect natural materials (dead leaves, twigs, branches, fruits, etc.). You can then create a piece of art, combining drawing, collages or linocut. All equipment is provided by the guide!
ESCAPE GAME AROUND SISTERON
Are you spending a weekend or vacation in Sisteron and looking for an activity to do with your family? You don’t know the area well and would like to know more? This Nature Escape Game is made for you! You will discover the surroundings of the city and its most famous sites while having fun.
Simon, your local hiking guide
After living 6 years in Marseille, enjoying the southern light and the reliefs, I was drawn to the inland country of Sisteron. For 3 years, I have have succeeded in expanding my activity as a guide, turning my passion into my profession.
As an outdoor professional (State-certified mountain guide), I supervise hikes, bivouacs and other adventurous outings in nature. To experience a lively discovery of the mountains of Sisteronais, Baronnies Provençales, Monges, Devoluy or Verdon, do not hesitate to request a tour in Provence or in the South Alps.
Discover Sisteron area,
between South Alps and Provence
Sisteron region is a superb area for hiking. Footpaths weave their way past orchards, vineyards, lavender fields, limestone mountains and pastureland for sheeps. I will lead you to famous or little-known sites : hiking with a guide is a guarantee to have an experience out of the beaten tracks !
Around Sisteron, between Alps and Provence
Nestled in a rock at almost 500m altitude, Sisteron dominates a clue in the Durance: its waters have forced their way into the mountain to continue their course towards the south. Visit the citadel but stay a few more days to discover its hinterland: agricultural plateaus, massifs with tormented reliefs, little-known valleys and gorges (Sasse, Vançon) to get off the beaten track.
The Durance valley, towards Provence
The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park
The Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park is located in Provence, between the Alps and the Mont Ventoux. This green setting enjoys a mild, sunny climate and beautiful landscapes. Flowing into Sisteron, the wild waters of the Buëch border an unclassifiable territory between the Alps and the Mediterranean. A limestone massif with dizzying cliffs, its ridges are the kingdom of vultures in summer. The valleys are covered with fruit trees (apple, cherry or apricot trees) and you can stroll through its hilltop villages. Beyond the well-known Méouge gorges and the Orpierre cliffs, this territory offers plenty of interesting sports !
The Lure mountain
The Haute-Provence UNESCO Global Geopark
A magnificent and still confidential mountain range : one of my favorite places to go on an adventure for a few days. Amazing geology, land art, magnificent forests, rarely disturbed wildlife in one of the least populated areas of France. The Haute-Provence UNESCO Global Geopark was born of a desire to protect and preserve the territory’s geological heritage.
Buëch valley and Devoluy mountain range
As a small limestone massif almost rolled up on itself, penetrating the Devoluy is already an adventure ! The landscapes of the Dévoluy massif are marked by erosion, with numerous valleys and major scree slopes. Between its sun-drenched ridges, the magnificent Jarjatte valley and the enigmatic Durbon forest, there is plenty of nice hikes to do !
The Verdon Gorges, incredible canyon !
No need to present this 700 meters high dizzying canyon. Indeed, Verdon Gorges are one of the most beautiful river canyons in France. Besides the gorges, there are numerous possibilities for hiking towards surrounding and uncrowded peaks.
Next events
Find here the next hiking sessions scheduled around Sisteron : discover lovely natural spots, visit farms and meet local producers (lavenders, wine, beer, honey) with a group. I will translate between French and English, so you will not miss anything !
Rates
For more participants and multi-day tours please ask us for a quote.
Half Day • 2-3 hours
- Price includes the guiding fee and a local snack/apéritif provided by the guide. It does not include additional costs such as transportation, car park, possible admission ticket, snacks, meals and accommodation.
Full Day • 4-7 hours
- Price includes the guiding fee and a local snack/apéritif provided by the guide. It does not include additional costs such as transportation, car park, possible admission ticket, snacks, meals and accommodation.
Get in touch !
Wether you need more information or wish to book a personalized service, let’s talk about your wishes and abilities ! You can also book directly online for a scheduled hike.
by phone
+ 33 6 15 61 28 55
If I am not available, please leave a message with you name, the scheduled dates you want to come in Haute Provence and the number of people in your group.
by e-mail
