Print-friendly version
Motorhoming in the Alpes Haute Provence
Motorhoming in the Alpes de Haute Province
Situated at what could be called the centre of PACA, the Alpes de Haute Provence are described as being a little corner of paradise. The mixture of Provence in the south of the department and Alpes in the north is a winning combination resulting in warmth, mountains, lakes, rivers and little areas of wonderful architecture.
There is a route which follows the ridges of the spectacular Verdon Gorge which, with its origin at 2000m altitude is described as a ‘cathedral of nature’. If adrenaline sports are your thing, you’ll be able to do a bungee jump into the canyon under the Bridge of Artuby which is around 200m deep. For most of us, visiting the villages along the way is perhaps more appealing, so stop off at Moustiers Sainte Marie. Founded by the monks in the middle ages, the population increased in the 12th century and offered themselves the protection of ramparts in the 14th century. Using the power of the water which descends the mountain the village developed several industries and finally became famous for its earthenware which even today, alongside the tourism, plays a major part in the life of this tiny commune.
While you’re in the area you could also visit the Lac de Sainte Croix which was created in 1975 by the installation of a damn. At 12km long and 3km wide with its turquoise waters which reach a depth of up to 70m, it is a haven where you can make the most of the sunshine and clean air whilst relaxing on one of its sandy beaches and swimming or practicing your favourite water sport in its clear waters.
Digne les Bains which can be found almost in the middle of the department is a thermal spa town founded in 1930. Whilst wandering around its numerous treasures you can also visit the Butterfly Gardens. Around two and a half acres of climatic and geographic perfection for the butterflies, along with all of their preferred plants and shrubs has encouraged the proliferation of 117 species in these delicately perfumed gardens. You might like to swop your motorhome travel in France for a train ride on the tourist train which links Digne with Nice. This train which is a daily means of transport for the local inhabitants of these small mountain communes is the perfect way to discover the wonderful countryside of the Alpes de Haute Provence.
If you’re hiring a motorhome in France or hiring a motorhome in England, stop over in the free Aires de Service in the Alpes de Haute Provence while touring its beautiful little villages. There are twelve villages in the department that are listed, all possessing a remarkable architectural heritage. These villages such as Simiane-la-Rotonde, Dauphin, Entrevaux and Riez are all linked by a route called ‘Villages et Cités de Caractère’ and offer superb points of view over the countryside of the Hautes Alpes. Then go over the departmental border and continue the ‘Alpes experience’ by doing some motorhoming in the Alpes Maritime.
|
