What you need to know about Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur region, this department is number 04 in France and is inhabited by 154,501 residents over an area of 6,925.22 km². This equates to a population density of 22.31 per km². The Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department was created in 1970 and its capital (prefecture) is called Digne-les-Bains. The inhabitants of this department are called Bas-Alpins and it is actually divided into 3 districts, 30 towns, and 200 municipalities.
The climate of this Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department is characterized as subtropical. This climate is marked by a generally humid year and little to no dry season. Temperatures fluctuate throughout the year around 12.4°C. And the amount of rainfall is about 636.3 mm annually. The hottest months are from June to September.
Which departments border Alpes-de-Haute-Provence?
Bordered by Île-de-France, Nord Pas-de-Calais, Champagne-Ardenne, and Picardie, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department also shares a border with the following departments: Ardennes, Marne, Seine-et-Marne, Oise, and Somme. In fact, Belgium also shares a common border with Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
What are the best places to visit in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence?
Annot
Located in the northeastern part of the department, the town of Annot is favored by terrain interspersed with streams and rivers. Take the train and enjoy the breathtaking view while traveling to Nice from Digne-les-Bains. In the lowest area of the town, you can see the Vaire river, one of the most popular. You will also see in Annot a donjon and a congregation, not to mention the town center square also called the “dark square.”
Barcelonnette
Located in the Ubaye valley, the town named Barcelonnette is dominated by mountains that characterize the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. The best place to visit is a tall tower called the Clock Tower, dating from the 15th century. This tower was once part of a religious circle. You will also see the Paul Reynaud House and Honorat Street. Finally, there are old architectures made up of “Mexican houses” in a style dating from the 1890s.
What are the towns of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department?
The largest towns in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, by population, are: Manosque, Digne-les-Bains, Sisteron, Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, Oraison, Forcalquier, Pierrevert, Villeneuve, Les Mées, Sainte-Tulle, Volx, Barcelonnette, Valensole, Peyruis, Gréoux-les-Bains, Malijai, Riez, Volonne.
