Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Alpes-De-Haute-Provence

A faience manufacturer for three generations, this factory has been labelled a living heritage company (EPV), a state label, for the excellence of French know-how. The visit of the workshops allows to follow the complete manufacturing cycle. The initial mixture is made from raw quarry clays. It is then presented in the form of a coloured earthenware paste. In the modelling workshop, the parts are moulded one by one. They are then unmoulded, dried and deburred. The baking, known as biscuit baking, is carried out in an oven at 1,020°C. At the exit of the oven, the earthenware biscuit is glazed. The decoration is entirely hand painted, piece by piece. The second firing, called enamel firing, at 980°C, develops the brightness of the enamel and colours.

Ten minutes from the Motorway exit n°18 Manosque, on the Valensole and the road of Gorges du Verdon, the Angelvin family welcomes you for four generations on its farm of the lavender. It is possible, for individuals, visit the distillery during harvest. As for groups, visits are organised throughout the year on appointment from fifteen people. You will receive a remarkable video projection commented in several languages making the evolution in the way of collecting lavender since 1970 to today. In the shop open all year that offers the possibility of mail order selling, you will discover essential oils, flowers, soaps and other local products are carefully selected. A warm and professional enthusiasts with meetings and exchanges with the producer. Enjoy the exceptional view that is offered on a sea lavender as far as the eye can see.

Once you arrive at the bottom of the Estoublasse Valley, a parking lot allows you to park your car to reach the river on foot. For the more lazy or those who don't want to wait for bathing, many basins basins will allow you to cool off immediately. For those who like to walk a little, many trails set by the NFB lead to the heart of the gorge. Among other things, a 2-hour loop is easy to discover this canyon, 200 m deep in places. The gorges are classified as "biological reserves" and are a refuge area for many animal and plant species. A stroke of heart for lovers of nature!

The observatory of Alifant has the largest telescope in Europe dpuis that can scan planets, sun, nebulas galaxies and surrounding planet earth.

This road, taken by Napoleon to cross the Alps, rises very quickly and winds in a rough lacets. It runs through vast black pine forests and offers beautiful perspectives on the Alps. This is an obligatory passage for the riders of the Monte Carlo rally. 

The botanical path of Esparron, created in 1990, forms a loop of about 6 km, with 204 m of difference in altitude. From the south of the village, it joins the entrance of the gorges of Bas Verdon through wooded hillsides, then returns to Esparron following the banks of the lake. It is marked by yellow lines on the trees or rocks. Take the time (2 to 3 hours) to admire the biodiversity of its vegetation through about fifteen stops with didactic panels that will describe the plants encountered. Be careful with the cliffs. This trail should be avoided in hot weather.

The Massif massif is one of the most magnificent natural sites in the area of Digne-les-Bains. A route of the Grande Traversée de Des Des (WGIP) leads from the Col de Pierre-Basse to the summit of the Pas-de-le-faille where the landscape is unforgettable. A yellow and green markup allows to reach the village of Des. Here harvesting and hunting are strictly forbidden to protect rare species.