Route du Temps

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence


The Route du Temps is a signed route that winds through some of the area's most dramatic valleys, historical sites and rock formations; it starts just north of Sisteron and follows the D3 to St-Geniez, up and over Col de Font-Belle (1304m) to the medieval fortified village of Thoard.

Interpretive panels along the way explain what you're seeing, and if you fancy a closer look, various trails criss-cross their way into the surrounding hills. It's also worth stopping in Thoard for a visit to the Distillerie du Siron, a small-scale organic lavender factory run by local maker Marc Malagutti.

In total, it's a journey of around two to three hours, depending on how many stops you make. For further information and a route map (€2), contact the Sisteron tourist office.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Alpes-de-Haute-Provence attractions

1. Citadelle de Sisteron

0.51 MILES

For the finest views of the valley, make a beeline for Sisteron's hilltop citadel, perched on a flank of rock high above the town. Built in stages between…

2. Distillerie du Siron

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A beautifully sited lavender factory near Thoard, along the Route du Temps. You can watch the distillation process and buy products in the onsite shop.

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Travelling north from Forcalquier towards Sisteron, you can’t miss the mysterious Rochers des Mées: rows and rows of rocky pinnacles, some as high as 100m…

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