From Stone To Story: A Cultural Route Through The Cities Of The Southern Alpes

A town of art, elegance and culture, Aix-en-Provence opens the dance with its ancient façades swathed in warm, soothing colours, magnificent fountains and sunny squares. Just nearby stands the iconic silhouette of Mont Sainte-Victoire, a lifelong inspiration for Cezanne, perfect for a panoramic hike. As you leave the plain of Aix heading northwards, the landscapes gradually unveil Alpine vegetation, announcing the pending arrival of the Southern Alps. The scenery changes along the way: the relief becomes bolder and the rocks reach higher. The arrival in Gap, a human-scale town surrounded by summits and ensconced in nature, marks the start of the mountain range. Stop off at the Musée Départemental to enjoy a first fascinating foray into the history, geology and diversity of these magical mountains.

From Gap, head to the far western side of Serre Ponçon lake to Embrun, a former episcopal city standing guard over Durance valley for centuries. Notre-Dame-du-Réal Cathedral, with its remarkable volumes and Romanesque sobriety, stands witness to the site’s religious and political importance. A roam around the lanes of the historic quarter unveils the medieval past and key role of this Alpine crossroads. Another must-do stop-off lies just 20 kilometres away: Mont-Dauphin is a genuine masterpiece of military architecture. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rigorous lines and powerful ramparts of this fortified village designed by Vauban never fail to impress. From the heights, the view embraces the surrounding valleys and reveals the sheer brio of this site designed to watch over and defend the Alpine passes.

Vauban’s engineering talents truly rose to the challenge in Briançon, France’s highest town, boasting his most exceptional achievement. The town’s fortifications, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, form a spectacular ensemble of ramparts, forts and strategic passageways clinging to the mountain face. A stroll around this architectural marvel unveils constructions that embrace the relief, each playing its own defensive role. Next, it’s time to return to Durance valley and the town of Guillestre, a hub of farming and mountain know-how home to the tempting Fromagerie de la Durance. A local institution, this cheesemaker continues to uphold artisan techniques, handing down through generations. Genuine treasures of the Southern Alps, their character-filled cheeses forged by patience, nature and the love of a job well done, are an absolute must.

The architecture of Barcelonnette has plenty of surprises in store – in particular its Mexican-style villas – a legacy of the ties woven in the 19th century between Ubaye valley and Latin America. This singular past is still upheld today, with traditional, colourful Mexican celebrations lighting up the streets of Barcelonnette every August in the shape of processions, culinary treats and shows accompanied by mariachi bands. Head back to the banks of Serre-Ponçon lake to lap up the soothing decor of this vast expanse of water with its ever-changing colours, surrounded by high peaks. Poised above Savines-le-Lac, Boscodon Abbey is well worth a visit. Tucked away in the forest, this Romanesque abbey built in the 12th century in local stone, blends perfectly into the natural environment. Its fuss-free architecture and tranquil atmosphere never fail to charm.

​​Your last day takes you to the town of Sisteron, a genuine sentinel standing guard over the mountain pass between the Dauphiné and Haute-Provence. Its Citadel towers impressively over the valley – a majestic landmark and intrinsic part of the landscape, visible from afar. Climb up to the ramparts to discover the spectacular sweeping views over Durance valley and the surrounding mounts, underlining the strategic importance of this site over the centuries. Its impenetrable walls, bastions and walkways tell the story of an impressive fortress, blending Alpine and Provençal influences. Below, the town’s historic quarter beckons for a peaceful stroll amid narrow lanes and personality-packed façades, for the perfect end to this tour combining culture, jagged summits, majestic constructions and breathtaking vistas – great memories to relive on your way back to Gap, for the last night.