Page 181 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

PROVENCE AREA B Y AREA  179

ALPES-DE-HAUTE-

PROVENCE

In this, the most undiscovered region of Provence, the air
is clearer than anywhere else in France, which is why it
was the chosen site for France’s most important
observatory. But the terrain and the weather
conditions can be severe. Inaccessibility to areas has
restricted development and the traditional, rural way
of life is still followed.
Irrigation has helped to improve some Bains is a handsome spa town that has
corners of this mountainous land. The attracted visitors for more than a century
Valensole plain is now the most important and now hopes to enhance its appeal
lavender producing area of France. through its devotion to sculpture, which
Peaches, apples and pears have been fills the streets.
planted in orchards only recently irrigated The region’s history and architecture
by the Durance, the region’s main river, have also been greatly influenced by
which has been tamed by dams and a the terrain and climate. Strategically
hydro-electric power scheme. These positioned citadels crown mountain
advances have created employment and towns such as Sisteron, which was won
helped bring prosperity to the region. over by Napoleon in 1815, and the frontier
Another modern development is the town of Entrevaux. The design of towns
Cadarache nuclear research centre, and buildings has remained practical,
situated just outside Manosque. The mindful of the harsh winter and strong
town’s population has grown rapidly to Mistral winds. Undoubtedly, the beauty
20,300 inhabitants, overtaking the region’s of the region is revealed in the high lakes
capital, Digne-les-Bains. Famous for its and mountains, the glacial valleys and the
lavender and healthy living, Digne-les- colourful fields of Alpine flowers.

Bundles of cut lavender drying in fields near the Gorges du Verdon
Walker at the bottom of the cliff enclosing the Chambre du Roi, one of vast grés d’Annot sandstone outcrops in Annotgrés d’Annot sandstone outcrops in Annotgrés d’Annot