08/03/2023 | Partner: Département de la Haute - Savoie
The Great Leader's Walk
Exploring France in the footsteps of Napoleon, along the so-called “route de Napoléon”, is one of the most famous and fascinating trips.
The French general travels 315 kilometers from Cannes to Grenoble returning from his exile on the Island of Elba in 1815 with the sole aim of overthrowing the monarchy of Louis XVIII. Without having to imitate the daring spirit of the great leader, however, we can set out on his steps to discover some enchanting places, in particular those of the area of the Alps of Upper Provence.
Let’s start from Castellane. When the imposing mountain ranges stood here 40 million years ago, there was only one gigantic expanse of water: the primordial sea. The place has been inhabited since prehistoric times and by visiting the Maison Nature & Patrimoines you can discover traces of mermaids, large aquatic mammals, extinct fossils and the first inhabitants. This museum tells a story millions of years old, far away as a legend able to delight young and old. To admire a breathtaking view, just climb the limestone fortress and visit the vestiges of the ancient medieval village built in the 11th century and abandoned two hundred years later. Today the new Castellane is a small village nestled between the Alps and the lakes where you can walk quietly or leave for a trekking tour.
The second stage of this route leads to Digne Les Bains, a small village rich in history and valuable historical architecture, such as the Notre-Dame du Bourg church, where the symbol of the lion is shown at the entrance and on the portal to protect those who enter from vice and demons. Do not miss the stop at the renowned Notre-Dame-du-Bourg Archaeological Crypt, one of the largest in Europe, which extends for 870 square meters. But the village is also a center for contemporary art, to find out just consult the exhibitions and events organized by the Cairn Centre d’Art.
Let’s continue towards Volonne, where the former parish church of the 12th century, burned down during the wars of religion, has only the perimeter of its walls today, without flooring or a roof. Looking up, you can see the sky.
The Vanson River, its tributary, the Dourance, and the imposing Alps accompany us in the wonder of this territory full of natural landscapes, up to Sisteron, at the gates of Provence. It is a magical village perched on a narrow rock face from which the view overlooks Haute-Provence. The old tower and the walkways built on the ramparts of the 16th century are an ideal walk to do in spring, when the old citadel is visitable and open to tourists again. To immerse yourself in the culture of these places you can not miss the summer events scheduled: dances and night musical concerts to be experienced in the presence of these ancient walls that made Henry IV exclaim: “It is the most imposing fortress of my kingdom”.
Partner: Département de la Haute - Savoie
Sito di riferimento:
