Buëch
The wild song of the Baronnies
On the southern borders of the Alps and Provence, the Buëch rolls out its wide valleys and fragrant hills, between the cool shadows of the gorges and the clarity of the sky. A land of contrasts and harmony, it combines the strength of cliffs and the gentleness of orchards and lavender fields, the memory of ancient towns and the promise of carrying winds.
From hilltop villages to aromatic fields
A wild setting
untamed kingdom
At Gorges de la Méouge, turquoise water carves out the soft rock, hollowing out natural pools and kettles. In summer, the river becomes a haven for bathers, in winter a sanctuary of silence. The streams and lakes of Iscles, Germanette, Riou and Rosans are islands of freshness. Not far away, the climbing cliffs ofOrpierre attract climbers from all over the world, drawn by the village’s golden verticality and gentle lifestyle.
The Gorges de la Méouge
Villages of memory
that tell the story of time
The Buëch preserves a heritage where stone still speaks. The Petites Cités de Caractère – Serres, Garde-Colombe, Rosans – huddle around their squares, arcades and round-tiled roofs. Here, time seems less hurried: you stroll, you chat, you greet the cool shade of a fountain. Just a step aside and Sisteron’s citadel stands watch.
The village of Orpierre
Colors and fragrances
a sensory journey
On the hillsides, orchards and lavender fields create a mosaic that changes with the seasons. In spring, the rosy whites of the fruit blossoms mingle with the song of the bees. In summer, the indigo scent of lavender perfumes the scorching air, heralding the harvest and markets bursting with fruit gilded by the Provencal sun. Lime, thyme, roses, mint and other aromatic plants flourish here all year round.
Lavanderaie des Hautes Baronnies
Clear skies,
free flights
The Parc naturel régional des Baronnies provençales watches over the unspoilt nature of the Buëch. The mountain of Chabre, kingdom of free flight, offers its crests to paragliders and hang gliders. At Moydans, the astronomical observatory invites you to probe the infinity of the immaculate sky. And on the plain, theChevalet aerodrome extends the exhilaration of open horizons.
Buëch highlights
OrpierreAntiquefruit market
Every Saturday before All Saints’ Day, the village of Orpierre lights up with the colors of old-fashioned fruits and vegetables, the stars of this market. You can (re)discover these forgotten vegetables, learn new methods of preservation and planting, and meet producers and market gardeners.
Ruelle de Serres labellisée Petite Cité de Caractère sous un rayon de soleil (Serres alleyway, classified as a “Petite Cité de Caractère”)
Serres and Garde-Colombe
Chemin des crèches
In the Petites Cités de Caractère® of Serres and Garde-Colombe, the windows and alleyways come alive with santons. These little figurines, which inhabit the traditional Provencal cribs in the run-up to Christmas, give life to an enchanting journey through the heart of the Buëch.
Buëch
Historic Monte Carlo Rally
Every winter, the Buëch vibrates to the rhythm of the Monte Carlo Historic Rally, offering spectators the unique spectacle of vintage cars tackling passes, curves and snow-covered landscapes, shortly after the famous Monte Carlo Rally drivers have passed through.
The Buëch
in figures
| AREA | 83% of the department’s 5,549 km² are covered by forests and mountainous areas. | 716.4 KM² OF LAND |
| RESIDENTS | 83% of France’s least populous departments, the Hautes-Alpes has a population of 142,000. | 9 597 |
| TOURIST BEDS | There are 410,000 tourist beds throughout France. They generate 22 million overnight stays a year. | 41 000 |
NB: common data for the Buëch-Dévoluy area – Source: INSEE
Need advice?
The tourist office,
your local ally
Good deals, ideas for activities, personalized advice: don’t hesitate to come and meet or contact the Tourist Office teams to make the most of your destination.
Buëch springs
497 Av. du Commandant Dumont, 05400 Veynes
Sisteron Buëch
1 Pl. de la République, 04200 Sisteron
