Top things to do

Situated 2km north of Digne-les-Bains in St-Bénoît, en route to Barle, this museum and outdoor park features four trails that explore the region's geology and natural history. Highlights include a sculpture park, a …

It's hard to believe, but millions of years ago the Alps sat at the bottom of a vast temperate sea, leaving behind millions of fossils pressed into the rock – including ammonites, trilobites and even the footprints …

Opened in 2015, this new museum in Digne explores Provence's lavender-growing culture through a mix of multimedia displays, explanatory panels, archive materials and vintage equipment. There's some interesting testi…

In the mountains around Digne, British contemporary artist Andy Goldsworthy has created a series of outdoor sculptures along a 150km hiking circuit through awe-inspiring alpine landscapes. Called the Refuge d'Art, t…

Classic French food, friendly service and a pleasant parasol-shaded street terrace make this one of Digne's better dining options. Expect dishes such as thyme-infused lamb and confit duck leg – and if in doubt, just…

Tapas plates and a super selection of wines by the glass are on offer at this backstreet bar. You can buy olive oils, wines, pickled peppers and other goodies to take home, too.

A rather oddball mix of exhibits are on show at Digne's main museum – from 19th-century Provençal paintings and natural history exhibits to contemporary art by the British artist Andy Goldsworthy. The most interesti…

Beamed, small and snug, this unassuming restaurant in the old part of Digne makes a decent stop for Provençal staples and flame-grilled meats.

Paris-born writer and philosopher Alexandra David-Néel (1868–1969) – among France's great historical figures – was the first woman to enter (incognito)into Tibet's temples. Later she settled in Digne. This museum pa…