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 of Serres and Garde-Colombe huddle around their squares, arcades and round-tiled roofs. Time seems less hurried here: you can stroll, chat and greet in 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 of lavender scents 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
BuëchOzone Chabre open paragliding championships
Every year, the Ozone Chabre Open brings together the world’s paragliding elite on the legendary Chabre mountain. A spectacular competition in which precision, strategy and alpine thermals create an aerial ballet as technical as it is exhilarating.
la Roche des ArnaudsStarry night
Every summer, the Nuit des étoiles lights up the sky over the Buëch. Organized by the French Astronomy Association, this August event invites visitors to observe the Perseid meteor shower under one of the clearest skies in the Hautes-Alpes.
Buëch
Autumn fairs and markets
In the Hautes-Alpes, fall is best savored at the market stalls. With crisp apples, alpine cheeses, and mountain honey, fairs and markets celebrate the region’s high-altitude specialties. In the Buëch, colorful culinary events punctuate the golden season.
The Buëch
in figures
| AREA | 83% of the department’s 5,549 km² are covered by forests and mountainous areas. | 2,018.3 KM² OF LAND |
| RESIDENTS | One of the least populous departments in France, the Hautes-Alpes has a population of 142,000. | 34 147 |
| TOURIST BEDS | There are 410,000 tourist beds throughout France. They generate 22 million overnight stays a year. | 41 000 |
NB: data common to the Sisteron-Buëch and Buëch-Dévoluy EPCIs (excluding the Dévoluy commune) – 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
See also
PPAM
Fragrant, aromatic and medicinal plants
