Authon

Pop. : 38 h. Alt : 1 300 m.

Department of Alpes de Haute Provence

Authon is an adorable, tiny village tucked away in the hollow of wooded hills, some of which are formed from black marl clay. This contrasts beautifully with the blue and yellow shutters on the few houses with their fir tree shaded gardens that make up the village. This is where the famous Sisteron lambs feed on lavender, thyme and rosemary. The road that leads to Authon, called the "Time trail", will fascinate you, if you take the "time" to stop at each information panel.

They explain how these stratified, folded and eroded grey and black cliffs that look like elephant feet were formed during the Tertiary period!

Very close to the village, in a lunar decor of black marl clay flows a small sparkling brook. Sit down on one of the wooden log benches, to contemplate this charming village, breathe in that pure, bracing mountain air, and at the same time let yourself be lulled by the song of the torrent !

Worth visiting :

The Authon circuit.
Two churches.

Accommodation :

2 Gîtes.

Leisure activities:

Numerous hiking excursions: in the Monges massif,
St Vincent's cave circuit (5 hours)
or walks on the forest trails
(up to Costebelle crest, for example).
Fishing.

Neighbouring villages :

St Géniez (7 km), Briançon (2 km),
Sisteron (23 km)