Digne les Bains
On route N85, 155km, from Cannes, 53km. from Sisteron.
Discover Digne-les-Bains, a pretty town nestled between mountains, lavender fields, and thermal springs
Located 150 km from Marseille, 90 km from Aix-en-Provence, and 45 km from Manosque, Digne-les-Bains is the lavender capital of France and a leading destination for thermal wellness.
Nestled at an altitude of 600 m, between the foothills of the Alps and the fragrant plains of Haute-Provence, the town combines heritage, nature, and art de vivre. Renowned for its beneficial waters since Roman times, it now attracts spa guests, hikers, and culture lovers alike.
A peaceful and bright natural setting
Surrounded by hills covered with lavender fields, Digne-les-Bains offers a dry and sunny climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. To the north are the peaks of the Massif des Monges, and to the south are the Bléone gorges: an ideal playground for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that in the 19th century, the public baths were so popular that they welcomed up to 800 spa guests a day, some of whom came from Paris to “take the waters.” The spa tradition is still very much alive, thanks in particular to the spa resort specializing in the treatment of respiratory and rheumatic conditions.
Stroll through Digne-les-Bains
Start in the old town, around the 15th-century Saint-Jérôme Cathedral. Narrow streets climb gently up to the top of the town, offering shaded squares here and there.
Then head down to the Charles-de-Gaulle esplanade, the lively heart of the town where the Provençal market is held three times a week (Wednesday, Saturday, and Monday mornings in summer). In summer, the air is filled with the scent of freshly cut lavender and basil from the market gardens.
To the west, the Gassendi Museum surprises visitors with its mix of contemporary art and natural history collections. Further on, the Promenade des Barons d'Escalès leads to the Cousson viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the entire valley.
Must-see places
Saint-Jérôme Cathedral
A 15th-century Provençal Gothic monument, known for its carved portal and luminous interior.
Gassendi Museum
A blend of modern art, local history, and natural sciences, with outdoor works scattered throughout the grounds.
Butterfly Garden
More than 100 species can be observed in summer in a preserved natural setting. The butterfly garden is a wonderful way to learn more about the beautiful butterflies of Provence.
Spa
Respiratory and rheumatology treatments, with a wellness area.
Valensole Plateau
30 km away, a sea of lavender in bloom from mid-June to mid-July.
Local life and events
Provençal market: Wednesday and Saturday mornings, Monday mornings in summer, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Place du Général-de-Gaulle.
Corso de la Lavande: in August, flower parade and evening entertainment.
Fête de la Transhumance: end of May, arrival of the herds in the town center.
Lavender Fair: end of August, crafts and local products.
What to see
Cathedral St. Jerome. Cathedral Notre Dame du Bourg.
The geological reserve centre.
The museum of Digne (art and natural history).
The "Departemental" museum of religious art.
Lavander museum.
Leisure activities
Hiking, horseback riding, swimming (beach on the Bleone).
Swimming and boating on the lake of the Férréols, fishing on the lake of Gaubert.
Bike riding, squash, tennis, golf on an 18 hole course, swimming pool.
Spa. Balneotherapy centre.
Holiday rentals
RESIDHOTEL Resort
Apartments for 2 to 4 persons
Close to the city center and the thermes
In the heart of nature, Camping La Célestine offers pitches for tents with or without electricity / caravans / vans or motorhomes and mobile homes for 4 to 8 people. Ideally situated between Provence and its lavender plateaux, the Verdon gorges and beautiful towns such as Dignes-les-Bains and Sisteron, you'll find all the peace and quiet you need, whether on a pitch or in a rental.
Campings
Chalets, mobile homes with private bath, wifi, mountain view, heated outdoor pool, fitness, volleyball, table tennis, playground. Bar, restaurant. Breakfast service. Shuttle to downtown
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Campsite with heated swimming pool, mobile home with furnished terrace and bathroom. Located at the start of a via ferrata (equipment available). Tennis, table football, table tennis, children's play area. Barbeque, entertainment. Wifi
Pretty campsite near Digne. In the heart of Provence, Camping Tikayan La Célestine offers a variety of accommodation solutions, from the Eco range to the more comfortable mobile home, with all the amenities of a three-star campsite. Around fifty camping and caravanning pitches in Beynes are available for you to pitch your tent, put up your caravan and awning, or make a stopover on your way south in your motorhome, taking advantage of a nearby electricity connection.
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Accomodations
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Campsites.
Practical information
By car: take the N85 from Sisteron or Castellane, or the N75 from Grenoble.
By train: Take the Train des Pignes from Nice to Digne-les-Bains station.
Your questions about Digne-les-Bains
You have sent us several questions about the pretty town of Digne. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions
Why is Digne-les-Bains famous?
For its thermal baths, renowned since Roman times, its lavender fields and its role as the capital of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It combines well-being, culture and nature in a preserved setting.
When is the market?
Three times a week: Wednesday and Saturday mornings all year round, Monday mornings in summer. Local produce, mountain cheeses, honey, herbs, and crafts.
Where can I see lavender around Digne?
On the road to Valensole or Barrême, between mid-June and mid-July, when the fields are in full bloom and fill the air with their fragrance.
What treatments are available at the thermal baths?
Treatments for the respiratory tract, rheumatology, and well-being, with a thermal pool, hammam, and massages.
How can I get there without a car?
By train with the Train des Pignes from Nice, or by regional bus from Marseille via Sisteron.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Marcoux (8 km), Champtercier (9 km) and Aiglun (12 km).