Sisteron Citadel – La Baume Rock loop from Sisteron

France

Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur

Provence

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Forcalquier

Sisteron

Sisteron Citadel – La Baume Rock loop from Sisteron

Hard

4.0

(1)

riders

Sisteron Citadel – La Baume Rock loop from Sisteron

02:44

38.3km

810m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 1.92 km for 113 m

After 37.8 km for 82 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

910 m

Sisteron — Gateway to Provence

Highlight • Settlement

A pearl 🤠

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.00 km

Clock Tower of Sisteron

Highlight • Monument

I recommend going along the Durance at the foot of La Baume.

Translated by Google •

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1.35 km

Sisteron Clock

Highlight • Other

There is a nice little bar at the foot to relax a bit: The Ka'fé clock.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.56 km

From time immemorial and at least since Roman times, Sisteron has been considered a strategic point, with its rocky outcrop overlooking the valley which opens the passage between Provence and Dauphiné. Throughout the ages men have devised plans, built and fortified the walls of the city. "It is the most powerful fortress of my kingdom" said Henri IV of the Citadel of Sisteron. But of the fortifications of the Middle Ages, there now remains only a keep, a walkway from the 12th century, and ramparts from the 14th century. In 1692, Vauban undertook plans to modernize and strengthen the fortress which would give it its current silhouette. In the middle of the 19th century, an impressive underground staircase was dug into the rock to connect it to the city. Damaged by bombing in 1944, the fortress was again restored in the 20th century. Thus, the citadel dominating Sisteron, which we can currently admire, is the result of a set of works from very different periods, and the substrate of more than eight centuries of architecture and history.
Opposite the citadel, on the other bank of the Durance, stands the rock of La Baume, made up of vertical strata and folds of limestone. Passing through a cave in the rock, it is possible to reach the top of the mountain on foot. The site is also conducive to the practice of via ferrata with walls spaced about ten meters apart. The mountain of La Baume is also pierced by a tunnel which allows the A51 motorway to cross it from side to side. You won't necessarily see it on your bike, but you will notice it if you drive around.

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1.97 km

La Baume Rock

Highlight • Other

The town of Sisteron where the citadel and the Baume rock are located is worth a stop and a thorough discovery. It is both pleasant and surprising. A town steeped in history marking the border between the Alps and Provence, both geographically and geopolitically (in the Middle Ages).

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2.15 km

Sisteron Citadel

Highlight • River

Built on a narrow rocky spine facing the Baume rock bordering the other bank of the Durance, the citadel of Sisteron dominates the town. It includes bastion enclosures and a keep. Its origin dates from the 13th, even the 12th century. Largely destroyed in 1944, the citadel was the subject of a vast restoration plan.

Finally, a walk to the top of the citadel offers one of the most spectacular views in the region.

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2.33 km

🇨🇵Sisteron

Highlight • Other

21.9 km

Queen Jeanne Bridge

Highlight • Other

This bridge which spans the bed of the Vançon was built in the 16th century.

Its name is a tribute to Queen Jeanne, Queen of Provence and Naples in recognition of the good she did to the inhabitants of Sisteron.

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38.3 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types