Attractions and Places To See around Volonne - Top 20

Volonne is rich in history. You can visit the 17th-century Château Bastide, which now serves as the town hall and features a Renaissance-style staircase and splendid gypseries. Explore the remnants of an 11th-century citadel, including the Tour de Guet (Watchtower) and Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower), which offer panoramic views. Wander through the village's medieval streets, ancient ramparts, and discover the 11th-century Saint-Martin Church. Volonne is also part of the historical Napoleon's Route, with a mural commemorating his visit.

The region around Volonne boasts several striking natural features. You can see the spectacular The Penitents of Les Mées, unique rock formations sculpted by erosion. The village is situated by the Durance River, and nearby Lac de l'Escale offers opportunities for water sports and a popular walking/mountain biking path. From the Tour de Guet, you can enjoy views of the Durance and the Pénitents des Mées. Further afield, La Baume Rock, a prominent ridge, stands opposite the Sisteron Citadel.

Yes, Volonne offers a variety of hiking trails. For an easy walk, consider the "Footbridge over the Durance – L'Hippocampe Campsite loop from Volonne" which is about 4.5 km. Moderate options include the "Footbridge over the Durance – Pénitents des Mées Trail loop from Volonne" (around 9.4 km) or the "Volonne Village Center – Church from 1604 loop from Volonne" (around 9.9 km). You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Volonne guide.

The area around Volonne is excellent for cycling. Road cyclists can enjoy routes like "The Penitents of Les Mées – Les Mées loop from Volonne" (easy, 31.3 km) or the more challenging "Mézien Pass – Pierre Ecrite Walk loop from Volonne" (difficult, 54.7 km). Mountain bikers have options such as the "Pénitents des Mées Trail – Volonne Village Center loop from Volonne" (easy, 13.4 km) or the "Volonne Village Center – Forest loop from Volonne" (difficult, 25.1 km). Explore more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Volonne and MTB Trails around Volonne guides.

Just a short distance from Volonne, Sisteron is home to the impressive Sisteron Citadel, a strategic fortress overlooking the Durance valley with over eight centuries of history. Opposite the citadel, you'll find La Baume Rock, a distinctive natural formation of vertical limestone strata. Sisteron itself is a charming town worth exploring for its historical significance and pleasant atmosphere.

Volonne and its surroundings offer several family-friendly options. The flat walk around Lac de l'Escale is popular for families, and the lake also provides opportunities for canoe-kayaking, rowing, and pedal boats (swimming is prohibited). Exploring Volonne's medieval streets and the Tour de l'Horloge can be an engaging historical adventure for children. The weekly market on Friday mornings in Place Charles de Gaulle is also a lively experience for all ages.

For stunning vistas, climb the Tour de Guet (Watchtower) in Volonne, which offers panoramic views of the village, the Durance River, and the Pénitents des Mées. The Sisteron Citadel also provides magnificent views over the countryside and the Durance. Additionally, the The Penitents of Les Mées themselves offer breathtaking views from behind the rock formations and across the Durance valley, though some paths require good sure-footedness.

The Durance River is central to Volonne's geography and history. The village is nestled on its left bank, and the river has shaped the landscape, contributing to the formation of features like the Pénitents des Mées. The nearby Lac de l'Escale is formed by a dam on the Durance, offering recreational activities. Historically, an aqueduct built in the late 16th or early 17th century along the old ramparts supplied a mill and a village fountain from the Durance.

Volonne serves as an excellent base for exploring several renowned natural parks. You can easily access the nearby nature parks of Verdon, Luberon, and Mercantour. The Verdon Regional Nature Park is particularly famous for its spectacular gorges and turquoise lake, offering a wide range of outdoor activities.

The Col du Pas de Bonnet (886 m) is a mountain pass located near Volonne. It's a popular spot for cyclists, offering a climb with an average gradient of 4.5% from Digne-les-Bains. From the pass, you can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a rewarding destination for those seeking a challenging ride or a picturesque viewpoint.

Yes, Volonne hosts a weekly market. You can experience local gastronomy and produce every Friday morning in Place Charles de Gaulle. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic Provençal charm and discover local specialties.

Thoard is a dynamic medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop, dominated by its 12th-century church bell tower. It's known for its winding streets and galleries. Visitors enjoy its authentic atmosphere, beautiful views of lavender fields, and the opportunity to experience local village life, with festivals throughout the year.