Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

ord-de-Provence was one of the 83 original departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It was renamed Haute-Provence and Basses-Alpes.
On December 8, 1793, the department of Vaucluse was created from parts of the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône, Drôme, and Basses-Alpes.

On April 13, 1970, the department of Basses-Alpes was renamed Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a mountainous region with peaks over 8,000 feet (2,400 m). The climate is very dry and arid but irrigation allows for a prosperous fruit-growing industry.

The beautiful scenery provides the background to many activities and sights. Eleven villages have been classified as having special architectural character.

In particular there are:

The town of Sisteron with its ancient citadel and narrow streets; The Gorge of Verdon (Europe's Grand Canyon); Digne-les-Bains Hot-spa town; Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Pottery; Forcalquier Cathedral;

In summer many aerial sports use the surrounding mountains such as gliding, hang gliding and paragliding. In winter there is extensive skiing at eleven ski resorts.