Citadel of Sisteron, France

DANIEL STEFĂNIŢĂ

Sisteron and the citadel. Photo: Wikipedia

In 1814 Napoléon Bonaparte was exiled to the island of Elba, not far from Corsica, his birthplace. Less than a year later, with the intention of dethroning Louis XVIII, he landed near Cannes, beginning the 100-day adventure that was to end at Waterloo.

To avoid the Rhone Valley and troops from Marseilles, Napoleon and the approximately 1,200 loyal soldiers decided to cross the Alps following the route Grasse, St Vallier-de-Thiey, Castellane, Barrême, Digne-les-Bains, Malijai, Sisteron, Gap, Corps, La Mure, Champs-sur-Drac, Grenoble.

Today, the road followed by Napoléon and his soldiers is known as the Napoléon Route.

In 1815 Napoléon traveled in almost a week. Today, you can travel the same road in about eight hours on the N85. It is ideal to segment the course in a few days to have the opportunity to admire the wonderful landscape.

Sisteron is one of the towns with the most spectacular views on the entire route. It is often called the "gateway to Provence," because of its location in the strait between two mountain ridges. During the French Revolution, the city sided with the royalists, and when Napoléon arrived with the small army in 1815, he was allowed to march on to Paris.

One of the most interesting sights of the town is the "Citadelle de Sisteron," which Henry IV (1553 - 1610) called the strongest fortress of his kingdom. Construction began in 1589. In 1944 the citadel was significantly damaged by the bombing of the city by Allied forces. Twelve years later, the Arts, Théâtre, Monuments (ATM) association took over the task of restoring the citadel.

The citadel is open daily from April 1 to November 11, from 9:00 to 18:30. The visit lasts about two hours. The cost of a ticket is 6.30 Euros for adults and 2.70 Euros for children. The museum is equipped with an audio system that presents the historical past in six languages.

In July and August, the festival called "Les Nuits de la Citadelle" takes place, one of the oldest festivals in France. At night the citadel is interestingly lit, for which it received prizes for lighting effects (first prize in the national competition of lights - Prix des Rubans du Patrimoine).

Citadel of Sisteron in Pictures

Rocher de la Baume and Durance Valley, seen from the citadel. Photo: Daniel Stefăniţă

View to the North. Photo: Daniel Stefăniţă

Sisteron, aerial view. Photo: Wikipedia

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