Guide to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence & Property in 04

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a department located in the southeastern region of France, in the heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The department was formerly a part of the province of Provence and is bordered by five other departments: Alpes-Maritimes, Drôme, Var, Vaucluse, and Hautes-Alpes. The department's eastern border is shared with Italy. The department is divided into three areas: terrain, climate, population, and economy. The first is the Haute-Provence, characterised by its plateaux, hills, and valleys. The second is the Lower Alps, an intermediate mountain area of valleys and remote villages. The third is the Hautes-Alpes, which includes the valleys of Ubaye, Blanche, and the high Verdon.

Mountain Peaks and Notable Roads

In the Haute-Ubaye region, the mountain peaks exceed 3000 meters above sea level, and all the passes are close to or above 2000 m altitude. The department has one of the highest roads in Europe, the main road D64, which reaches 2802 meters near the Col de la Bonette (2715 m) and connects the region of Barcelonnette to the Tinée and Vésubie valleys.

Climate Characteristics

The climate of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department is a Mediterranean climate that changes with altitude and latitude. In the lower valleys and flat lands, an inland Mediterranean climate prevails, while it is more mixed in the hills. The valley of the Ubaye is characteristic of the inner Alps, with a marked continentality. Winters are very harsh, with stormy summers.

Access Challenges

Due to the department's natural conditions, many roads in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are narrow and winding. This makes access to certain parts of the department difficult, especially in winter and particularly in the communes in the Arrondissements of Barcelonnette and Castellane. As a result, these areas are relatively isolated from the rest of the department and the region.

Key Information about Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

• Main City/Prefecture: Digne-les-Bains
• Nearest Airport: Marseille-Provence Airport
• Population: Around 165,000 (as of the latest census)  
• Area: 6,925 sq. kilometres and 2,673 sq. miles
• Landmark: Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon), one of Europe’s most breathtaking canyons, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and climbing.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 2 million, drawn by its lavender fields, alpine scenery and charming Provençal villages

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