Surroundings:
Volonne is a small village with terraces, cafés and fountains, typical of many in this lovely part of Provence and known as the little Nice of the Alps because of the amount of sunshine it receives, thanks to its southernly aspect. Here in the southern moutainside of the Provençal Alps there are many advantages in both summer and winter.
In summer during daytime, you receive the same amount of sunshine as in the rest of the provence, while it cools off during nighttime. Furthermore you can combine both spectacular mountain scenery and gentle Provencal countryside. In winter you can combine both the mild temperatures of the provence and the nearby skiing facilities.
Activities:
There is a golf course at Digne-les-Bains within 20 minutes.
Both at Saint Auban (3km) and Sisteron (12 km) you can enjoy large stretches of water where the entrance is free. There are also several little lakes in the neighbourhood where you can picnic and swim.
A trip to provence usually includes a ride up the infamous Mont Ventoux. From Volonne it is only 60 km away.
The National Gliding Centre is at Saint Auban, 5 minutes from Volonne, where the World Championships were held in 1997. The combination of strong thermals, valley breezes and successive clear sunny days make superb gliding conditions, and easy to plan.
Within 5 to 20 minutes are tennis courts, and several riding stables. The Haute Provence is also a paradise for walkers and cyclists with 350 kms of well marked routes.
You can go rafting in the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon, canyonning in Saint Auban and climbing in Sisteron. |
