Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Department	Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Number	04
Region	Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Prefecture	Digne-les-Bains
Subprefectures	Barcelonnette, Castellane, Forcalquier
President	René Massette
Population	164,068
Population rank	94th
Population date	2021
Area km2	6925
Cantons	15
Communes	198

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It is a department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France, created from the northern part of the historic Provence during the French Revolution. Its prefecture is Digne-les-Bains, with other major towns including Barcelonnette, Castellane, and Forcalquier. The department is characterized by its dramatic alpine landscapes, including parts of the French Alps, the Verdon Gorge, and the Préalpes de Digne.

Geography

The department's terrain is predominantly mountainous, forming a transition zone between the Mediterranean south and the high Alps. Key natural features include the spectacular Verdon Gorge, often called Europe's Grand Canyon, and the Mercantour National Park which extends into the department. Major rivers such as the Durance, Verdon, and Bléone drain the area, while significant peaks include the Grande Séolane and the Trois-Évêchés massif. The climate varies from a pronounced Mediterranean climate in the lower valleys to a harsh Alpine climate in the high mountains around Barcelonnette.

History

Inhabited since prehistoric times, evidenced by sites like the Pétroglyphes de la Vallée des Merveilles in the adjacent Mercantour, the area was later settled by the Ligures and then the Celts. It was incorporated into the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis, with the town of Riez retaining notable Roman ruins. During the Middle Ages, it was part of the County of Provence, with Forcalquier serving as a key seat of power. The region saw significant religious upheaval during the Wars of Religion, and its modern borders were established in 1790 as the department of Basses-Alpes, renamed to its current title in 1970.

Demographics

With a population density among the lowest in France, the department has a widely dispersed settlement pattern. The population, which declined sharply in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to rural exodus, has seen modest growth since the 1970s, driven by tourism and an influx of retirees. Significant communities include the prefecture Digne-les-Bains, the sub-prefecture Forcalquier, and the alpine town of Barcelonnette, which has historical ties to Mexico. The Vallée de l'Ubaye is another notable population center.

Economy

Historically based on agriculture and sheep farming, the economy now relies heavily on tourism, attracting visitors to sites like the Verdon Gorge, Sisteron with its citadel, and the ski resorts of Pra-Loup and Le Sauze. Agriculture remains vital, specializing in the production of lavender, honey, and olive oil, with the Plateau de Valensole being iconic. The department is also known for its hydroelectric power generation, utilizing the waters of the Durance and Verdon, and has a growing renewable energy sector.

Culture and heritage

The department boasts a rich architectural heritage, from the Citadel of Sisteron to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Bourg in Digne-les-Bains and the Chapelle Saint-Michel in Bras-d'Asse. It is famous for its traditional festivals, such as the Fête de la Transhumance in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. The area is deeply associated with the cultivation of lavender and the related essential oil industry. Notable cultural figures linked to the region include writer Jean Giono and painter André Brasilier.

Administration

The department is divided into four arrondissements: Digne-les-Bains, Barcelonnette, Castellane, and Forcalquier. It is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and elects representatives to the National Assembly and the Senate. The Departmental Council, headquartered in Digne-les-Bains, is presided over by René Massette. For European elections, it falls within the South-East France constituency.

Category:Departments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Category:1790 establishments in France