PROVENCE-ALPES DIGNE LES BAINS, CHARM & WISDOM Inspired By The MOUNTAINS

USPA NEWS - The City of Digne Les Bains is The Historical Capital of Lavender, located at the Gateway of Provence, has the Sweetness, the Charm and the Wisdom inspired by the Mountains surrounding it. Also it is the Birthplace of the Worldwide Geoparks Network. The City is situated at the Crossroads of Three Valleys (Bléone, Mardaric and Eaux Chaudes) which played an Important Part in shaping its Physiognomy.

The City of Digne Les Bains is The Historical Capital of Lavender, located at the Gateway of Provence, has the Sweetness, the Charm and the Wisdom inspired by the Mountains surrounding it. Also it is the Birthplace of the Worldwide Geoparks Network. The City is situated at the Crossroads of Three Valleys (Bléone, Mardaric and Eaux Chaudes) which played an Important Part in shaping its Physiognomy. The History of Haute Provence has always been marked by the Water. Millions of years ago, the Sea entirely covered the Region and the numerous Marine Animals Fossils discovered (Ammonites, Ichthyosaurs“¦) bear Witness to that Period! Today, the Lagoons have disappeared but the Water is still present: Torrents, Lakes and Rivers shape the Landscapes.

Haute Provence! Geoparks are UNESCO-Labelled Territories for their outstanding Geological, Cultural, Natural and Intangible Heritage. There are a Hundred Geoparks all over the World. The Geopark of Haute Provence was the first ever created in 2000... The True Story of Lavender starts at the beginning of the 19th Century, when it grew in the Wild and was harvested by Shepherds and Peasants. Today, Hybrid Lavender (Lavandin) resulting from a Crossing between True Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis) and Spike Lavender, or Aspic, is increasingly being cultivated. Indeed, Hybridisation has enabled to expand the Productivity of the Lavender Crop (towards the middle of the 20th Century) to meet the growing Demand from Perfumers in Grasse. In Digne les Bains, August is known as “The Lavender Month“. Corso de la Lavande takes place every year on the first weekend of the month (since 1939) during which the City is adorned in its most Beautiful Colours and takes Visitors and Inhabitants to the Land of Dreams, Scents and Flavours with its stunning Floats Parade, Musical Groups and great Funfair....

From the Estrop Mountain top at 2961m of Altitude in Haute Bleone to the gentle Landscapes of the Verdon Area, Digne les Bains and its Surroundings or the Durance Valley, you can travel up and down Haute Provence with an infinity of Marked Pathways at your own Pace in beautiful and preserved Natural Areas. Hiking becomes a way of life here, practised by everyone, all year round. The “Terres Noires“ Site can definitely satisfy your Thirst for Mountain Biking Adventures.... Water-Based Activities are not left behind: Haute Provence being bordered by the Lake of Serre Ponçon in the north and the Lake of Sainte Croix du Verdon in the south. The Environment allows you also Activities such as Golf, Fishing, River Hiking, Climbing, Aerology...

In Summer, the large Provencal Market on the Main Square of Digne les Bains sets up its Headquarters on the Gassendi Boulevard, bordered by Secular Plane Trees, on Saturday morning from the end of June to September. In the many Villages nearby, the Stalls thrive with a variety of Products from the Local and Diversified Agriculture....

Arts and Crafts nurture the Tradition. Craftsmen and Artists sublimate Materials. Clay, in the Hands of Patrick Volpes , Santon Craftsman, transforms itself into the Iconic Characters of the Christmas Season. Norbert Mille, Artisan Bijoutier with his Creation "Etoile de Saint-Vincent" using as Stone a Fossilized Piece of "Pentacrine" which was living in the Seabed of Digne-les-Bains 180 Million Years ago. The Musée De La Lavande (Digne-Les-Bains), a Family Business rooted in the Values “‹“‹of Craftsmanship and Authenticity. Nicolosi Créations is the Result of an Olfactory Adventure, started in 2004 by Philip Nicolosi, Passionate about Provencal Perfume. Located in the Heart of the Country, he creates his Scents, Room Scents and Cosmetics. Joined today by his Daughter, Célia Nicolosi, the Adventure continues in Family....

Source : Press Conf. @ Paris Yacht Marina, on October 11, 2019
With the Presence of :
* Patricia GRANET, Mayor of Digne Les Bains and president of Provence Alpes Agglomeration
* Bernard TEYSSIER, President The Tourist office
* Gregory MONTEL, Actor
* Patrick VOLPES (www.santons-volpes.com)
* Norbert MILLE (Artisan Bijoutier @ 19, Allée Arthur Gouin, 04700 Oraison)
* Philip NICOLOSI and his Daughter Célia NICOLOSI (www.musee-lavande-digne.fr)

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