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Discover Archail, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence: Nature and Adventure

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Welcome to Archail, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Archail is the perfect starting point to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted by the numerous trails surrounding the village, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque countryside. The famous Sentier des Péniten...
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Walking around Archail

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Embark on a hike in Archail.
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Pic de Couar (1989 m)
44 m

Pic de Couar (1989 m)

Very pretty hike above Archail. Superb panorama throughout the walk as well as at the top. Magical passage on the Pas d'Archail, between the summit of the Pic de Couard and the Cucuyon. Very pleasant setting. The departure is from the village of Archail. The road to the village is quite narrow and there can be snow or ice in winter. Arriving in Archail, park in the main square next to the church. Go up the road to the left of the church then turn right at the fork shortly after. If the road is not blocked, there is the possibility of parking a little further away in a small car park at the Vieraron dam. At the Vieraron dam, leave the tarmac to continue on a wide path. Ignore further on a departure on the left and continue straight to reach a track. Cross the latter and go straight to find it higher. Cross the track again to take the path that climbs opposite and reach a complex intersection. Turn left on the path which begins a series of bends further on before reaching Pas d'Archail where there is a refuge and an old shepherd's hut. Continue on the right, pass in front of the refuge then leave the track to take a path on the right. After a few bends, the path widens and the slope softens as it crosses the managed biological reserve of Pic de Couard. Turn right with the path; the slope becomes steeper and the path climbs in bends to the summit of Pic de Couard. There is little signage and if you lose the path, head towards the ridge to the left of the summit. The return is by the same route to the village (D/A).

6 h
15 km
Hard
04420 Archail
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What to do in Archail

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Find the best activities in Archail and book easily online.
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Camping du Moulin de Thoard
16 km

Camping du Moulin de Thoard

Fabrice and Marie receive you in their campsite in the heart of Provence. Located 900 m away from the hilltop village of Thoard, the Moulin de Thoard campsite is a haven of peace surrounded by nature. Come enjoy the benefits of the Duyes valley. For one night or for longer stays, you will find peace and quiet in our magnificent human-size campsite located in the heart of Provence. In this fast-paced society, it is increasingly difficult to find real time for yourself. When taking over the Moulin de Thoard campsite, we wanted to put forward values that are precious to us, such as benevolence, solidarity and authenticity. It is through our exchanges that we wish to share moments of well-being with you. Here, you will find a calm and restful place in the middle of a natural setting. The valley of Thoard is set back from the main tourist routes, which allows it to keep its authenticity. We buy from local producers, breeders and shops, to offer you quality products in our campsite. This way, we favour short supply chain, limiting our environmental impact as much as possible. We are also very concerned about your well-being and the quality of our reception. Your arrival is for us a privileged moment to which we give all our attention. After a few administrative formalities and safety instructions, we will accompany you to your pitch or rental accommodation. We will show you all the facilities of the campsite so that you can fully enjoy it. Our campsite has: 3 huts, 1 chalet, 1 chalet on stilts, 1 perched caravan, 2 mobile homes, 1 tipi, 1 lodge tent, 1 Safari tent. The campsite is also open to motorhomes within the limits of the allocated space. A service area is provided by the village outside the campsite. You will find all the information you need to prepare your stay on our website. Do not hesitate to contact us for further information. Welcome !

8 route Le Planas 04380 Thoard
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What to visit in Archail

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Explore the cultural heritage of Archail.
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Musée Promenade
8.5 km

Musée Promenade

The Musée-Promenade stands as the interpretive centre of the UNESCO Geopark of Haute-Provence. Visitors wander through a sprawling shaded park where pathways and streams intertwine, and where cascades and contemporary artworks come together to create an enchanting setting. "Picnic facilities and open toilets are available. Embark on a journey to encounter butterflies, wander leisurely or learn about the geological history of the region and the global network of UNESCO Geoparks. Internationally renowned artists such as Andy Glodsworthy, Joan Fontcuberta, Sylvie Bussières or Agathe Larpent got their inspiration from here. An area for wandering and creation, overlooking Digne from its rock, it immerses the visitor in a quiet atmosphere leading him to the heart of the Earth’s memory… In the exhibition rooms, the last 300 million years of Earth’s history unfold before our eyes. In ancient times, the alpine ocean was covering the region. Tropical marine aquariums illustrate this memory, juxtaposing colourful living species with stone fossils, of which Ammonites and Ichthyosaurs are the kings. A film tells the history and the evolution of the landscapes of the region as well as the great transformations that the Earth has undergone. It enables each person to grasp the extraordinary richness of this territory. Japanese garden To discover within the Musée Promenade : the Kamaïshi Japanese garden. Of Japanese inspiration,this garden was conceived as a tribute to the twinning of Digne and Kamaïshi around the theme of “Man and the Seasons”. The various stages of a person’s life are represented through progressive blooms along the pathway. Each entrance is marked by a Japanese-style gate, inviting visitors to enter the garden. A bridge, a pond, paths, benches, carefully chosen vegetation, lanterns and pagodas coexist harmoniously in this timeless space accessible to all (with wheelchair access). The Butterfly Trail Between waterfalls and terraces specially designed to host the favourite - or exclusive - plants of butterflies and their caterpillars, in this particular environment on the edge of mediterranean and alpine climate, more than 139 species of butterflies live freely and can be observed from spring to autumn. Randoland Discover the Musée Promenade in a different way: with games and enigmas for kids and touristic pieces of information for parents. With these fun tour sheets, children can join in the visit with delight. The tour is tailored for three age groups: 4-6 years old, 7-9 years old and 9-12 years old. Available exclusively at the tourist office."

Montée du Parc Saint-Benoît BP 30 156 04990 Cede Digne-les-Bains
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The Haute Provence UNESCO Geopark
8.5 km

The Haute Provence UNESCO Geopark

Certified by UNESCO, the Global Geoparks Network brings together regions offering different heritages: geological, natural, material and intangible. The Haute Provence Geopark was created in 2000 and was the model for the development of 120 Geoparks worldwide. It covers 60 municipalities in the Alpes de Haute Provence department. It gathers natural and geological sites and offers a journey through over 300 million years of Earth’s history. Sites like the ammonites slab are exceptional, even unique in the world. ​The Haute Provence Geopark is also rich in its intangible heritage that can be discovered through know how, craftsmanship and local products. It contributes to the local economic development. Some restaurants, accommodations, local producers and services are certified by the Haute Provence Geopark and are committed to upholding this heritage and its values. Promenade Museum A park in the shade, waterfalls, gardens, art work, 300 million years of geological history told by fossils, Mediterranean and tropical aquariums, exhibitions and an art center (CAIRN). Geological sites The Ammonite Slab The most emblematic site of the Haute Provence Geopark. The 320 m² Ammonite Slab boasts over 1,550 fossils, the biggest being over 70 cm! This species allows us to establish that the slab is around 200 million years old. Ichthyosaur Reptile fossil, 90 million years old. Location : La Robine Bird Footprints 20 million years ago, the region of Digne les Bains was a sea basin. Birds walked on the beaches’ wet sand, leaving footprints that were later fossilized. Sea currents that sculpted the seabed 130 million years ago were also fossilized. Barles Canyons After several million years of erosion, the Barles Canyons offer amazing landscapes.

Montée du Parc Saint-Benoît BP 30156 04990 Digne-les-Bains
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Barles Canyons
14 km

Barles Canyons

A Haute Provence Geopark site to discover by car, bike, bicycle or foot… On the road from Digne les Bains towards Barles, the canyon gets so narrow that it becomes difficult for two cars to cross! This rocky landscape sculpted by nature is even more enjoyable by foot. This geological formation is called “Clues de Barles” in French. The word “clue” comes from Latin “clausus” which means “closed”. Such a small canyon is, therefore, a pass way almost closed, made by a river. The Barles Canyon was made by the Bès River, within limestone dating from the end of the Jurassic or from the early inferior Cretaceous period (i.e. between 155 and 140 million years). The Bès River made its way through vertical and very thick layers, taking advantage of the rock’s weaknesses. At the beginning of the Barles Canyon, contemporary artist Andy Goldsworthy installed one of his stone “Sentinels”. This sculpture is part of the land art itinerary “Refuge d’Art”. Geology around Barles Many geological expeditions were ran around Barles. This location is known worldwide for the diversity and the complexity of its tectonic and sedimentary phenomenon. From the XVIIth Century, at the time of local scientist and philosopher Gassendi, scientists were intrigued by the peculiar layout of rocks in the region of Digne and by the origin of mysterious fossils. However, geology developed in the Southern Alps only at the beginning of the XIXth Century. Before the end of this century, discoveries were made easy by the mountains’ nudity. Cleared by centuries of culture and collect of wood, they let outcrops, slabs and fossils show. Right after 1945, Barles became a base camp for stratigraphy and tectonic specialists, paleontologists…

04140 Barles
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Where to eat in Archail

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Explore the culinary traditions of Archail.
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Au Coeur de l'Adoux
32 km

Au Coeur de l'Adoux

We welcome you to enjoy gourmet dining and refined, generous cuisine in an exceptional setting, in the heart of a large wooded estate, next to a small, authentic mountain village in Haute-Provence. Au cœur de l’Adoux – A gourmet restaurant offering a warm welcome in the heart of nature In an exceptional setting, at the heart of a vast six-hectare wooded estate, the restaurant ‘Au cœur de l’Adoux’ invites you on a true culinary journey. Located in a large mountain chalet, a stone's throw from an authentic village in Haute-Provence, Ilse, Peter and their team welcome you with warmth and friendliness, inviting you to discover their refined and generous cuisine. Recognised expertise Awarded the Logis de France label, our restaurant is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, prepared using fresh, seasonal produce. In the kitchen, our chef, who is passionate about Provençal cuisine, showcases homemade dishes that combine authenticity and creativity. With his wealth of experience and distinctions, he is a Maître Restaurateur and member of the Académie Nationale de Cuisine de France, a guarantee of artisanal expertise and high quality standards. A cosy bar and terrace, ideal for an aperitif Before sitting down to eat, relax in our warm and intimate bar, where you can enjoy an aperitif in a cosy atmosphere. On sunny days, take advantage of our large shaded terrace in the middle of a pine forest for a convivial moment in the open air, lulled by the calm of nature.

Rue Domaine de l'Adoux La Miande 04140 Montclar
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Where to sleep in Archail

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Book your stay at one of Archail's accommodations.
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾