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.”