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Alpes-de-Haute-Provence or sometimes abbreviated as AHP (; oc, Aups d'Auta Provença; ) is a department in the
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (; or , ; commonly shortened to PACA; en, Provence-Alps-French Riviera, italic=yes; also branded as Région Sud) is one of the eighteen administrative regions of France, the far southeastern on the mainland. Its pre ...
region In geography, regions, otherwise referred to as zones, lands or territories, are areas that are broadly divided by physical characteristics ( physical geography), human impact characteristics ( human geography), and the interaction of humanity an ...
of
France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
, bordering Alpes-Maritimes and
Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical ...
to the east, Var to the south, Vaucluse to the west,
Drôme Drôme (; Occitan: ''Droma''; Arpitan: ''Drôma'') is the southernmost department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of Southeastern France. Named after the river Drôme, it had a population of 516,762 as of 2019.
and Hautes-Alpes to the north. Formerly part of the
province A province is almost always an administrative division within a country or state. The term derives from the ancient Roman ''provincia'', which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire's territorial possessions out ...
of
Provence Provence (, , , , ; oc, Provença or ''Prouvènço'' , ) is a geographical region and historical province of southeastern France, which extends from the left bank of the lower Rhône to the west to the Italian border to the east; it is bo ...
, it had a population of 164,308 in 2019,Populations légales 2019: 04 Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
INSEE which makes it the 94th most populated French department. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence's main cities are
Digne-les-Bains Digne-les-Bains (; Occitan: ''Dinha dei Banhs''), or simply and historically Digne (''Dinha'' in the classical norm or ''Digno'' in the Mistralian norm), is the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte ...
( prefecture),
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
,
Sisteron Sisteron (; , oc, label=Mistralian norm, Sisteroun; from oc, label= Old Occitan, Sestaron) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France. Sisteron is situated on the banks of the rive ...
,
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...
,
Castellane Castellane (; Provençal: ''Castelana'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. With about 1,600 inhabitants, Castellane has the distinction of being the least-populated sub-prefecture of France. Its inh ...
and Forcalquier. Inhabitants are called the ''Bas-Alpins'' (masculine) or ''Bas-Alpines'' (feminine) in reference to the department's former name, Basses-Alpes, which was in use until 1970. Although the prefecture is Digne-les-Bains, the largest city is Manosque. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence's INSEE and postal code is 04.


Geography

The departmental can be divided into three zones depending on the terrain, climate, population and economy: *the plateaux, hills and valleys of Haute-Provence, which comprise one-third of the area but two-thirds of the population and the most important cities of the department with almost all of the economic activity apart from mountain tourism. The valley of the Durance, the artery of the department, cuts the rest of the department into two-halves: **the Lower Alps: an intermediate mountain area with valleys and very remote villages **the High Alps: including the valleys of
Ubaye The Ubaye (; oc, Ubaia) is a river of southeastern France. It is long and flows through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Its drainage basin is .Verdon (upstream of Colmars-les-Alpes) where the economy is built around mountain tourism (skiing). In the Haute-Ubaye, the mountain peaks exceed 3000 m above sea level and all the passes are close to or above 2000 m in altitude. In this part of the department is one of the highest roads in Europe: the main road D64 reaches an altitude of 2802 m near the Col de la Bonette (2715 m) and connects the region of
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...
to the Tinée and Vésubie valleys. The relief of the land compartmentalises the region: the enclosed valleys are difficult to access, so dividing the country into as many local areas which communicate very little with the outside. In 1877, 55 communes only had access to trails or mule paths. The seismic hazard is moderate (zone 3) to medium (zone 4) with different faults such as the Durance located in the department. The main cities are
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
,
Digne-les-Bains Digne-les-Bains (; Occitan: ''Dinha dei Banhs''), or simply and historically Digne (''Dinha'' in the classical norm or ''Digno'' in the Mistralian norm), is the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte ...
,
Sisteron Sisteron (; , oc, label=Mistralian norm, Sisteroun; from oc, label= Old Occitan, Sestaron) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France. Sisteron is situated on the banks of the rive ...
, Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, Oraison, Forcalquier, Les Mées,
Pierrevert Pierrevert (; oc, Peiravèrd) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also * Luberon *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department *Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC Coteaux de Pierreve ...
, Villeneuve,
Sainte-Tulle Sainte-Tulle (; oc, Santa Túllia) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also * Luberon * Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The followin ...
,
Gréoux-les-Bains Gréoux-les-Bains (; Provençal Occitan: ''Greù'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southeastern France. Best known for its Château des Templiers, the town is on the right ba ...
,
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...
and
Castellane Castellane (; Provençal: ''Castelana'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. With about 1,600 inhabitants, Castellane has the distinction of being the least-populated sub-prefecture of France. Its inh ...
.


Hydrology

The main river is the Durance which runs in the west of the department. It is in the Durance valley that the most important traffic routes are found: the A51 autoroute and the railway main line. Almost all of the department is in the watershed of the Durance except for the extreme south-east (the cantons of Annot and Entrevaux) which are drained by the Var. The main tributaries of the Durance in the department are the
Ubaye The Ubaye (; oc, Ubaia) is a river of southeastern France. It is long and flows through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Its drainage basin is .Bléone The Bléone (; oc, Blèuna) is a long river in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence ''département'', southeastern France. Its drainage basin is .Asse, the Verdon on the left bank, the Buëch, the Jabron, and the Largue on the right bank. The Durance and its tributaries have a torrential character, with a transition between the snow regime of the high valleys and the Mediterranean rainfall regime in the lower mountains and below. The summer low water levels are severe and violent floods occur when heavy rains fall which is often in autumn. The Durance, Verdon, Bléone and Buëch have had the construction of several dams and the diversion of parts of the river for irrigation and power generation in the 20th century.


Climate

The climate of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department is a
Mediterranean climate A Mediterranean climate (also called a dry summer temperate climate ''Cs'') is a temperate climate sub-type, generally characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, fairly wet winters; these weather conditions are typically experienced in the ...
degrading by altitude and latitude. In fact, while in the lower valleys and flat lands of Haute-Provence an inland Mediterranean climate prevails, by contrast in the hills it is more mixed with the valley of the Ubaye characteristic of the inner Alps, with a marked continentality: winters are very harsh with stormy summers. In between, the two influences mingle in the area of the Lower Alps. The characteristics of both climate trends are found throughout the department to a greater or lesser extent: *dry air and little fog (less than 20 days per year) *infrequent rainfall (less than 90 days per year) but heavy (650 to 1500 mm per year) *frequent thunderstorms in the mountains in summer *High sunshine hours in all seasons (2550 to 2850 hours per year) *high thermal amplitudes, diurnal (over 10 °C) and annual (18 °C) *fresh and bright winters *very hot summers barely tempered by altitude. Haute-Provence is therefore very interesting for European astronomers looking for a partly cloudy night sky and untouched by light pollution. Many amateur observatories have been built and the Observatoire de Haute-Provence is one of the largest observatories in continental Europe. It is an active astronomy research centre.


Demographics

The population was once fairly evenly distributed in the territory, including in the mountainous areas where mountain agriculture was well developed. From the middle of the 19th century, however, it began to decline due to a strong rural exodus. There were more than 150,000 inhabitants in 1850 but it fell to less than 100,000 after the
First World War World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...
. It was not until 1960 that the trend changed upwards quite strongly from less than 90,000 in 1954 to nearly 140,000 in 1999 and 162,565 in 2016. However, if this figure is close to the number of inhabitants the department had 150 years earlier, the distribution and activity of the population are very different. The population is now concentrated in the valley of the Durance and the South West of the department, and agriculture employs less than ever before. Services, mainly tourism and local services, is now the main industry. The population of the department is sightly similar to
Guam Guam (; ch, Guåhan ) is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States in the Micronesia subregion of the western Pacific Ocean. It is the westernmost point and territory of the United States (reckoned from the geographic cent ...
. The department has never really developed: in 1870 there were 27 small mines (one
lead Lead is a chemical element with the symbol Pb (from the Latin ) and atomic number 82. It is a heavy metal that is denser than most common materials. Lead is soft and malleable, and also has a relatively low melting point. When freshly cut, ...
, four oil shale and 22 lignite).


A departmental resort

According to the general census of the population, 32.8% of available housing in the department are second homes.


A very dense and very uneven settlement

The department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is one of the least densely populated of France with barely more than 20 inhabitants per km2. The population is concentrated mainly in the valleys of the Durance, the Bléone (up to Digne) and the nearby flat lands. The rest of the department is sparsely populated (less than 10 inhabitants per km2 over most of the territory). 83 (42%) of the communes have less than 200 inhabitants, 9 communes have less than 50 and many villages have been abandoned. The towns are small: only
Digne-les-Bains Digne-les-Bains (; Occitan: ''Dinha dei Banhs''), or simply and historically Digne (''Dinha'' in the classical norm or ''Digno'' in the Mistralian norm), is the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte ...
and
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
approach or exceed 20,000 people. The
arrondissement of Barcelonnette The arrondissement of Barcelonnette is an arrondissement of France in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It has 14 communes. Its population is 7,874 (2016), and its area is . Composition The communes ...
is the least populated arrondissement in France and the only one in France with less than 10,000 inhabitants. The city of
Castellane Castellane (; Provençal: ''Castelana'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. With about 1,600 inhabitants, Castellane has the distinction of being the least-populated sub-prefecture of France. Its inh ...
is the smallest sub-prefecture in France. Among the 15 cantons in the department, 5 have a resident population of less than 10,000 inhabitants:
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...
,
Castellane Castellane (; Provençal: ''Castelana'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. With about 1,600 inhabitants, Castellane has the distinction of being the least-populated sub-prefecture of France. Its inh ...
, Riez,
Seyne Seyne (; Vivaro-Alpine: ''Sèina'') is a commune in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, a department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in south-east France. It is roughly 30 km north of Digne. The village's official name is listed under the ...
, and
Valensole Valensole (; Occitan: ''Valençòla'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the southeastern Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Its inhabitants are called Valensolais (masculine) and Valensolaises (feminine). The ...
. The ten most populous communes are: In contrast, the three communes with less than 20 inhabitants in 2019 were
Archail Archail (; oc, Archalh) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of south-eastern France. With 14 inhabitants (as of 2019), it is the third least populated commune in the department, after ...
(14 inhabitants), Saint-Martin-lès-Seyne (13 inh.) and Majastres (4 inh.).


History

''Basses-Alpes'' was one of the 83 original departments created during the
French Revolution The French Revolution ( ) was a period of radical political and societal change in France that began with the Estates General of 1789 and ended with the formation of the French Consulate in November 1799. Many of its ideas are conside ...
on 4 March 1790 under the Act of 22 December 1789. On 12 August 1793, the department of Vaucluse was created from parts of the departments of
Bouches-du-Rhône Bouches-du-Rhône ( , , ; oc, Bocas de Ròse ; "Mouths of the Rhône") is a department in Southern France. It borders Vaucluse to the north, Gard to the west and Var to the east. The Mediterranean Sea lies to the south. Its prefecture and ...
, Drôme, and Basses-Alpes. Basses-Alpes lost the canton of Sault to Vaucluse at this point. Seventeen years later, in 1810, the canton of
Barcillonnette Barcillonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Vitròla) is a commune in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. Population See also *Communes of the Hautes-Alpes department The following is a list of the 162 communes of the Hautes-Alpe ...
was transferred over to Hautes-Alpes. The department of Basses-Alpes was occupied by fascist Italy from November 1942 to September 1943. On 13 April 1970, During the
Cold War The Cold War is a term commonly used to refer to a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc. The term '' cold war'' is used because t ...
, the department of Basses-Alpes was renamed to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Here is an unflattering excerpt from an article called "Basse Alpes" from the Atlas Larousse published at the beginning of the 20th century: ''"Scattered whitish rocks stand out like bones, a thin topsoil where bushes languish, some mountain flowers and stunted trees ... these mountains form almost everywhere a dreadful desert which will not have more inhabitants: this is the Sahara without the sun of
Africa Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area ...
, with the snows of Siberia."'' (P. Joanne). ''"On these steep slopes deforestation and flooding have resulted in a lack of fertile soil and agriculture has been the most miserable. There is a small harvest of
wheat Wheat is a grass widely cultivated for its seed, a cereal grain that is a worldwide staple food. The many species of wheat together make up the genus ''Triticum'' ; the most widely grown is common wheat (''T. aestivum''). The archaeologi ...
, wine in small quantities (but good), and truffles in large numbers. In the southern part, which has the climate of Provence, there are olive trees, mulberry trees, and orange trees. Aromatic plants abound, and there are 250,000 beehives.
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
because its location is by far the second largest city of the department (with 5,500 inhabitants). Near Manosque are the lignite and
gypsum Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate, with the chemical formula . It is widely mined and is used as a fertilizer and as the main constituent in many forms of plaster, blackboard or sidewalk chalk, and drywa ...
mines. Despite a fairly active trade in olive oil, wine and raw silk, this department is also one of the least populated."'' (Larousse Illustrated Atlas, Printing Larousse, Paris, 1900).


Heraldry


Administrative division

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is subdivided into 4
arrondissement An arrondissement (, , ) is any of various administrative divisions of France, Belgium, Haiti, certain other Francophone countries, as well as the Netherlands. Europe France The 101 French departments are divided into 342 ''arrondissements ...
s, 15 cantons and 198 communes.


Ancient communes and changes to the administrative divisions of the communes

The rural exodus of the 19th and 20th centuries has had a significant impact on the population of towns: some were completely or almost completely abandoned by their inhabitants which led to the disappearance of fifty communes since the creation of the department. Some villages still exist and sometimes gave their name to a new commune created by mergers (e.g. La Mure-Argens) and others are nothing more than a pile of stones (like Levens in the commune of Majastres). They are sometimes listed on maps (e.g. Bédejun in the commune of
Chaudon-Norante Chaudon-Norante (; oc, Chaudon e Noranta) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Geography The river Asse flows northwest through the commune. Population See also *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Pro ...
). At its formation, the department had 270 communes (262 after changing the limits of the department) but it is now 198. Apart from eight communes which were attached either to Hautes-Alpes (the three communes of the Barcillonnette canton, or to Vaucluse (the canton of Sault) many communes have disappeared. In 1854, the state of communes in the department was as follows: *
Arrondissement of Barcelonnette The arrondissement of Barcelonnette is an arrondissement of France in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It has 14 communes. Its population is 7,874 (2016), and its area is . Composition The communes ...
: 20 communes, 4 cantons *
Arrondissement of Castellane The arrondissement of Castellane is an arrondissement of France in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It has 41 communes. Its population is 11,403 (2016), and its area is . Composition The communes ...
: 48 communes, 6 cantons *
Arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains The arrondissement of Digne-les-Bains is an arrondissement of France in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It has had 46 communes. Its population is 47,298 (2016), and its area is . Composition The ...
: 87 communes, 9 cantons *
Arrondissement of Forcalquier The arrondissement of Forcalquier is an arrondissement of France in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It has 97 communes. Its population is 95,990 (2016), and its area is . Composition The communes ...
: 51 communes, 6 cantons *Arrondissement of Sisteron (former): 50 communes, 5 cantons in total 256 towns and 30 townships. ;Special cases of mergers and changes in municipal boundaries: *some communes have chosen a name without historical connection, e.g. Val-de-Chalvagne formed by the merger of three communes (Castellet-Saint-Cassian, Montblanc and Villevieille) *some communes have absorbed a large number of others – such was the case of Digne and
Castellane Castellane (; Provençal: ''Castelana'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. With about 1,600 inhabitants, Castellane has the distinction of being the least-populated sub-prefecture of France. Its inh ...
with seven towns merged: Villars-Brandis, Taloire, Eoulx, Taulane, Chasteuil, and Castillon when creating the namesake Also some other noteworthy atypical cases: *merger then separation:
Archail Archail (; oc, Archalh) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of south-eastern France. With 14 inhabitants (as of 2019), it is the third least populated commune in the department, after ...
and Draix then split between
Saint-Martin-les-Eaux Saint-Martin-les-Eaux (; Provençal: ''Sant Martin deis Aigas'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also * Luberon The Luberon ( or ; Provençal: ''Leberon'' or ''Leberoun'' ) ...
and
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
*merger with one commune then another: ''Aurent'' (merged with Braux then Castellet-lès-Sausses) *a first merger of two communes followed by a merger with another commune: Peyresq with ''La Colle-Saint-Michel'' (under the name of ''Saint-Michel-Peyresq''), the new entity was then merged with Thorame-Haute *merged communes but not adjacent: ''Le Poil'' merged with Senez. There are still some cases of communal associations since 1973 (some have also gone more or less quickly in favour of a "simple aggregation"). For example, La Mure-Argens with Argens enjoying this status (with the Mayor delegated specifically for Argens, a city hall annex and an electoral district).


Politics


Departmental Council of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

In the 2021 departmental election, the Departmental Council of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence was elected as follows: The department has an electoral tradition markedly old left. There are strong republican traditions such as the number of Political clubs during the
French Revolution The French Revolution ( ) was a period of radical political and societal change in France that began with the Estates General of 1789 and ended with the formation of the French Consulate in November 1799. Many of its ideas are conside ...
and the resistance to the coup of
Napoleon III Napoleon III (Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte; 20 April 18089 January 1873) was the first President of France (as Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte) from 1848 to 1852 and the last monarch of France as Emperor of the French from 1852 to 1870. A neph ...
in 1851. The tradition of the left is also manifested in rural areas since all cantons devoted to agriculture very early showed an inclination to vote for Republican candidates. The installation of the large chemical plant at Saint-Auban also had a favorable effect on the vote for the left (see below) and has been a breeding ground for the political organization of the left in the department by the trade union movement. The power station at
Sainte-Tulle Sainte-Tulle (; oc, Santa Túllia) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also * Luberon * Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The followin ...
also supplied many activists to leftist organizations. Exceptions in the department: the alpine areas of
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...
and the upper valley of the Verdon, both territories of emigration but also with a garrison of Chasseurs Alpins in the first. These areas, deeply Catholic, have long opted for elected conservatives – one of the most famous being the former Minister of the Third Republic, Paul Reynaud. A definition of the political choices of the county population is often translated as: the higher the altitude rises, the more the popular vote looks to the right. Since the end of the
First World War World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...
the department has been most often depicted, both by the Senate and the National Assembly, as an electoral issue of either the PCF or, especially, the socialist movement – the SFIO or the PS, or by the radical left. A landmark of the Resistance during the
Second World War World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposi ...
, at Liberation the department deeply changed is roots to the left, a change that has not really been challenged since. A change, which may be temporary however, was recorded in 2007 when, for the first time in local political history, a right-wing deputy elected in the previous election (in 2002) was re-elected to the National Assembly. The other seat is occupied by the President of the Departmental Council, Jean-Louis Bianco, a former minister with François Mitterrand. In the Senate, the department is represented by
Claude Domeizel Claude Domeizel (born 16 May 1940) is a French politician and a former member of the Senate of France. He represented the Alpes de Haute-Provence department as a member of the Socialist Party Socialist Party is the name of many different poli ...
, a former Socialist Mayor of
Volx Volx (; oc, Vòus) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. Population See also * Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC * Luberon The Luberon ( or ; Provençal: ''Leber ...
. François Mitterrand won the majority of votes of the inhabitants of the department in 1974, 1981, and 1988 although in the last two cases it was 53% of the vote. In 1995, Jacques Chirac was leading the second round of the presidential election with just over 52% but less than the national score. In 2002 it was
Jean Marie Le Pen Jean Louis Marie Le Pen (, born 20 June 1928) is a French far-right politician who served as President of the National Front from 1972 to 2011. He also served as Honorary President of the National Front from 2011 to 2015. Le Pen graduated from ...
who topped the first round. Finally, in 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy, who reached the top in the first round, with nearly 30% of the votes, gained 53.2% in the second round. In European referendums, the department has voted "No" during the consultation on the
Maastricht Treaty The Treaty on European Union, commonly known as the Maastricht Treaty, is the foundation treaty of the European Union (EU). Concluded in 1992 between the then-twelve member states of the European Communities, it announced "a new stage in the ...
at 51.6% (majority of 2238 votes) and "No" during the consultation on the European Constitutional Treaty at 60.3% (majority 16,575 votes).


Members of the National Assembly

Both of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence's seats in the
National Assembly In politics, a national assembly is either a unicameral legislature, the lower house of a bicameral legislature, or both houses of a bicameral legislature together. In the English language it generally means "an assembly composed of the r ...
changed hands in the 2022 legislative election with the 1st constituency lost by the New Democrats'
Delphine Bagarry Delphine Bagarry (born 9 January 1970) is a French emergency physician and politician who was the National Assembly deputy for Alpes-de-Haute-Provence's 1st constituency from 2017 to 2022. Political career Having previously been affiliated with ...
to Christian Girard of National Rally and the 2nd lost by LREM's Christophe Castaner to Léo Walter of La France insoumise.


Economy

The department has, by its own characteristics (mountainous and low population), a character marked by a relatively weak industrial base and a move towards the creation of jobs in the areas of trades and services. Thus, according to the survey on labour needs by ASSEDIC, most of the jobs available are now from the professions of sociocultural and sports activities (1031 offers listed out of 4752 total in the department), hotel (968 offers), cleaning (438 offers), catering (345 offers). Of all these offers at least three-quarters were for seasonal jobs. However, significant changes in the sociological situation of the department are to be expected from the implementation of the ITER project at the mouth of the Durance valley.


Primary sector

In the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department agriculture has had a very important place in the economy but the food-producing polyculture has given way to a much more specialized agriculture oriented around fruit, cereals and high value added products ( honey,
perfume Perfume (, ; french: parfum) is a mixture of fragrant essential oils or aroma compounds (fragrances), fixatives and solvents, usually in liquid form, used to give the human body, animals, food, objects, and living-spaces an agreeable scent ...
s, and essential oils,
cosmetics Cosmetics are constituted mixtures of chemical compounds derived from either natural sources, or synthetically created ones. Cosmetics have various purposes. Those designed for personal care and skin care can be used to cleanse or protec ...
, olives, and wine). The cultivated species are temperate species, especially those at higher altitude, and Mediterranean species at low altitude. The production is of a wide variety. In recent years, an increase in the cultivation of lavender has emerged, particularly in the area of
Saint-André-les-Alpes Saint-André-les-Alpes (; oc, Sant Andrieu) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The following is a list of the 198 communes ...
. The utilised agricultural area is 165,809 hectares mostly devoted to farming activities such as grass meadows for over 96,000 hectares. According to the agricultural census of 2000, the department has 2,947 farms, more than the 1,500 farms under the previous census carried out twelve years previously. The average farm size has increased from 32 to 56 hectares. This is an area of
arboriculture Arboriculture () is the cultivation, management, and study of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants. The science of arboriculture studies how these plants grow and respond to cultural practices and to their environmen ...
particularly along the Durance, which is the main farming area in terms of number of farms (829 in total). It is followed by the crop sector (mostly grain) with 740 farms with the rest in the livestock sector. One of the characteristics of the department is that there are 614 farms devoted to breeding animals other than cattle. These are for the breeding of
sheep Sheep or domestic sheep (''Ovis aries'') are domesticated, ruminant mammals typically kept as livestock. Although the term ''sheep'' can apply to other species in the genus '' Ovis'', in everyday usage it almost always refers to domesticate ...
and goats, including the production of milk used for cheese making under
Appellation d'origine contrôlée An appellation is a legally defined and protected geographical indication primarily used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown, although other types of food often have appellations as well. Restrictions other than geographical bo ...
(AOC) for Banon cheese. The winemakers of
Pierrevert Pierrevert (; oc, Peiravèrd) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also * Luberon *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department *Coteaux de Pierrevert AOC Coteaux de Pierreve ...
also have an
appellation d'origine contrôlée An appellation is a legally defined and protected geographical indication primarily used to identify where the grapes for a wine were grown, although other types of food often have appellations as well. Restrictions other than geographical bo ...
(AOC) ranking for their production. The Alpes de Hautes-Provence department is a region where 49.1% of the area is forested or 343,691 hectares, with an average rate of 39.4% for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The National Office of Forests (ONF) manages 86,000 hectares. The main species exploited are Scots pine, black pine, larch, pubescent oak (or white oak), and beech. Fir and spruce are less common. The 2003 heat wave caused the decline of many species of trees, consequently accelerating the return of Mediterranean oaks, alders and linden.


Industry

Industry is relatively small in terms of business establishments but has several relatively large companies. At the end of 2004 the department had 937 establishments with 17 exceeding fifty employees. This is particularly the case of the historic plant at Saint-Auban (the Arkema factory formerly Elf-Atochem), the Sanofi of Sisteron factory (north of Saint-Auban), and Manosque (L'Occitane factory). Some more specialized factories (olive oil, perfumes, wines) produce products with high added value. At the end of 2006, according to ASSEDIC data, the industrial sector employed 4,261 employees in the department, or a little over 14% of private sector employees. In the Chemistry sub-sector there are 1,761 employees and agribusiness has 1,205 employees: these are the two main divisions. The chemical sector includes segments of: pharmacy (Sanofi factory, cited above, with more than 650 employees), basic chemistry (Arkema factory, with more than 500 employees), and cosmetics with more than 450 people. The industrial sector has lost nearly 400 jobs since 2001 particularly from downsizing at Arkema and despite the good financial health of Total S.A. which owns it. This may change with the implementation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The Building sector and public works account for 1,387 active establishments with more than half (758) institutions without any employees (artisans established their behalf). In late 2006, the sector employed more than 3,900 employees including nearly 1,500 in the public works sector particularly driven by the completion of major infrastructure (motorway A51 and others).


Tertiary

After the depopulation caused by the rural exodus, the department pioneered
agritourism Agritourism or agrotourism involves any agriculturally based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or ranch. Types A 2018 article published in the ''Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development'' classified a ...
in the 1950s although it is no longer the leader in France in this field. Approximately 120 farms offer tourist activities (accommodation, catering or leisure), with 70 certified. The tertiary sector includes very different enterprises. Commercial activities have undergone considerable change, and had in 2004 2,473 establishments but with 1,396 (over 56%) with no employees. In late 2006, however, this sector employed 6,478 people in more than 1,000 establishments. Employee headcounts have risen sharply since 2001 as there have been a total of 627 additional jobs (more than 10% of the workforce) since that date. The number of employees is about 22% of the workforce employed in the private sector. This has resulted from the development, particularly in the cities of Manosque and Digne, of major retail shopping areas. Nearly 1,600 employees in the services sector are employed there. Service activities cover a total of 7,322 institutions in late 2004 with 4,323 (over 59%) with no employees. It is this sector, however which has the largest number of establishments with more than 50 employees – 96 establishments. At the end of 2006, this sector employed, among others, 1,141 employees in the transport sector, 3,425 employees in business services, and more than 4,000 in the field of services to individuals. These sectors are evolving and increasing their activities. The positive migration flow for the department often originates from the arrival of retired households, due in particular to the significant increase in numbers of elderly and home care services. The transport sector created sixty additional jobs but it was especially the service sector enterprises and service to individuals (e.g. health and social activity) experienced a dramatic and significant growth. The health sector has substantially increased its importance in the economy with over a thousand more jobs, especially in the segments of short-term care-giving and maintenance, with nearly 850 related jobs. This is largely explained by the fact that the major industrial companies in the department, such as companies in the construction sector, use temporary workers, instead of hiring full-time. In the canton of Volonne, where Saint-Auban is, the reduction in industrial jobs (160 jobs lost on the Arkema work site) is partially offset by the increase in temporary employment (100 additional jobs ). Similarly, in Manosque, the first city of the department in terms of employment, and sustainable development (2,000 more jobs in five years), the increase in temporary jobs has been spectacular – reaching 400 jobs. These jobs are in, among other things, the cosmetics industry, the construction industry and public works, and retail. Large retail chains in the city prefer this mode of hiring to permanent staff. In the field of health and social activities, there has been significant job creation also with 760 more jobs, bringing to 13% the share of employees in the sector in terms of total private employment. This increase is particularly in hospitality and accommodation with nearly a thousand employees, an increase of about 150 jobs since 2001, while the area of home care now employs 741 employees instead of 457 five years earlier. Finally, note that voluntary work, with nearly 1,000 jobs offered, is also present in the department.


Tourism

The area's scenery provides the background to many activities and sights. Eleven villages have been classified as having special architectural character, including: * The town of
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
, known for the birthplace and home of famed Provençal writer Jean Giono * The town of
Sisteron Sisteron (; , oc, label=Mistralian norm, Sisteroun; from oc, label= Old Occitan, Sestaron) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France. Sisteron is situated on the banks of the rive ...
, with its ancient citadel and narrow streets * The Verdon Gorge, dubbed Europe's Grand Canyon *
Digne-les-Bains Digne-les-Bains (; Occitan: ''Dinha dei Banhs''), or simply and historically Digne (''Dinha'' in the classical norm or ''Digno'' in the Mistralian norm), is the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte ...
, a hot-spa town *
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (; oc, Mostiers Santa Maria), or simply Moustiers, is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France. In 2017, it had a population of 709. It considered ...
, known for its pottery *
Forcalquier Cathedral Forcalquier Cathedral, now the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet (french: Concathédrale Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet de Forcalquier; Église Notre-Dame-du-Bourguet), is a former Roman Catholic cathedral, and a national monument of France, located in ...
In summer many aerial sports use the surrounding mountains such as gliding, hang gliding and paragliding. In winter there is extensive skiing at eleven ski resorts. File:Digne Gassendi et cathédrale Saint-Jérôme.jpg,
Digne-les-Bains Digne-les-Bains (; Occitan: ''Dinha dei Banhs''), or simply and historically Digne (''Dinha'' in the classical norm or ''Digno'' in the Mistralian norm), is the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte ...
, The prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department File:Vue forcalquier 2402.JPG, Forcalquier File:Sisteron (2452199561).jpg,
Sisteron Sisteron (; , oc, label=Mistralian norm, Sisteroun; from oc, label= Old Occitan, Sestaron) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France. Sisteron is situated on the banks of the rive ...
File:Rocher de la Baume (2450672419).jpg, Rocher de La Baume File:Moustiers Sainte Marie 1.jpg,
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (; oc, Mostiers Santa Maria), or simply Moustiers, is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France. In 2017, it had a population of 709. It considered ...
File:Gorges du Verdon 2010.jpg, Verdon Gorge File:Chambeyron-lac du marinet.jpg, The Aiguille de Chambeyron and the Marinet Lake in the Ubaye Valley


Gastronomy

Famous dishes from the commune:
Les tomates à la Provençale
from Manosque * Black Pudding traditionally cooked with leeks *Scrambled eggs with truffles from Riez *''Pattes a la main de Fours'' *Sisteron Lamb * Pierrevert wine (AOC since 1997) *Lavender Honey * Banon cheese * Génépi from the Ubaye Valley * Pieds paquets from Sisteron *Henri Bardouin de Forcalquier Liqueurs.


Local media


Print Media

Daily newspapers: '' La Provence'', '' le Dauphine Libere'', an
''La Marseillaise''
All three have a local edition. Weekly Newspaper: ''Haute Provence info'' Free Newspapers:''
''J'y Vais Provence''
a bimonthly journal. Cultural information and portraits of artists of the department.


Local radio

*''Alpes 1'' (based at Gap, Hautes-Alpes), transmits to the regions of Digne-les-Bains, Sisteron, Barcelonnette and Allos *''Durance FM'' (based at Reillane), transmits in the regions of Manosque, Digne-les-Bains, and Sisteron *''Fréquence Mistral'' (based in Manosque), transmits in the regions of Manosque, Digne-les-Bains, Sisteron, and Castellane *''Grimaldi FM'' (based in Puget-Théniers (Alpes-Maritimes)) transmits to the cantons of Annot and Entrevaux *''Là la radio'' (based at Gap (Hautes-Alpes)) transmits to the regions of Allos, Barcelonnette, and Colmars-les-Alpes *''Radio Oxygène'' (based in Fréjus (Var)), transmits in the regions of Barcelonnette and Val d'Allos; *''Radio Star'' (based in
Marseille Marseille ( , , ; also spelled in English as Marseilles; oc, Marselha ) is the prefecture of the French department of Bouches-du-Rhône and capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Situated in the camargue region of southern Fra ...
(Bouches-du-Rhône)), transmits in the regions of Manosque, Digne-les-Bains, and Sisteron *''Radio Verdon'' (based in
Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier Saint-Julien (; also known as Saint-Julien-le-Montagnier; Provençal: ''Sant Julian lo Montanhier'') is a commune in the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. See also *Communes of the Var department ...
(Var)), transmits to the regions of Manosque and Castellane *''Radio Zinzine'' (based at Limans), funded by the ''Longo Maï cooperative'', transmits to the areas of Manosque, Digne-les-Bains, Sisteron, and Forcalquier.


Local TV

*''Télévision Locale Provence'' (TLP) is available through TNT channel 30 in the area of Manosque and Val de Durance, by satellite in the FRANSAT package, by Internet on ADSL Orange, SFR/Neuf, ''Numéricâble'' in Avignon and its region (soon to be Free)


Website

*'
jy
This free cultural news site was launched in January 2011. There are more than 200 cultural events in the department every week. A free bimonthly magazine is associated with the website providing close-ups of artists and events in the region. Distributed to 4,000 copies in town halls, tourist offices and shops, it is to this day the strongest support media for the department. *Verdon Info: Information on the area ''Pays Asses-Verdon-Vaïre-Var'' (
Arrondissement of Castellane The arrondissement of Castellane is an arrondissement of France in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It has 41 communes. Its population is 11,403 (2016), and its area is . Composition The communes ...
).


Infrastructure


Road network

Many roads in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are narrow and winding due to terrain. These natural conditions make access to certain parts of the department rather difficult, especially in winter, and particularly the communes in the Arrondissements of Barcelonnette and Castellane. They are therefore quite isolated from the rest of the department and the region. National Highway N85 between
Digne-les-Bains Digne-les-Bains (; Occitan: ''Dinha dei Banhs''), or simply and historically Digne (''Dinha'' in the classical norm or ''Digno'' in the Mistralian norm), is the prefecture of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte ...
and
Castellane Castellane (; Provençal: ''Castelana'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. With about 1,600 inhabitants, Castellane has the distinction of being the least-populated sub-prefecture of France. Its inh ...
passes through several narrow gorges including that of ''Taulanne'' which is especially narrow.


Rail network

There are several railway lines in Alpes de Haute-Provence. These are: *the Chemins de Fer de Provence line (known as the
Train des pignes The Train des Pignes is a set of four metre gauge railways that once existed in the departments of Alpes-Maritimes (06), Var (83), Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04) and Bouches-du-Rhône (13) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur (PACA) région in southe ...
) from Nice – Digne *two lines of the SNCF: **the Lyon-Perrache – Marseille-Saint-Charles (via Grenoble) line **the Saint-Auban – Digne line (service provided by coaches) is now abandoned. It formed the junction between the Train des Pignes and the Lyon-Marseille lines. A project to reopen the line is being studied and included in the planning between the State and Region. Old abandoned lines: *the Volx – Forcalquier line *the Volx – Cavaillon line *the Chorges – Barcelonnette line (never opened)


Notable people associated with the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department


Scientists

*'' Pierre Gassendi'' (1592 at
Champtercier Champtercier () is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The following is a list of the 198 communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Proven ...
– 1655), mathematician, philosopher, theologian and astronomer. *''Jean Solome'' (1674–1752), historian from
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (; oc, Mostiers Santa Maria), or simply Moustiers, is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of Southeastern France. In 2017, it had a population of 709. It considered ...
*''Prior Laurensi'' (1719–1808), historian. *'' Jean Marc Gaspard Itard'' (1774 at ''Oraison'' – 1838), a famous doctor for his work on the case of the Feral child, Victor of Aveyron, and pioneer of the ear, nose and throat speciality *''Jean Aimé Édouard de Laplane'' (1774–1870), historian from
Sisteron Sisteron (; , oc, label=Mistralian norm, Sisteroun; from oc, label= Old Occitan, Sestaron) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France. Sisteron is situated on the banks of the rive ...
*''Simon-Jude Honnorat'' (1783 at Allos – 1852), physician, naturalist, regional linguist *''Elzéard Gras-Bourget'' (1788–1860) Judge and historian *''Father Jean-Joseph-Maxime Feraud'' (1810 at Riez – 1897), historian *'' Alphonse Eugene Beau'' called ''Beau de Rochas'' (1815 at Digne-les-Bains – 1893) thermodynamics engineer, inventor of the four-stroke engine, and turbine engine *''Dr. Antoine Ollivier'' (1823 – ?), a medical doctor and archaeologist from
Ubaye The Ubaye (; oc, Ubaia) is a river of southeastern France. It is long and flows through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Its drainage basin is .Pierre-Gilles de Gennes'' (1932–2007), Nobel prize in physics in 1991. Spent his childhood in
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...


Artists

;Painters *''Eugene Martel'' (1869 at Revest-du-Bion – 1947) *'' Raoul Dufy'' (1877–1953 at Forcalquier) *''Serge Fiorio'' (1911–2011), born in Switzerland, died at
Viens, Vaucluse Viens ( Occitan: ''Viènç'') is a commune in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. Geography The river Calavon forms most of the commune's south-eastern border. Landmarks * Chateau d'Autet ...
, he settled in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in 1947 *''Paul Martin'' (1830–1903) and his son Étienne Martin (1856–1945). Naturalist painters and botanists ;Singers / Musicians *'' Albertet de Sisteron'' (1194–1221), troubadour *''Jean-Philippe Argento'' (1972 at Digne-les-Bains – ) *''
Damien Saez Damien Saez (; born August 1, 1977) or just Saez, is a French singer-songwriter and musician. Biography Early life Damien Saez was born in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Savoie, on 1 August 1977, where he lived until the age of three or four years ...
'' (1977– ) ;Others *''Joseph Olérys'',
Faience Faience or faïence (; ) is the general English language term for fine tin-glazed pottery. The invention of a white pottery glaze suitable for painted decoration, by the addition of an oxide of tin to the slip of a lead glaze, was a major ...
r of the 18th century *''Jean Daviot'' (1962 at Digne-les-Bains – ), visual artist *''
Bernar Venet Bernar Venet (born 20 April 1941) is a French conceptual artist. Early life Bernar Venet was born to Jean-Marie Venet, a school teacher and chemist, and Adeline Gilly and was the youngest of four boys. He was brought up in Château-Arnoux-Sai ...
'' (1941 at Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban), visual artist ;Fictional Characters *'' Elzéard Bouffier'', the shepherd in ''The Man Who Planted Trees'' by Jean Giono


Other historical figures

;Military *'' Joseph de Richery'' (1757 at Allons – 1798 at Eoulx) Rear Admiral who distinguished himself during the wars of the Revolution *'' Pierre Charles Silvestre de Villeneuve'' (1763 at
Valensole Valensole (; Occitan: ''Valençòla'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the southeastern Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Its inhabitants are called Valensolais (masculine) and Valensolaises (feminine). The ...
– 1806), admiral of the French fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar *''Louis Alexis Desmichels'' (1779 at Digne – 1845), an officer of the
First Empire First Empire may refer to: *First British Empire, sometimes used to describe the British Empire between 1583 and 1783 *First Bulgarian Empire (680–1018) *First French Empire (1804–1814/1815) * First German Empire or "First Reich", sometimes use ...
, General *''
Paul Touvier Paul Claude Marie Touvier (3 April 1915 – 17 July 1996) was a French Nazi collaborator during World War II in Occupied France. In 1994, he became the first Frenchman ever convicted of crimes against humanity, for his participation in the H ...
'' (1915 at
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron Saint-Vincent-sur-Jabron (; oc, Sant Vincenç de Jabron) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. Population See also *Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The following is a list of th ...
– 1996), leader of the Milice in
Lyon Lyon,, ; Occitan: ''Lion'', hist. ''Lionés'' also spelled in English as Lyons, is the third-largest city and second-largest metropolitan area of France. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, to the northwest of ...
, the first Frenchman condemned for crimes against humanity *'' Bruno Dary'' (1952 at Barcelonnette – ), Military governor of Paris ;Political and financial *'' Jacques-Antoine Manuel'' (1775 at Barcelonnette – 1827), fourth deputy (MP) under the
Bourbon Restoration Bourbon Restoration may refer to: France under the House of Bourbon: * Bourbon Restoration in France (1814, after the French revolution and Napoleonic era, until 1830; interrupted by the Hundred Days in 1815) Spain under the Spanish Bourbons: * Ab ...
*''Hippolyte Fourtoul'' (1811 Digne – 1856), Minister of Education under the Second Empire *The ''Brothers Arnaud'' originators of the Ubayens emigration movement to Mexico and Louisiana in the 19th and early 20th century *''André Honnorat'' (1868–1950), originally from Allos and
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...
, Minister of Public Education and Fine Arts in 1920 *'' Paul Reynaud'' (1878 at Barcelonnette – 1966), former President of the Council of Ministers (1940) *''Henri Laugier'' (1888 at Mane – 1973), Deputy Secretary General of the UN *'' Jean-Louis Bianco'' (1943 – ), deputy for Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and president of the department's general council


Sports

;Motor Sports *''Jean Rolland'' (1935 at Digne – 1967), racing driver *'' Jean-Michel Bayle'' (1969 at Manosque – ) motocross champion *'' Mickael Maschio'' (1973 at Digne – ), French motocross driver ;Footballers *'' René Gallice'' (1919 at Forcalquier – 1999), former professional soccer player *''
Alain Boghossian Alain Boghossian (born 27 October 1970) is a French-Armenian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He serves as an assistant coach for the France national team. Club career Born in Digne-les-Bains, Alpes-de-Haute-Provenc ...
'' (1970 at Digne – ), former professional soccer player, world champion in 1998, assistant coach of the French football team since 2008. ;Skiers *''Honoré Bonnet'' (1919–2005) coach of the French ski team at the
1968 Winter Olympics The 1968 Winter Olympics, officially known as the X Olympic Winter Games (french: Les Xes Jeux olympiques d'hiver), were a winter multi-sport event held from 6 to 18 February 1968 in Grenoble, France. Thirty-seven countries participated. Frenchm ...
*'' Carole Merle'' (1964 at Sauze), the most successful French skier in the history of the World Cup ;Cyclists *''
Édouard Fachleitner Édouard Fachleitner (born 24 February 1921 in Santa Domenica d'Albona, Italy, died 18 July 2008) was a French former professional road bicycle racer. He was an Italian citizen until 23 June 1939. He was a professional between 1943 and 1952. F ...
'', (1921–2008), racing cyclist called the Shepherd from Manosque *'' Julien El Fares'' (1985 at Manosque – ) cyclist. ;Rugby Players *''Grégory Bernard'', (1984 at Digne – ), second line at Auch


Philosophers, poets, writers

*'' Alphonse Rabbe'' (1786 at Riez – 1830), romantic poet in prose, ''Album of a pessimist'' *''
Paul Arène Paul-Auguste Arène (26 June 1843 – 17 December 1896) was a Provençal poet and French writer. Biography Arène was born in Sisteron, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the son of Adolphe, a clockmaker, and Reine, a cap presser. He studied in Marseille, ...
'' (1843 at
Sisteron Sisteron (; , oc, label=Mistralian norm, Sisteroun; from oc, label= Old Occitan, Sestaron) is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France. Sisteron is situated on the banks of the rive ...
– 1896) writer and poet *''Lazarine Negro'' (1848–1899), a poet from
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
, a member of Félibrige *'' Elemir Bourges'' (1852 at
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
– 1925), novelist, member of the
Académie Goncourt The Société littéraire des Goncourt (Goncourt Literary Society), usually called the Académie Goncourt (Goncourt Academy), is a French literary organisation based in Paris. It was founded in 1900 by the French writer and publisher Edmond de G ...
*''
Alexandra David-Neel Alexandra () is the feminine form of the given name Alexander (, ). Etymologically, the name is a compound of the Greek verb (; meaning 'to defend') and (; GEN , ; meaning 'man'). Thus it may be roughly translated as "defender of man" or "pro ...
'' (1868–1969), explorer and Franco-Belgian writer, a resident of Digne in 1926 until his death in 1969 *''Germaine Waton Ferry'' (1885 at Riez – 1956), poet, member of Félibrige *''Alexandre Arnoux'' (1884–1973), novelist, playwright *''Maria Borrely'' (1890 at Puimoisson – 1963), novelist *'' Regis Messac'' (1893–1945), writer *'' Jean Giono'' (1895 at
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
– 1970), writer *''Jean Proal'' (1904 at
Seyne Seyne (; Vivaro-Alpine: ''Sèina'') is a commune in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, a department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in south-east France. It is roughly 30 km north of Digne. The village's official name is listed under the ...
-les-Alpes – 1969), writer *''Pierre Magnan'' (1922 at
Manosque Manosque (; Provençal Occitan: ''Manòsca'' in classical norm or ''Manosco'' in Mistralian norm) is the largest town and commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France. However, it is not the ''préfecture'' (capital) ...
– 2012), writer *''Cécile Sauvage'' (1883–1927), poet, lived in Digne *'' Felicien Champsaur'' (1858 at Turriers – 1934), writer *''Pierre Martel'' (1923–2001), founder of ''Alpes de Lumiere'' (Alpine Lights) *''Pierre Bottero'' (1964 at
Barcelonnette Barcelonnette (; oc, Barciloneta de Provença, also ; obsolete it, Barcellonetta) is a commune of France and a subprefecture in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It is located in the souther ...
– 2009), writer


Miscellaneous

;Religious *''Tulle de Manosque'' (?-430), daughter of Eucherius of Lyon *'' Fauste de Riez'' (408–495), bishop and theologian of free will *''
Mayeul de Cluny Majolus of Cluny (Maieul, Mayeul, Mayeule) (c. 906 – May 11, 994) was the fourth abbot of Cluny. Majolus was very active in reforming individual communities of monks and canons; first, as a personal commission, requested and authorized by the E ...
'' (906 at
Valensole Valensole (; Occitan: ''Valençòla'') is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in the southeastern Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Its inhabitants are called Valensolais (masculine) and Valensolaises (feminine). The ...
– 994). Fourth abbot of Cluny. *'' John of Matha'' (1160 at Faucon-de-Barcelonnette – 1215), priest, founder of the Trinitarian Order to recover prisoners of the Saracens *''Jacques Chastan'' (1803 at Marcoux – 1839), priest of
Foreign Missions A missionary is a member of a religious group which is sent into an area in order to promote its faith or provide services to people, such as education, literacy, social justice, health care, and economic development.Thomas Hale 'On Being a Mi ...
Society ;People in the news *'' Jack Cecil Drummond'' (1891–1952), assassinated at Lurs with his wife and daughter which triggered the Dominici affair ;Others The families ''Simiane'', ''Agoult'', and ''Ponteves'', nobles of Provence


Learned societies and associations

*'' Société scientifique et littéraire des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence'', founded in 1878 by Father Jean-Joseph-Maxime Feraud *''Alpes de Lumière'', a nonprofit organization founded in 1953 by Pierre Martel and state-approved *''Proserpine'', a non-profit association founded in 1993 in order to know and protect the butterflies of Haute-Provence. Manages the butterfly garden (insects release) at Digne-les-Bains. *''Sabença de la Valeia'' is a learned society from the Ubaye Valley. It researches, studies and disseminates everything about the valley.


Movies and TV films made in the department

(TV films in Italics) *1925: ''
Les Misérables ''Les Misérables'' ( , ) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its origin ...
'' by
Henri Fescourt Henri Fescourt (23 November 1880 – 9 August 1966) was a French film director. He directed some 40 films in his career. Filmography * 1912 : '' Un vol a été commis'' * 1912 : '' Le Petit restaurant de l'impasse Canin'' * 1912 : '' Paris-Sa ...
with
Gabriel Gabrio Gabriel Gabrio (born Édouard Gabriel Lelièvre; 13 January 1887 – 31 October 1946) was a French stage and film actor whose career began in cinema in the silent film era of the 1920s and spanned more than two decades. Gabrio is possibly best re ...
*1934: ''
Les Misérables ''Les Misérables'' ( , ) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its origin ...
'' by Raymond Bernard with Harry Baur *1953: '' La Route Napoléon'' by Jean Delannoy with
Pierre Fresnay Pierre Fresnay (4 April 1897 – 9 January 1975) was a French stage and film actor. Biography Born Pierre Jules Louis Laudenbach, he was encouraged by his uncle, actor Claude Garry, to pursue a career in theater and film. He joined the company a ...
*1958: '' L'Eau vive'' by
François Villiers François Villiers (2 March 1920 – 29 January 2009) Chevalier of the Legion of Honor was a French film director. He was responsible for several films, from '' Hans le marin'' in 1949, to '' Manika, une vie plus tard'', in 1989, which won th ...
with
Pascale Audret Pascale Audret (12 October 1935, Neuilly-sur-Seine – 17 July 2000) was a French actress who was most active during the 1950s through the 1960s. Career While she starred in over 25 films between 1955 and 1968, her success never crossed over int ...
*1960: ''Crésus'' by Jean Giono with Fernandel *1970: ''La Maison des bories'' by Jacques Doniol-Valcroze with Marie Dubois,
Maurice Garrel Maurice Garrel (24 February 1923 – 4 June 2011) was a French film actor. Garrel was born in Saint-Servais, Isère. He appeared in over a hundred films and was nominated twice for a César Award for best supporting actor: in 1991 for ''La ...
,
Mathieu Carrière Mathieu Carrière (; born 2 August 1950) is a German actor. Life Carrière grew up in Berlin and Lübeck; he attended the Jesuit boarding school in Vannes, France, a school which had previously been attended by the director of Carrière's fir ...
, and Marie-Véronique Maurin *1973: ''L'Affaire Dominici'' by Claude Bernard-Aubert with Jean Gabin,
Victor Lanoux Victor Lanoux (18 June 1936 – 4 May 2017) was a French actor best known to English speaking audiences for his role as Ludovic in '' Cousin, Cousine''. Biography Victor Lanoux, born Victor Robert Nataf was the son of a Tunisian Jew from Sfax a ...
, and
Gérard Darrieu Gérard Darrieu (1925–2004) was a French actor. Selected filmography *1950: '' Three Telegrams'' (directed by Henri Decoin) - Jeune dragueur *1951: '' Juliette, or Key of Dreams'' - Un prisonnier (uncredited) *1951: ''Boîte de nuit'' - Le g ...
*1981: ''
Les Babas Cool ''Les Babas Cool'' is a French comedy film directed by François Leterrier. It was released in 1981. Plot Antoine Bonfils is a household appliance salesman. His car breaks down close to a farm. Looking for help, he figures out that the people the ...
'' by François Leterrier with Christian Clavier,
Marie-Anne Chazel Marie-Anne France Jacqueline Chazel (born 19 September 1951) is a French actress, screenwriter and director, who has been active in both film and television since 1974. Biography Chazel was born to actress Louba Guertchikoff (birth name Lou ...
, and
Anémone Anne Bourguignon (; 9 August 1950 – 30 April 2019), known professionally as Anémone (), was a French actress, filmmaker and political activist. She took her stage name in 1968 from the title of her film debut in Philippe Garrel's ''Anémone' ...
(actress) *1986: '' Jean de Florette'' by
Claude Berri Claude Berri (; 1 July 1934 – 12 January 2009) was a French film director, writer, producer, actor and distributor. Early life Born Claude Beri Langmann in Paris, Berri was the son of Jewish immigrant parents. His mother, Beila (née Bercu), w ...
with Daniel Auteuil, Gérard Depardieu, and Yves Montand *1988: ''La Maison assassinée'' by Georges Lautner with Patrick Bruel *1989: ''Après la guerre'' by Jean-Loup Hubert with Richard Bohringer *1995: '' Le Hussard sur le toit'' by Jean-Paul Rappeneau with
Juliette Binoche Juliette Binoche (; born 9 March 1964) is a French actress and dancer. She has appeared in more than sixty feature films and has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Silver Bear, ...
,
Olivier Martinez Olivier Martinez (born 12 January 1966) is a French actor. He became well known after roles in several French films such as '' Un, deux, trois, soleil'' (1993), which garnered him the César Award for "Most Promising Actor", ''The Horseman on t ...
, and François Cluzet *2003: ''L'Affaire Dominici'' by Pierre Boutron with Michel Serrault and Michel Blanc *2006: ''Les Courriers de la mort'' by Philomène Esposito with
Victor Lanoux Victor Lanoux (18 June 1936 – 4 May 2017) was a French actor best known to English speaking audiences for his role as Ludovic in '' Cousin, Cousine''. Biography Victor Lanoux, born Victor Robert Nataf was the son of a Tunisian Jew from Sfax a ...
*2007: ''C'est mieux la vie quand on est grand'' by Luc Béraud with
Daniel Russo Daniel Russo (born 13 May 1948) is a French film actor, comedian and director. Theater Filmography References External links * {{DEFAULTSORT:Russo, Daniel 1948 births Living people Male actors from Marseille French male film acto ...
*2010: ''Le Sang des Atrides'' by Bruno Gantillon with
Victor Lanoux Victor Lanoux (18 June 1936 – 4 May 2017) was a French actor best known to English speaking audiences for his role as Ludovic in '' Cousin, Cousine''. Biography Victor Lanoux, born Victor Robert Nataf was the son of a Tunisian Jew from Sfax a ...


See also

*
Cantons of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The following is a list of the 15 cantons of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, in France, following the French canton reorganisation which came into effect in March 2015: * Barcelonnette * Castellane * Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban * Digne-l ...
*
Communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The following is a list of the 198 communes of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France. The communes cooperate in the following intercommunalities (as of 2020):Arrondissements of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department The 4 arrondissements of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department are: # Arrondissement of Barcelonnette, ( subprefecture: Barcelonnette) with 14 communes. The population of the arrondissement was 7,874 in 2016. # Arrondissement of Castellane, (s ...


References


External links

* * *
Prefecture website
*
Departmental Council website

Abbeys in the Alps
(fr. with translator) *
SPLAF Detailed information in French

Sisteron guide
*
Department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04) The accounts of the Communes and groupings
– Individual and Consolidated data "Principle Budget and annexes" *
Website for Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Basses-Alpes
well documented and illustrated (anecdotes, personalities) *
''Robbery in the Basses-Alpes...''
by Abbot Maurel (1899). Text online. *
''The Plague of 1720 in the Basses-Alpes''
by Abbot Maurel (1908). Text online. *
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
*
Visit to the Valley of La Blanche, Seyne-les-Alpes and nearby villages
*

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alpes-De-Haute-Provence States and territories established in 1790 1790 establishments in France Departments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur