Guide to Alpes-de-Haute-Provence & Property in 04

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a department in southeastern France, situated within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It was once part of Provence and borders five departments: Alpes-Maritimes, Drôme, Var, Vaucluse, and Hautes-Alpes. Its eastern edge touches Italy. The department is divided into three geographic zones: the Haute-Provence, known for its plateaus, hills, and valleys; the Lower Alps, an intermediate mountain region with valleys and isolated villages; and the Hautes-Alpes, featuring the valleys of Ubaye, Blanche, and high Verdon.

Mountain Peaks and Notable Roads

In the Haute-Ubaye region, mountain…

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is a department in southeastern France, situated within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It was once part of Provence and borders five departments: Alpes-Maritimes, Drôme, Var, Vaucluse, and Hautes-Alpes. Its eastern edge touches Italy. The department is divided into three geographic zones: the Haute-Provence, known for its plateaus, hills, and valleys; the Lower Alps, an intermediate mountain region with valleys and isolated villages; and the Hautes-Alpes, featuring the valleys of Ubaye, Blanche, and high Verdon.

Mountain Peaks and Notable Roads

In the Haute-Ubaye region, mountain peaks rise above 3,000 metres, and all passes are near or over 2,000 meters. The department features one of Europe's highest roads, the D64, which reaches 2802 meters near the Col de la Bonette (2715 m), connecting Barcelonnette to the Tinée and Vésubie valleys.

Climate Characteristics

The climate of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department is Mediterranean, with variations by altitude and latitude. In the lower valleys and flatlands, an inland Mediterranean climate prevails, whereas it is more mixed in the hills. The valley of the Ubaye is characteristic of the inner Alps, characterised by a pronounced continentality. Winters are very harsh, with stormy summers.

Access Challenges

Due to the department's natural conditions, many roads in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence are narrow and winding. This makes access to certain parts of the department difficult, especially in winter and particularly in the communes in the Arrondissements of Barcelonnette and Castellane. As a result, these areas are relatively isolated from the rest of the department and the region.

Key Information about Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (04)

• Main City/Prefecture: Digne-les-Bains
• Nearest Airport: Marseille-Provence Airport
• Population: Around 165,000 (as of the latest census)  
• Area: 6,925 sq. kilometres and 2,673 sq. miles
• Landmark: Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon), one of Europe’s most breathtaking canyons, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and climbing.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 2 million, drawn by its lavender fields, alpine scenery and Provençal villages

Property Prices in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in 2026

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,346 (April 2026)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €2,546 (April 2026)
• Price trends: -2% over the last 12 months, +35% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro - April 2026)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in 2026

• Average House Price in Manosque: €2,730 per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Digne-les-Bains: €2,163  per sq. metre (April 2026)
• Average House Price in Sisteron: €2,330 per sq. metre (April 2026)

(source: Le Figaro Immobilier)

If you are looking for a property in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, please get in touch to discuss your search criteria.