This autumn, nature, landscape, and biodiversity enthusiasts have numerous opportunities to discover the area around Digne-les-Bains and the Bléone Valley from a new perspective.
In October 2026, three events will particularly highlight our environment: International Geodiversity Day, the Durance Nature festival in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, and the “Jour de la Nuit” (Night of the Night).
Geodiversity in the spotlight in Digne-les-Bains
On Friday, October 2, 2026, the Haute-Provence Geopark and the Haute-Provence Archaeological Research and Documentation Association (ARDAHP) are hosting a lecture in Digne-les-Bains to mark International Geodiversity Day.
The event will focus on the theme “Water Mines in Provence: An Inventory of Water-Collection Galleries,” featuring a talk by Vincent Meyer and a presentation on ARDAHP’s activities.
The lecture will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Salle Perchot (Avenue des Thermes, Digne-les-Bains). Admission is free, and the event is open to adults and children aged 10 and up.
Geodiversity refers to the variety of geological elements—rocks, minerals, landforms, soils, and landscapes—that make up our territory. This diversity is particularly evident here in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark, where hundreds of millions of years of geological history remain visible in the landscape.
For visitors staying in La Robine-sur-Galabre, there is no need to travel far to discover this heritage: the La Robine Ichthyosaur and the Esclangon Velodrome are among the Haute-Provence Geopark’s iconic sites.
Durance Nature: a week dedicated to biodiversity
From September 28 to October 4, 2026, head to Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban for the Durance Nature festival, organized by the La Cistude association.
Throughout the week, the festival offers a wide range of biodiversity-focused activities, including nature outings, lectures, film screenings, exhibitions, and opportunities to meet with associations and nature enthusiasts. Notably, fifteen guided excursions are planned, allowing participants to discover local wildlife and landscapes.
Several guest speakers and specialists will also take part in this year’s event, including author Alain Damasio. Exhibitions featuring nature photography and artworks dedicated to wildlife, nature, and the natural world will also be on display.
Nature outings, lectures, and exhibitions are free, while some film screenings are offered at a reduced rate.
It is a wonderful opportunity to take the time to observe the richness of the region and gain a better understanding of the species and natural environments that surround us.
On October 10, it’s time for the Night of Darkness.
After exploring the natural world by day, why not discover it… as the sun goes down?
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the *Jour de la Nuit* (Night Day) returns for its 18th edition across France. This national initiative raises awareness about light pollution, the protection of nocturnal biodiversity, and the preservation of starry skies.
Nighttime is far from an “empty” period in the natural world. Many species are nocturnal or rely on darkness to move, feed, or reproduce. Artificial lighting, in particular, can disrupt insects, migratory birds, and bats.
The *Jour de la Nuit* invites municipalities, associations, and residents to take part in a variety of activities, such as stargazing, night walks, biodiversity discovery, and—in some cases—the temporary switching off of certain lights.
Three events, one territory to discover
Geology, biodiversity, and the starry sky ultimately tell the same story: that of a rich, vibrant landscape well worth taking the time to observe.
From the geological landscapes of La Robine-sur-Galabre to the species inhabiting the valleys and mountains of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, autumn is a wonderful season to explore the natural world around Digne-les-Bains.
So, during your stay at the Gîtes du Château de la Robine, take the opportunity to venture off the beaten path—to observe, hike, and discover—and to take the time to see the surrounding landscape in a new light.
A few dates to remember:
📍 September 28 – October 4, 2026: Durance Nature Festival in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban
📍 October 2, 2026 : Lecture on geodiversity in Digne-les-Bains
📍 October 10, 2026: 18th edition of the “Jour de la Nuit” (Night of Light Pollution Awareness)
A wonderful way to extend the summer and discover the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence from a new perspective – exploring its geological heritage, biodiversity, and starry skies.
