A possible overnight stop on the Route Napoléon, Digne is a spa town on the River Bléone, and préfecture of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Napoléon lunched here on the fourth day of his triumphant progress to Grenoble in March 1815, otherwise little has happened. You can alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism in a thermal bath, or stretch your legs under the plane trees on boulevard Gassendi, and take pity on the Cathédrale de Saint-Jerome, which is in a sorry state. Market day is Saturday – look out for the cheeses.

For railway enthusiasts: The Train des Pignes – the Pinecones Train – is a spectacular local journey connecting Digne with Nice, as good as the old Alpazur train which sadly no longer functions.

From Digne or Castellane, 53 km further south on the Route Napoléon, you might consider a detour to the Gorges du Verdon.