The Southern Alps cover the three French departments with "Alpes" in their name: Alpes-Maritimes, Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. These are the mountains of Provence — drier, sunnier and more Mediterranean in character than the glaciated peaks of Savoie to the north.
The landscape is dramatic: deep gorges cut through limestone, lavender fields give way to high pastures, and small medieval villages cling to hillsides above rushing rivers. The area is ideal walking country, less crowded than the northern Alps and with better weather. The Train des Pignes, a scenic railway running from Digne-les-Bains to Nice, is one of the best ways to see the region, connecting small towns and villages perfect for day hikes.
Annot is the best base on the Train des Pignes line, surrounded by extraordinary giant boulders called Gres and with excellent walks in all directions. The old town above the modern area is a treat for photographers.
