One can really appreciate this fantastic location of being in Provence and the Lower Alps by visiting the 14 overhanging villages which surround Tallard. You can either visit them by car, motorbike or bicycles. The route is well marked, there are viewing points, fountains, and spectacular panoramic views to enjoy. For a map of the routes, please visit the tourist office in Tallard.

The Museoscope du Lac, at Lac de Serre Ponçon, 20 miles away, tells you the history behind the building of the largest man-made dam in Europe. Initially built in order to produce electricity it is now fundamental to the region´s agriculture output.

At Gap, 2 miles away, the Musee Departmental hosts an interesting collection of bronzes and artefacts from the Queyras Valley. There is also an art collection including paintings, sculptures and contemporary art. Admission is free.

Each village has it´s own market day. Gap has a market on a Wednesday and Saturday. Here you may sample the traditional Alpine cuisine of Champsaur pies “Tourtons” and Raviolis. Tallard has a market on Fridays. Sisteron has a market on Thursdays and Saturdays– a typical provencal market and ideal for lavender purchases. Markets tend to be in the mornings only.

There are many farm shops in the area. At La Ferme de la Madeleine‚ at Jarjayes 7 miles away, you can see how liqueurs are made. There is a guided visit, followed by a short film and then a tasting session. The shop will then entice you into buying these tasty and incredibly alcoholic drinks. (Open all year, Monday – Sunday, 10am – 7pm, closed at lunchtimes)

Le Maison Rostain, at Neffes, 3 miles away, sells all kinds of home-made and cured cold meats; saucisson, paté, ham, quiche, gratin and prepared dishes. It even has a small restaurant. (Open all year, Tuesday–Saturday, 9am – 7pm, closed at lunchtimes) Le Marché Paysan, at Jarjayes, 7 miles away has a great selection of fruits, vegetables and local produce. (Open mid–June to mid–November, Friday – Monday, 9am – 7pm, closed at lunchtimes)

There are several farms no more than 5 miles away which are well worth a visit.

La Ferme Du Col at Jarjayes rears goats for the production of mohair. Here you can see all the farm animals (goats, sheep, pigs, cows, rabbits, chickens, geese, ducks), try your hand at making mohair and even get to pet the rabbits.

At La Chevrerie de Ceuse at Sigoyer one can see how goats are kept, reared and their milk made into cheese. There is a lovely picnic area and the opportunity to buy and taste a selection of cheeses and dairy produce.

Further afield at Apiland Nature at Les Celliers de Rousset, 9 miles away, you can see how honey is made. Here you can see an array of beehives, watch the bees close-up and hard at work, see how bees wax is used and watch an award winning video on honey production.

The Château at Tallard was built on a cliff face 800 years ago. It has been restored over the last 40 years to it´s present glory; private courtyard, mullion windows, gothic-style chapel, coats of armour. During the summer evenings there are often concerts, plays, medieval shows to enjoy. (Open July to mid-September, 10.30am to 4.30pm, closed at lunch-times).