Leisure

	There are many activities to try quite apart from relaxing and enjoying the sunshine. The first place to visit is the Tourist Office in Sisteron (under the Mairie on the main square) to get as much information as possible about the local area.
	If hill-walking interests you, there are few areas more beautiful and less crowded than the hills and mountains around Sisteron. The GR6 passes through the town and there are walks to suit all abilities. Take a picnic and enjoy the fresh, clean mountain air.
	The Southern French Alps is the most popular area for gliding and there are no fewer than four superb soaring sites located between 10 and 30 minutes drive from La Toupine. If you have never flown before, visit the club at Sisteron for a flight in a two-seat glider with a local, experienced instructor. The experience is unforgettable.
	If you enjoy shopping, why not try some of the local specialities while you're in Sisteron, such as the lamb and the excellent goats' cheeses. Markets are held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings; enjoy the colour of the fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables and the smell of the herbs. Try some of the pizzas sold on the market: they are good value at around €6. For wine, try the the shop near Super-U supermarket, the Domaine de Regusse. You can buy wine direct from their tank at about €1.50 per litre. It is excellent and you can always leave a few bottles at the house... At Sisteron most shops are closed on Mondays but you may find that one or two small grocers will stay open. As in most of Provence, shops close at midday and re-open at 3pm but you will find that after lunch they will stay open until 8pm.
	When eating out there are many restaurants to choose from, offering meals at prices to suit every pocket. If you are in doubt as to which restaurant you should visit for lunch, you will notice that those which are the most popular with the shopkeepers are also the best. In Sisteron, Le Mondiale offers a quality lunchtime salad, while on the rue Saunerie both La Paix and the Creperie l'Akène offer good value pizzas, crepes and grills. Les Becs Fins is the place for an excellent evening meal while those wishing to enjoy cuisine of the highest order might try one of the best restaurants in the south of France, la Bonne Etape at Chateau Arnoux. More recent recommendations include l'Araignee Gourmande in Laragne, le Ratelier in Sisteron and Au Gout Du Jour in Chateaux Arnoux (next door to and owned by la Bonne Etape but only a fraction of the price). Whether you are after a gastronomic extravaganza or a simple salad, you will find it difficult to experience a poor meal - this is France, after all.