DIGNE-LES-BAINS

'Digne-les-Bains' or simply and historically 'Digne' (Occitan: ''Dinha'' in classical norm or ''Digno'' in Mistralian norm) is a commune of France, ''préfecture'' (capital) of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence ''département''. Population (1999): 16,064.

Contents

History

Ecclesiastical history

Miscellaneous

Twin Towns

Famous People

See also

Sources and external links

History

Dignes les Bains dates back to the neolithic era and became a frequent commercial stop during the Roman era. Since then, the commune has been noted for being a primary center of the lavender trade.

Ecclesiastical history

Main articles: Diocese of Digne

Digne was evangelized by Saints Domninus and Vincentius who came from Africa in the second half of the fourth century with St. Marcellinus, the Apostle of Embrun, and the town became the centre of a diocese, the Diocese of Digne, whose bishops are seated at Digne Cathedral. The first historically known bishop was Pentadius who attended the Council of Agde in 506.

Miscellaneous

Victor Hugo's novel ''Les Misérables'' begins in Digne.

Twin Towns

★ Bad Mergentheim, Germany

★ Borgomanero, Italy

Famous People

★ Alain Boghossian, French Footballer, part of the French National side that won the FIFA World Cup 1998

★ Pierre Gassendi, French philosopher, scientist, astronomer/astrologer

★ Alexandra David-Néel, French explorer, spiritualist, writer

★ Alphonse Beau de Rochas, French engineer

See also

★ Chemins de Fer de Provence

Sources and external links

★ City council website (in French)

★ Tourist office website (in French)

★ Picture of Digne Cathedral

★ Map and Information