town, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence département, Provence-Alpes-Côtes-d'Azur (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur) région, southeastern France. It lies 83 miles (134 km) northwest of Cannes by road. Situated on the scenic Route Napoléon, along which Napoleon traveled over the Alps on his return from Elba in 1815, it is a centre for tourism. It lies on the east (left) bank of the Bléone River, a tributary of the Durance. Digne-les-Bains has been an episcopal see since at least the 6th century. Local cultivation of lavender and fruits for preserving has made the town known all over France. Apart from its administrative and commercial functions, Digne is a spa town, where respiratory and rheumatic problems are treated. Pop. (1999) 16,064; (2005 est.) 17,600.