It is sometimes called the "Gateway to Provence" because it is in a narrow gap between two long mountain ridges.

The Romans used the route through Sisteron as can be shown by a Latin inscription in the rocks near the road to Authon.

A bomber during a manoeuvre to avoid a collision accidentally dropped several bombs on the town, including a full church, causing about 100 fatalities and seriously damaging the citadel.

The town's buildings include the citadel and the 12th century former Sisteron Cathedral dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Thyrsus (Cathédrale Notre Dame des Pommiers et Saint Thyrse).

Tourist attractions include the countryside, rock climbing, the lido and the airfields at Vaumeilh, La Motte-du-Caire and Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, which are dedicated to the sport of gliding.

Sisteron is twinned with: The town was featured in the 2014 racing game Forza Horizon 2 and the 2022 series The 7 Lives of Lea.