Sisteron is a commune of some 7,500 people in the

Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region of France. Often referred to as the Gateway to Provence it lies in a valley between two extended mountain ranges in an area which has been inhabited for more than 4,000 years. Roman armies used this route on their marches through this region of France and due to it's strategic position the area has seen a significant number of conflicts throughout it's history.
Sitting high above the commune of Sisteron is The Citadel of Sisteron. The Citadel is a collection of various fortifications the earliest of which dates back to the 12th century.
This particular afternoon I'd set up my tripod on the hill across the River Durance to wait through the afternoon for sunset. Instead, as the afternoon progressed the mid-summer sky closed over, darkened and the thunderstorm started, as a result, I managed several frames with lightening striking the top of the hillside near to the citadel. File 9993.