Colmars-les-Alpes village
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Colmars-les-Alpes - by maurizio carelli on Google
Description
Colmars-les-Alpes (or "Colmars") is a village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in South Eastern France, at the confluence of the Lance and Verdon rivers. The village was ruled by the Count of Provence since the 13th century and burnt down in 1390 by Raimond de Turenne. Its fortifications are due to its location at the border with the Duchy of Savoy, although it was naturally protected by the high mountain pass making a mass raid difficult. Highlights of the village include the defensive walls and city gates, Saint Martin church, and the 17th century Fort Desaix and Fort de France.
Access & Transport
The village is 40km south of Barcelonnette (across the Sestriere and Thuiles mountain passes), 50km north of Castellane and 120km (2h) northwest of Nice.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit of the village with a hike around the Lake Allos (see separate review). At the time of this review, market days were Tuesday and Friday mornings, from mid-April until end October.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Tourism helps preserve the region's architectural and cultural heritage and brings some economic influx to the mountain villages
Conclusion
Colmars offers an attractive combination of medieval forts, city walls and streets in a superb mountainous landscape. It may not be enough to justify a long trip, but if you are within a 45mins radius it is clearly worth a detour.
Key positive
Photogenic village and countryside
Key negative
Requires some time investment to get there
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility, except for the interior of the forts
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo