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Colmars-les-Alpes village

D908, Colmars, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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.

Meta review

The village isn't very well known outside of the region but gets positive review for the surrounding scenery, its various architectural attractions (forts, city walls) and its charming medieval streets and fountains. There are also mentions of it forming a good skiing base in the winter, close to Val d'Allos ski resort.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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