3 good reasons to discover our cities
- Discover perfectly preservedmilitary architecture .
- Visit remarkable monuments open to the public.
- Take a step back intime with these places steeped in history.
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Who would dare to cross the border line bristling with peaks and summits over 2,500 m high?
Who would dare venture beyond these impressive Alpine passes, which are barely passable for a few months of the year?
At the end of the 17th century, to ensure the kingdom’s security, two cities were built as impregnable sentinels, with fine military architecture that you’ll enjoy contemplating.
Fortresses, citadels, ramparts, bastioned towers—there are numerous fortifications, all perfectly preserved despite their great age. This hidden treasure, nestled at the edge of the Mercantour Mountains in Colmars-les-Alpes and the valleys of the Nice hinterland to Entrevaux, fascinates and surprises visitors who discover it.
If there’s one place we thought was peaceful, it’s this valley in Haute-Provence nestled at the foot of the Alps. Yet for 300 years, the Haut-Verdon was the site of a border between Provence and Savoy. Bordered by the turbulent waters of the Verdon and nestled in a lush green setting at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park, Colmars is an architectural gem.
With its two 17th-century military forts—Fort de France and Fort de Savoie—and its rampart walk that encircles the town with its tall traditional houses, this fortified town will take you on a true cultural adventure.
Vauban designed or redesigned 150 strongholds throughout France.
Set off to explore this town of character, built into the hillside amidst olive groves and overlooked by its high-perched citadel.
To do this, you’ll need to cross the Var River in one giant stride via an incredible fortified drawbridge. You’ll step right into the past.
With its picturesque old houses, narrow streets and colorful medieval squares, Entrevaux is proud of its heritage. There are plenty of architectural sights to visit on your quest.
Annot, Colmars-les-Alpes, and Entrevaux—once strategic towns—have retained their prestige and welcome you to explore their monuments, much to the delight of lovers of historic architecture and history buffs. This very much alive past has earned them the designation “Towns and Cities of Character.”
Don’t miss it!
Fellow pilgrims, your journey through time begins here. Cross the drawbridges and step through the gates of our fortified walls. Travel back through the centuries and immerse yourselves in an extraordinary festive atmosphere!
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