The Verdon celebrates obtaining the “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” label

The “Ville et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” label is more than just recognition; it’s a commitment to architecture, heritage and the living environment.

The Verdon region is distinguished by its many heritage assets:

• 46 buildings protected as Historic Monuments, including 22 classified and 24 listed buildings.
• 6 classified sites and 21 registered sites.
• 1,049 objects protected (classified and listed) as Historic Monuments.
• 1 Remarkable Heritage Site in Annot and 3 SPR studies underway in Castellane, Colmars-les-Alpes and Entrevaux.
• 4 Villages et Cités de Caractère (departmental label): Annot, Castellane, Colmars-les-Alpes, Entrevaux.
• 6 communes awarded the “Villages Fleuris” label.

“Land of Art and History” Event

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Come enjoy the organized tours— Join us for “Pays d’art et d’histoire.“

With more than 25 events throughout the year, join us as we explore our cultural heritage through various themes.

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Overview of the CCAPV territory

Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department, the territory of the Communauté de Communes Alpes Provence Verdon covers an area of 1,716 km2, with a permanent population of around 11,700.

Representing ¼ of its surface area and only 7% of its population, it is organized around four valleys: the Verdon from its source to the Grand Canyon, the Asse, the Vaïre and the Var.

Composed of 41 communes, with the main town centers being :

• Allos
• Annot
• Castellane
• Colmars-les-Alpes
• Entrevaux
• Saint-André-les-Alpes.

It is crossed by the RN 202 and the RD 4085, also known as the Route Napoléon and is also served by the Chemins de Fer de Provence line and its famous Train des Pignes which links Digne-les-Bains to Nice.

It’s a rural area that offers its inhabitants and visitors alike an incomparable quality of life.

No fewer than 3 protected natural areas boast exceptional landscapes:

• Mercantour National Park.
• Verdon Regional Nature Park.
• Haute-Provence geological reserve.

Its economy is mainly based on tourism, agriculture, small businesses and services .

What is the “Ville ou Pays d’art et d’histoire” label?

The “Ville et Pays d’art et d’histoire” label is awarded by the French Ministry of Culture to areas actively promoting their architectural and cultural heritage.

Established in 1985, this designation encourages municipalities or groups of municipalities to raise awareness among residents and visitors about the importance of their historical and architectural environment. It is awarded following a rigorous evaluation process based on local authorities’ commitment to integrating culture and heritage into their local development, the relevance of their historical and geographic boundaries, and their ability to preserve and showcase their heritage.

A ten-year agreement is signed between the State and the local authority, stipulating the commitments of each party, including the creation of a Center for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage (CIAP) and the recruitment of a heritage coordinator.

The benefits of the label include increased visibility through the Ministry’s communication media, use of the label logo, and support for the production of promotional material.