Colmars-les-Alpes

Colmars-les-Alpes, a medieval town later fortified by the illustrious Vauban, is at the crossroads of natural and historical heritage. A commune in the Mercantour National Park and a former frontier town, the town is surprisingly rich in perfectly preserved military and religious buildings.

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

The Communauté de Communes Alpes Provence Verdon, with its 41 villages, has acquired the prestigious “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” label, a first in the Sud Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region.

7 November 2023

Street memory

Discover Colmars-les-Alpes on your own

Stroll through the narrow streets or follow the signs from one fort to the next, to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the quirky little corners of the old town. Cobbled streets, tall houses with open attics known as “souleiades”, sundials, washhouses, flower-filled squares adorned with fountains and larch-shingled roofs bear witness to the town’s Alpine character.

Our favorite: Ask for the games booklet at the tourist office for a fun heritage tour with the children.

Téléchargez le livret Colmars-les-Alpes avec un guide Comment m'y rendre

Attacking the forts

A real favorite! You’d almost expect knights to emerge from the two forts, built at the end of the 17th century in the style of Vauban and guarding the town’s entrances from their rocky promontories.

Access is on foot from the village center to both sites, which offer beautiful panoramic views… and you’ll remember the little climb up the winding steps to reach the
Savoy fort
.

These monuments are the scene of many cultural events, because they lend themselves well to natural settings.

Fort de Savoie

Practical info: Only the Fort de Savoie is open to visitors at certain times of the year, and you can walk around the Fort de France along a beautiful caponier equipped with loopholes.

Did you know?

The atmosphere may seem calm, but… for almost 300 years Colmars has had a tumultuous past. It was a border town between the County of Provence, then the Kingdom of France and the Duchy of Savoy.

House museum and walkway

A unique visit that will delight everyone!

A place steeped in history, accessible at low cost! Step through the small front door for a grand tour: first the bourgeois house, with its reconstructions of life in the past and touching testimonials to the lives of our elders.

Extend your visit along the covered walkway, which provides access to almost all the ramparts and bastioned towers. Finally, discover the garden of Jean Saurin, master apothecary in Colmars in 1647, and his alchemist’s shop. In summer, you can observe the plants used and learn about their therapeutic properties in the time of Louis XIV!

Maison Musée et Chemin de ronde

Open-air visit on the interpretation trail

Trade in your camera for a pencil, two felt-tip pens of different sizes and some paper to sketch landscapes! Balcony view over the fortifications of Colmars-Les-Alpes, following the original route of the old irrigation canal. This discovery trail is equipped with reading tables on the cultural and natural riches of the valley.

Sentier d’interprétation

3 good reasons to discover Colmars-les-Alpes

Discover the Lance waterfall

in just 45 minutes of easy round-trip walking from the fortified village.
Read more

Don’t miss

the medieval festival, experience an unforgettable epic in the heart of the Middle Ages.
Read more

Live

the Friday market experience, the city is transformed into a magnificent Provencal market.
Read more

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Colmars‑les‑Alpes, cité médiévale puis fortifiée

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