Colmars-les-Alpes

Visit Colmars-les-Alpes, Provence

Colmars (also known as Colmars-les-Alpes) is found in the Upper Verdon Valley to the east of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of south-east France, south of Barcelonnette and east of Digne-les-Bains, and within the Mercantour National Park.

Explore Colmars-les-Alpes

A small yet impressive mountain village in a picturesque setting in a verdant valley below the mountains, the historically strategic location of Colmars, that extended from the 14th to the 17th century, is immediately apparent, from both the fortified walls that surround the old town, and the two forts that stand either side of Colmars-les-Alpes.

Fort de Savoie (orig. Fort Saint-Martin) stands just above the northern side of the village while Fort de France (orig. Fort du Calvaire) protected the southern approach, relics from the era when France and the Dukes of Savoy both sought to control the region, and from later struggles for control until the 17th century*.

*In the 14th century, Colmars supported the French while the nearby villages of Barcelonnette and Allos fell under the control of the Savoy Dukes.

The village of Colmars itself is entered by one of the two gateways through the fortified walls: the Porte de Savoie and the Porte de France. The village centre itself is small yet very attractive, with plenty to enjoy as you stroll along the narrow streets.Much of the village we see today dates from the years after 1672, at which time it was largely destroyed by a fire.

Note in particular the Church of Saint-Martin (built just after the fire) and the Saint-Joseph Chapel, and the small stone bridge that once provided the main access to the village (next to the more recent bridge).

A waymarked trail around the village with informative notices(see Colmars-les-Alpes tourist office for details) will ensure that you see the highlights.

Attractions nearby

The steep sided forested valleys and mountains and stunning scenery around Colmars-les-Alpes make it very popular with outdoor enthusiasts, and there are numerous opportunities for hiking and biking to suit all levels of ability and fitness.

Note: photo of Colmars is copyright

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (the region and department for Colmars-les-Alpes) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Colmars-les-Alpes, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Digne-les-Bains 33km; Mercantour National Park 36km; Castellane 38km; Gorges du Verdon 42km; Embrun 44km; Moustiers 49km;

Colmars-les-Alpes tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Lac d'Allos - site of natural beauty (9km) : Col d'Allos - site of natural beauty (13km) : Col de la Cayolle - site of natural beauty (13km) : Col de la Bonette - site of natural beauty (22km) : Lac de Castillon - site of natural beauty (35km) : Arboretum Marcel Kroenlein - remarkable garden (38km) : Col de la Lombarde - site of natural beauty (42km) : Lac de Serre-Poncon - site of natural beauty (43km) :

See more places and a map at places near Colmars-les-Alpes