Colmars-les-Alpes

Colmars-les-Alpes, a mountain village bordered by the Verdon River, captivates visitors with its ramparts, forts, and exceptional natural setting. Witness to a rich military past, it combines heritage, history, and outdoor activities in a typically Alpine setting. In 2025, Colmars-les-Alpes received the prestigious "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label.

Colmars-les-Alpes, a mountain village steeped in history

Colmars-les-Alpes is nestled at an altitude of 1 meters, in the heart of the Haut-Verdon. This mountain village is bordered by the tumultuous waters of the Verdon River, and is distinguished by its beautiful classical military architecture, inherited from its strategic role at the time when the Franco-Savoyard border passed very close.

Since the Middle Ages, Colmars has been a prosperous community, benefiting from the status of a municipal franchise. The drapery industry flourished there until the 19th century, supported by transhumant herds from Lower Provence. These sheep, which travel along the "drailles," provide the wool used in the valley's textile workshops.

In 1388, after the annexation of Allos and Barcelonnette to Savoy, Colmars became a border town. Francis I reinforced its first medieval fortifications. But it was under the reign of Louis XIV, during the war against Savoy in 1690, that the village took on its current form. Vauban was then tasked with designing an effective defensive system.

Two redoubts were built to monitor the accesses: the Fort de France, to the south, with a square plan, and the Fort de Savoie, more imposing to the north.The enclosure was also redesigned, with the addition of bastioned towers. Inside, the powder magazine, the Place d'Armes and the old crenellated towers still bear witness to this military past.

Colmars-les-Alpes is also a lively village, shaped by the activities of its inhabitants over the centuries.The houses are three or four stories high, with larch shingle roofs and Verdon pebble-paved streets. This mountain architecture is intertwined with evidence of an active religious life, such as the bell tower of the Notre-Dame des Grâces chapel, adorned with glazed tiles and an elegant ironwork bell tower.

What to do in Colmars-les-Alpes?

Colmars-les-Alpes transports you between history, mountains, and traditions. Fortified, vibrant, in the heart of magnificent nature. Whether you're more interested in heritage or nature, you don't have to choose here!

The ramparts, the Chemin de Ronde museum house, the Fort de Savoie with its guided tours, the Fort de France, the Saint-Martin church with its 17th-century altarpieces, the Saint-Joseph chapel and the "Memory of the streets" trail, punctuated by enamelled lava panels, as well as the interpretation trail "In the footsteps of soldier Carlon" offer a fascinating immersion into the military history, traditions and heritage of Colmars-les-Alpes.

Between the Lance waterfall, a listed natural site, the spectacular trails of the Mercantour National Park very close, and the Ratery site ideal for mountain biking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, Colmars-les-Alpes delights nature and hiking lovers in all seasons.

Hiking idea

The Canal de l'Adroit loop starts from the village and offers a breathtaking view of the Vauban fortifications of Colmars-les-Alpes. Set off with your family on this discovery trail (2 hours) and enjoy the reading tables which reveal the natural and cultural riches of the valley.

When to come to Colmars-les-Alpes?

The village is lively all year round, so enjoy events and guided tours. Here are some highlights:

• Summer : Saint-Jean-Baptiste Festival, Medieval Festival in August, concerts and festivals, Trail des Mélèzes...
• Autumn : Book festival to meet writers and leave with something to read...
• In Winter, many activities such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing...

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