This former frontier settlement between France and Savoy is characterised by its classical military architecture.
In 1388 when Ubaye valley and Allos sided with Savoy, Colmars-les-Alpes found itself on the marches of Provence. This situation was to prevail until 1713. Restricted within its massive defensive walls, the village has the appearance of a look-out on the banks of the Verdon. Although only a few stretches of the 14th century defensive walls remain, the works constructed under Vauban's direction at the end of the 17th century have survived intact. Two redoubts survey the bridges : Fort de France to the west and Fort de Savoie to the east, with a more sophisticated design.
Colmars-les-Alpes also has some fine civilian mountain architecture : high houses with shingle roofs, medieval paved streets, etc. The three religious buildings contain some interesting 17th century furnishings, in particular a rosary cloth at Saint Martin church and a baroque reredos at Saint Joseph chapel.
In the Middle Ages, Colmars-les-Alpes was an important centre for manufacture of woollen blankets sold at all the fairs in Provence. Many walks start from the village, and lead to some beautiful sites, for instance Lance waterfall (1 hour return trip), or the Col des Champs (12 km walk in a larch forest).

Ancienne Auberge Fleurie
04370 COLMARS-LES-ALPES

Tel : 0492834192 - Fax : 0492835231
Email : accueil@colmars-les-alpes.fr
web site: www.colmars-les-alpes.fr