Colmars, Plus Beaux Villages de France: fortified heritage and hiking in the heart of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

At the foot of the Mercantour mountains, Colmars exudes mountain life and history. Often cited as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, this fortified village is attractive all year round. Families and hikers alike find a gentle, safe tempo here.

Colmars and the Most Beautiful Villages in France: an Alpine setting

Situated in the Haut-Verdon region, the commune lives above 1,200 m altitude. What’s more, access via a valley road adds to the sense of blissful isolation. The proximity of the Mercantour National Park also provides a protected setting. In short, this is the place to get away from it all.

Behind its ramparts, Colmars boasts cobbled streets, stone houses and fountains. The town’s layout is reminiscent of a mountain stronghold. What’s more, two hilltop forts still stand watch over the entrance to the valley. There’s a sense of continuity between landscape, memory and use.

In the collective imagination, Colmars is one of France’s most beautiful villages. Yet its charm lies above all in the details of everyday life. Markets, craftsmen and village festivals punctuate the seasons. And summer light and winter snow transform the outlook.

“Here, the mountain converses with the ramparts, and the silence tells.”

Heritage and nature, the Plus beaux villages de France signature

The first thing you notice is the porches, then the alleyways lined with slate roofs. The eye is drawn to a carefully maintained heritage, in keeping with the spirit of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. What’s more, the town’s ancient gates hint at its frontier history. On the other hand, nothing here appears to be static or museum-like.

All around, the Verdon river refreshes the summer and keeps the pace of the walk. Marked paths lead to forests and mountain pastures. What’s more, local waterfalls offer easy family stops. As a result, you can quickly move from the heart of the village to the heart of nature.

• Well-preserved ramparts and silhouettes of balcony forts
• Accessible trails for all levels around the village
• Tours possible depending on season and local conditions
• Verdon and fresh springs in the immediate vicinity
• Pure mountain air and horizons over the peaks

Here, mountain culture lives to the rhythm of the four seasons. Exhibitions, workshops and friendly get-togethers enliven the squares. What’s more, there’s a wide range of sporting activities on offer, including walking, cycling and nature. In the spirit of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, everything encourages respectful encounters.

What to do in Colmars, in the spirit of France’s most beautiful villages

In the morning, we walk along the ramparts to capture a panoramic view of the town. Reading the landscape helps you understand the valley. What’s more, a short loop links gateways, towers and high points. In the spirit of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, each step links past and present.

At lunchtime, we sit down to taste local recipes. Cheeses, honeys and mountain plants are all on the menu. In addition, a number of interpretive areas tell the story of local know-how. Afterwards, a shady break in a quiet square prolongs the day.

In winter, the snow changes things without closing the doors. Snowshoeing opens up safe, easy routes around the village. Nordic skiing is also available nearby, depending on snow conditions. In the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the winter atmosphere remains warm and simple.

To get here, you need to plan your trip in advance. We check the mountain weather and road conditions. What’s more, it’s best to park in a way that respects the ancient setting. In short, it’s best to arrive out of season for a gentler immersion.

Preserving and passing on: a model village among France’s Most Beautiful Villages

The municipality maintains its buildings using appropriate materials. In this way, craftsmen, local residents and elected representatives share a common vision. What’s more, the label of Most Beautiful Villages in France demands vigilance. As a result, each project is a long-term project.

Responsible tourism is now a guiding principle. Noise is kept to a minimum, schedules are respected and trails are kept clean. What’s more, everyone is looking after water and energy in their accommodation. In short, this mountain setting deserves constant, sober action.

Plan your stay in one of France’s most beautiful villages

In spring and autumn, the light magnifies the stones and larch trees. Mild temperatures make for pleasant strolls. What’s more, the flow of visitors remains measured, which calms the pace. In France’s Most Beautiful Villages, these shoulder seasons often make all the difference.

Summer attracts fans of cool shade and torrents. So book early for July-August and school vacations. What’s more, accommodation in the heart of the village means you can do everything on foot. On the other hand, a light bag and sturdy shoes will suffice most of the time.

As a family, we plan short, varied itineraries. For example, youngsters can take a siesta by a fountain. What’s more, you can alternate visits to the village, gentle walks and gourmet breaks. As a result, Colmars can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, true to its history and its mountains.

• Villages of France