Colmars-les-Alpes is an authentic mountain village nestled in the middle of the Haut-Verdon valley. At the confluence of the Verdon and the Lance, at an altitude of 1,230 m, its privileged location in the Mercantour National Park makes it an ideal destination for lovers of nature and hiking. You will spend an unforgettable stay in Colmars, being as close as possible to the sources of the Verdon. They are located less than 15 km from the village, at the foot of the Tête de la Sestrière. You will have the opportunity to go for easy or more sporty walks and hikes, each one more beautiful and wild than the other.
Finally, the village of Colmars les Alpes is also classified as “Villages and Cities of Character”. Indeed, its fortifications and all its military architecture bear the mark of the illustrious Vauban. It is a remarkable site whose visit will take you on a journey through the history of the region.
Some ideas of activities to do in the Verdon during your hike
Here are some ideas of activities to book before or after your hike in Colmars-les-Alpes.
– Book a guide for the Imbut Trail
– Book a guide for the Martel White Trail
– Enjoy an evening of astronomy on the Mont Chiran
– Watch the film Verdon Secret in 3D on a giant screen
Colmars-les-Alpes, a hiking paradise
You have the sublime landscapes, the mountains, the waterfalls, the gorges, and the summits! From Colmars-les-Alpes, you will have access to a huge natural area full of trails for all levels. Here are some ideas for loops and routes, easy for the first two, more sporty for the others. To your shoes!
As a family, in no hurry, first discover the wild, hidden and unspoiled sites of Haut-Verdon. Of course, you will not fail to climb to the Lance waterfall, which is perhaps the most famous ride of Colmars. You will even have the opportunity to bathe in the superb natural basins which are nearby. After the effort, comfort!
Then, after walking to the Lance waterfall, plan a day of climbing up to Lake Allos, a great family hiking goal. Not very difficult, the ride is magnificent and you will reach the heights to enjoy a picnic by a real mountain lake.
Now, for the more athletic, why not try the ascent of the famous Mont Pelat, which rises to 3,051 m and would be a very noble objective. The Lignin Lakes hike will take you to an even wilder area, at the extreme limit of the Mercantour Park protected area.
Finally, you can also approach the sources of the mythical Verdon by following the GR de Pays “Tour du Haut-Verdon“, a magnificent route that passes through Colmars-Les-Alpes, achievable for the day or for a trek of several days.
By following the GR towards the south, you will reach the gorges of Saint-Pierre. A magnificent loop from Colmars. A round trip in these impressive gorges will leave you with unforgettable memories.
What to visit in Colmars-les-Alpes?
Border village with Savoy since the 14th century, the military architecture of Colmars is well present and beautifully maintained. Ramparts, two forts, bridges, an arsenal, you will not be at the end of your surprises! And the children will enjoy walking through the village along the very pleasant thematic paths such as the canal de l’Adroit or the Chemin des Oratoires. These paths will also allow you to discover the history of the village, the fauna, the flora and the geology.
The Maison-Musée du Haut-Verdon is a place to visit absolutely! It is a “cultural gathering place”, where visitors are introduced to the whole of the cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, of the Haut-Verdon. From objects to clothing, tools, but also customs and know-how, you will learn a lot about the way of life of the inhabitants of this mid-mountain valley. You will then walk along the city’s patrol path and its ten exhibition towers. These are devoted to military history and ethnology. Finally, you will cross the magnificent Jardin de l’Apothicaire, where you will discover many plants of the Haut-Verdon. Finally, a visit to the Maison-Musée du Haut-Verdon will give you a real insight into the life and history of the village, and for a great time.
Where to stay in Colmars-les-Alpes?
First of all, you will easily find your happiness in Colmars. Among the many stopover gites, bed and breakfasts, and seasonal rentals, you’ll even have trouble choosing! Don’t hesitate to contact us or to consult our Activities page for more information or help in choosing your accommodation. To make you want to, here are a few ideas about the Colmars campsites. They are indeed a good alternative to stay in the region, discover the village, and enjoy the magnificent surrounding nature.
From May to September, the campsite Les Pommiers welcomes you for a quiet holiday in the middle of nature. Five minutes from the village center, the campsite offers spacious and shady pitches. Shops are close by and there is no lack of activities nearby. A good point: you can go hiking on foot from the gates of the campsite.
Five minutes by car from the village, in the hamlet of Villars-Colmars, the four-star Le Haut-Verdon campsite is a good alternative. Quieter and at the same time more equipped, it has a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, and multi-sports grounds. The campsite is surrounded by mountains and nestles under the pine trees, guaranteeing coolness even in the height of summer. And if by chance you have forgotten your sausage or sandwiches, don’t panic, a bar-restaurant and a grocery shop are at your disposal!
Finally, in Colmars you will also find a reception area for camper vans, located in the Lance car park. Good to know, it is equipped with a “Flots Bleus” terminal for the management of waste water and electricity, which is in service throughout the summer season.
Unusual accommodations and original nights…
If you are looking for unusual accommodation, we suggest you to stay in a mountain yurt at the Ratéry estate, in an old sheepfold converted into a traditional forest gîte at La Fruchière. An authentic shepherd’s hut in the middle of nature! The hut of Pont de la Serre will allow you to live a unique stay in the mountains. Moreover, it is only 200 m away from the Lance waterfalls and its natural swimming pools!
