Colmars

Before even stepping through the fort's gates, take a moment to admire the exceptional panorama from the top of the steps. This spectacular viewpoint alone is well worth the visit.

The forts of Colmars were built between 1693 and 1695 according to the plans of Guy Creuzet de Richerand, engineer in charge of the fortifications of Provence and Dauphiné. Fort de Savoie measures 50 metres long and 25 metres wide. Built on the hill known as Saint-Martin, believed to be the site of the original village of Colmars, it faced the former border with the States of Savoy, to which the village of Allos belonged between 1388 and 1713.

Construction began in April 1693, following Creuzet de Richerand's plans and on the advice of Marshal Catinat. In October 1700, Vauban inspected Colmars-les-Alpes and severely criticised the fort, considering it poorly designed: its walls were too low and too thin, and its round tower too narrow to accommodate artillery.

He therefore designed a more ambitious project, which was never carried out. The fort's first enclosure, known as the lower fort, is surrounded by a rampart walk flanked by a sentry box and an open-topped pentagonal tower. The low building, or guardhouse, served as accommodation and a resting place for the soldiers.

At the far end of the courtyard lies the entrance to the second enclosure, once protected by a moat and a drawbridge. To the right of the entrance, three columns built into the wall remain as the last vestiges of the medieval Collegiate Church of Saint Martin. Within this second enclosure stands a large trapezoidal building divided into four adjoining rooms that provided accommodation for the garrison. Up to 150 soldiers were housed here according to military rank. On the upper floor, the round tower, or watchtower, was used for surveillance, while the armoury was reserved for firearms training.

To the north are the fort's cistern, which supplied water, and the powder magazine, built to withstand enemy cannon fire. Above them, a covered room, probably used as a kitchen, still preserves the remains of an old fireplace. From here, visitors can reach the upper defensive area overlooking the valley and the former frontier, with its thick walls and projecting watch turrets.

One of the fort's most remarkable features is the impressive timber roof structure of the round tower. Built entirely from larch, a tree that grows abundantly in the Upper Verdon Valley, it was probably assembled on the ground before being raised into position. It is a remarkable example of traditional carpentry.

Its sophisticated joinery was designed to fit perfectly within the unusual geometry of the tower, combining a semicircular space with a trapezoidal section linking it to the rest of the fort. The roof is covered with traditional curved clay tiles.

Today, Fort de Savoie hosts temporary exhibitions as well as a wide range of cultural events, including concerts, performances, theatre productions, lectures and escape games.

We warmly encourage you to visit the fort and explore its interpretation trail, "The Story of a Fort", which culminates in a unique immersive experience. This permanent projection, entitled "Vauban's Tale", takes visitors on a journey through time, recounting the major events that shaped the history of Colmars. The former guardroom is transformed into a spectacular projection space where light, landscapes, historical scenes and the construction of the forts come vividly to life.

This 20-minute immersive show provides all the keys to understanding the history of this fortified town and enhances the discovery of its exceptional heritage.