Colmars


Colmars or Colmars-les-Alpes is a commune in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department in southeastern France.
The official name of the commune, according to the geographical code of the INSEE, is "Colmars", but it is always referred locally as "Colmars-les-Alpes", even though it is not recognised in legal situations. The signs on entering the village read "Colmars-les-Alpes".

Geography

The village is situated at the confluence of the Verdon and Lance rivers, at an altitude of 1250 metres. The site of the village is a site inscrit, a site of special natural, scientific or historical interest.

Hamlets

There are two other hamlets in the commune: Clignon-Haut and Clignon-Bas.

Population

The inhabitants are called Colmarsiens.

Geography

Mountains and peaks

There are numerous high points in the commune. The main ones are:
The name of the village comes from a hill dedicated to Mars by the Romans. The village was originally situated further up a hill, but the site was judged to be too cramped and not possible to expand any further, so it was abandoned. It was destroyed by Raymond de Turenne in 1390.

Modern era

In the French Wars of Religion, the site was the target of several attacks: