|
 At
the gateway to the National
Mercantour Park, Guillaumes is a charming village nestling at the bottom
of the high valley of the Var river, on the road to the Cayolle pass.
This former stronghold founded by Guillaume in the 10th century subsequently
became a royal town in the 13th century, as shown by the Château of
Queen Jeanne, and was later fortified by Vauban. It has a past to be proud
of. To
this day the ruins of the château perched on a rocky outcrop overlook
the village, giving it an undeniably medieval air.
Having admired the Romanesque bell tower of the church of St Etienne, journey
into the past, by taking Rue des Troubadours or Rue du Roi René,
to admire a covered passageway, a low door or an ancient press, magnificently
preserved.
Under
the broad vaulted roof of the old wash house, a permanent exhibition of
drawings and photos will bring to life for you the grandiose history of
this little village: to understand for example the coat of arms of the
Guillaume family, a large silver G surmounted by a fleur-de-lis, in the
colours of Queen Jeanne (Red and Gold)
Sanctuary
of Notre Dame du Buyeï, its churches, its thirteen chapels. Museum
of arts and traditions (free guided tours), the Daluis Gorge or the Clues
de Guillaumes. The hamlet of Bouchanières. Within these wonderful
natural surroundings a vast array of activities are on offer. In winter
you can ski at the Valberg ski resort (located in the Guillaumes commune
) with its range of ski lifts and pistes to suit all levels of skier.
Right throughout the year numerous festivals are organized, take part
and you'll be sure to appreciate the welcoming spirit of the local residents,
the "Guillaumois". |