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Guillaumes

Pop.: 593
Surface: 8.702 ha
Alt.: 800m

The Department of Alpes Maritimes


Valberg

98 Km from Nice, on the N202 then the D2202 via Entrevaux.
or 95 km from Digne on the N202 then the D2202 via Daluis.

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".


Historic sites to see :

Sanctuaire de Notre dame du Buyeï, ses églises, ses treize chapelles
Church St Etienne and the XIII° bell tower. The ruins of Queen Jeanne's château, a XV° century classified monument.
Musée des arts et traditions (visites guidées gratuites),
les Gorges de Daluis ou “clues de Guillaumes”. Le hameau de Bouchanières.

Leisure Activities :

Walking, horse riding and donkey riding. Swimming pool. Tennis.
Horse riding. Trout fishing. Canyoning. Rafting. Bungee jumping. Abseiling.
Down hill skiing at Valberg. St Agathe's Fête in February.
St Jean's Fête end of June.
Patronal feast of Notre Dame du Buyeï,
Napoleonic feast on 15th August (procession of the Imperial sappers),
"Nature, mountains and traditions" book festival in late August.

Accommodation :

2 Hôtels. 1 VVF (Family holiday village). 1 camping. Gîtes. 5 restaurants.

Neighbouring villages :

St Martin d'Entraunes (12km), Valberg (13km), Daluis (10km).

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