Garde-Colombe is a village in the Hautes-Alpes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, 23 km north-west of Sisteron.
The town was officially created on January 1, 2016 following the merger of the villages of Eyguians (229 inhabitants), Lagrand (266 inhabitants) and Saint-Genis (50 inhabitants), for a total of nearly 550 inhabitants.
The vast territory of 34 km² is located in the middle mountain range, its altitude ranging from 576 to 1422 m, in the heart of the valley of the course of Buëch, a basin included in the southern part of the Hautes-Alpes.
Although they have been affected by the rural exodus, the three communes have preserved a certain vitality thanks to tourism that has developed to highlight a green and hilly environment, which already evokes Provence despite a relief sometimes tormented.
The historical heritage, the festive traditions, the leisure offer and the charm of the old villages are also at the rendezvous, which makes the new town a popular stop for green tourism enthusiasts.
A discovery of the wealth of the three old municipalities can begin with Eyguians: the current village has the particularity of having been constituted at the beginning of the twentieth century, when the arrival of the railway, along the old national road 75 connecting Sisteron in Grenoble. Until then, the population was installed on the heights of the nearby hill, at a place called Vieil-Eyguians. The lords of Château d'Arzeliers, based on the current town of Laragne, had even erected walls in the thirteenth century to protect the humble parish. Abandoned, the Vieil-Eyguians however preserves ruins of houses, fortifications, in which a walk brings strange sensations, and the church Sainte-Madeleine was restored there thanks to beams coming from cedars of the nearby forest.
From this site, you can easily reach the Pierre-Roux Botanical Trail, set up by the NFB, with explanatory panels, to discover the riches of the local flora. A more athletic course is also offered.
In the "new" village, a step is needed at the post office that offers today's postal services but includes a museum space dedicated to the history of the post office and philately. Open Monday to Friday from 9h to 12h, Sunday morning in summer and on request out of season. Free access. Information on +33 4 92 66 23 69.
On the village of Lagrand, then, looking like a postcard, perched on a hill, we will stroll with pleasure in the narrow streets lined with typical Provençal houses. You must also visit the Church of the Nativity of Notre-Dame, built on ancient Gallic oppidum in the 12th century in a Romanesque style. It was part of a priory that was looted and devastated during the wars of religion. The building is classified and has an amazing covered walkway linking it to the cemetery.
Further down, to see also, an old restored farmhouse where has been restored the traditional habitat of a rural family in the nineteenth century. On this principle, a school of yesteryear is also visible near the church. Guided tours in summer at 5 pm (appointment at the entrance to the holiday village VVF) or by reservation at +33 (0) 4 92 66 29 13.
Finally, note that orientation tables on the top of the village offer a panorama of the historical and environmental richness of the landscapes it dominates.
On Saint-Genis, finally, the church built in 1882 is the subject of an interior restoration campaign (decorations and furniture).
Many hiking and mountain biking trails include the remarkable sites of the new Garde-Colombe commune and its three villages. They also include elements of small heritage (shepherds' shelters). Documentation and information on +33 4 92 65 09 38.
For courses focused on an ecological theme, contact the Regional Natural Park of Baronnies Provençales which belongs to the territory of the town at +33 4 75 26 79 05.
For the amateurs strong sensations, but in complete safety, association Descente Evasion Provence proposes descents in quadbike and scooter adapted on all the practicable sites of the valley. Information on +33 6 13 41 83 55.
Quieter, the Coq à l'Âne farm offers an educational space to apprehend the agrarian traditions of the region and donkey rides. Contact the +33 6 79 79 30 04 or the +33 4 92 54 71 16.
Note also that a city-stadium is open access near the school of Lagrand.
Finally, bordering the villages of Saint-Genis and Eyguians, the water of Riou offers 16 hectares surrounded by hills. Playgrounds and sports (football, bowling) are located on the beaches where relaxation is in order in summer, and in July and August, bathing in very pure mountain water is monitored from 13h to 19h. A rental point of pedal boats and canoes is also available.
In mid-January, stamp festival in Eyguians.
In mid-July, Riou water party with fun activities, ball and pyrotechnic show.
July 14, in Lagrand, bread festival at the old village oven. On the program, tastings and fun activities.
On September 9, in Lagrand, established for more than 7 centuries, the turkey fair continues a tradition of trade and festivities. On the program, musical entertainment, fun, art exhibitions, local and artisanal market.
