Small village of the Hautes-Alpes, Château-Ville-Vieille takes place in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Composed of Château-Queyras and Ville-Vieille, the town is located not far from Briançon, within an important forest of larches.
Former historic capital of Queyras, Château-Ville-Vieille is today a haven of peace in the south-east of France. In the midst of nature, surrounded by trees and mountains, the village offers many outdoor sports activities and offers an interesting and rich heritage.
The village of Château-Ville-Vieille is an ideal place to spend a calm and rewarding holiday. It is also close to the ski resorts of the surrounding area, offering the possibility to learn all-season sports.
Registered with Historic Monuments, Fort Queyras was formerly known as Château-Queyras. It is a medieval castle built in the 13th century and installed on a rocky peak surmounting the town. Today it is privately owned, but it is open to visitors, allowing visitors to admire the enclosure designed by Vauban, towers and an original donjon, casemated batteries from the 19th century, or an incredible view of the valley Which surrounds the village of Château-Ville-Vieille. Several churches of interest take place in the commune or its surrounding hamlets, like those of Saint-André, Saint-Chaffrey or Sainte-Marie-Salomé. As you walk through the city, you can also admire several sundials scattered all over the place.
The armoire of the 8 locks owes its existence to the Republic of the Escartons of Queyras, created in 1343. The latter had the ambition to fight against the wars, the epidemics, the inequalities or the foreign invasions. Shortly before its disappearance in 1789, a carpenter of the commune took the liberty to make this cupboard with 8 locks, giving the keys to the representatives of the seven member municipalities, as well as to the general secretary of the Queyras. At the time, documents and other archives of the Republic could be found inside. Today, the object is visible in the town hall of Ville-Vieille.
In Chateau-Queyras, you can discover a geological space retracing the history of the region over millions of years. Interactive kiosks trace the system of mountain formation.
The Maison de l'Artisanat allows visitors to discover the local products offered by local craftsmen.
A route of via ferrata takes place above the torrent of the Guil for the amateurs of thrills.
Passing through the hamlet of Montbardon, do not miss to admire the fountain of Oule, a beautiful source under rock.
From October to the end of December, the village proposes the market of the Guil in Vieille-Vieille, on Sunday morning.
In mid-June, Prats-Hauts celebrates Saint Barnabas.
The Feast of Saint Peter is celebrated in June at Souliers.
The festival of bread takes place in July at Montbardon.
Ville-Vieille offers a rural party in July.
In Meyries, the Saint Jacques takes place at the end of July.
The patronal festival of Château-Queyras is held every August 15th.
In September, the fair of Saint Mathieu is held in Château-Queyras.
Ville-Vieille celebrates Saint André in November.
