Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes is a town in the Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, 40 km north-west of Puget-Théniers by road, on the edge of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
The vast territory of 40 km² is crossed by the upper valley of the Var, ranging from 968 to 2742 m altitude.
The village itself is located 1040 m above sea level, on a hill overlooking the rock Bramus, on the road to the Col des Champs, on the edge of the Mercantour National Park.
Counting now some 130 inhabitants, Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes and the neighboring villages have a time depended on the county of Savoy before returning to the county of Provence. Rural mountain village devoted to livestock and pastoralism, Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes saw the development in the nineteenth century a textile unit related to weaving wool.
This activity has disappeared. The locality has preserved some farms but is especially famous now for its green environment, its leisure offer (a small ski resort is established there) and its built heritage. A pleasant stop for green tourism enthusiasts within 2 hours drive of the Mediterranean beaches.
Before enjoying the natural quality of the town, a discovery of its heritage is required.
The jewel of the village is its church Saint-Martin, built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, in a Romanesque style "alpine", with some Gothic elements. Protected as historical monuments since 1926, the building was once attributed to the Knights Templar, but if this name is still customary, it is unfounded. Note that the portal is adorned with small columns with carved capitals, and especially a surprising singularity: the bell tower is separated from the church, because it would be an old watchtower who found a new vocation. As for the larch wood shingle roof, it was restored in 1958. Inside, frescoes of the seventeenth century depicting Saint John the Baptist and Saint Roch but also God blessing with the left hand (a rarity) were put day at the beginning of the twentieth century. The church finally has a treasure: a superb polyptych of the Virgin of the Rosary. This altarpiece is signed François Bréa and dated 1555. Comprising a dozen compartments, we can see the Virgin, a representation of the Crucifixion and Mary tending two rosaries to men she protects from his coat.
In the village still, the chapel Saint-Guilhen was rebuilt in 1927 after a fire. On his pediment, one reads this inscription: "Remember sinful, that saint Michel will weigh you".
The main square of the village, typical lanes with colorful houses are also to go, and in summer, offer shaded spaces welcome.
In the countryside and on the surrounding peaks, there are other chapels along the way: this is the tradition in rural mountain areas, so that the inhabitants of the hamlets can continue to pray in the winter. On the town, to see well, the chapel of Saint-Jacques in Serre or that of the plateau of Saint-Barnabé.
Then place the natural heritage and the many sports and leisure available on the locality.
In winter, the small ski resort of Val Pelens, at the foot of the eponymous needles, is ideal for families and beginners. Two ski lifts serve 7 alpine ski slopes (5 green and 2 blue), for a total of 3 km descent between 1600 and 1750 m altitude. On the estate, cross-country skiing is also possible. In addition, 5 snowshoe circuits have been marked out. All information at +33 9 61 56 40 66.
In the beautiful season, the landscape and the surrounding nature are the setting for many hikes lined with exceptional panoramas. The marked trails include plateaus, the Var Valley but also nearby peaks such as the Col des Champs and its amazing flora (orchids).
Some routes may present difficulties related to relief, others on the contrary be equally accessible to mountain bikers. Maps and information at 0493 37 78 78 or +33 4 93 05 51 04.
For fishing enthusiasts, learn about the rules on +33 4 93 72 06 04 before enjoying the rivers rich in trout.
Finally, to participate in the activities of the Mercantour National Park (thematic hikes, workshops or conferences on the themes of environment or heritage), join the "info point" at +33 4 93 05 51 40.