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Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Alpes-Maritimes

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.

Geographical information

MunicipalitySaint-Martin-d'Entraunes
Postcode06470
Latitude44.1421730 (N 44° 8’ 32”)
Longitude6.7618960 (E 6° 45’ 43”)
AltitudeFrom 968m to 2742m
Surface area40.05 km²
Population160 inhabitants
Density3 inhabitants/km²
PrefectureNice (107 km, 1:47)
Insee code06125
IntercommunalityCC Alpes d'Azur
DepartmentAlpes-Maritimes
TerritoriesAlps, French Riviera
RegionProvence-Alps-French Riviera

Nearest cities & towns

Villeneuve-d'Entraunes4.7 km (7 min)
Entraunes5.7 km (7 min)
Guillaumes11.8 km (14 min)
Châteauneuf-d'Entraunes14.7 km (22 min)
Péone17.9 km (23 min)
Sauze19.3 km (29 min)
Daluis24 km (32 min)
Valberg25 km (34 min)
Colmars28 km (48 min)
Sausses28 km (40 min)
Saint-Léger30 km (41 min)
Villars-Colmars31 km (52 min)
Beuil32 km (44 min)
Castellet-lès-Sausses33 km (43 min)

Things to see and do

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.

Places of interest

Natural sites

Events and festivities

Photos

Village of the plateau seen Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes St Barnabas
Village of the plateau seen Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes St Barnabas
See photo

Weather

Tuesday 19 march
Min. 7°C - Max. 15°C
Day
Night
Wednesday 20 march
Min. 6°C - Max. 14°C
Day
Night
Thursday 21 march
Min. 6°C - Max. 19°C
Day
Night

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Sporty or family rafting, kayaking or aqua trekking
Sports sensations35 € Puget-Théniers (23 km)
Two-day survival course in Ubaye
Nature and the great outdoors180 € Faucon-de-Barcelonnette (29 km)
Equestrian activity in the Ubaye Valley
Sports sensations65 € Jausiers (30 km)
Sportive Canoe Rafting on your own on the Var River – 1 hour from Nice
Sports sensations30 € Villars-sur-Var (34 km)
Rafting in the Verdon Gorges
Sports sensations45 € to 85 € Castellane (39 km)

Outings

Last nameOuting typeDifficultyDurationDeparture municipality
Plateau of St. Barnaby
HikeEasy1:00Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes
Tour of the lakes
HikeIntermediate3:30Entraunes (12.7 km)
Rabuons Lake
Village visitAthletic7:00Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (18 km)
Lakes Vens
HikeIntermediate6:30Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (18 km)
Sandstone Annot and King's Chamber
HikeEasy2:30Annot (21 km)

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
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A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
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