Condamine Chatelard

La Condamine-Châtelard, the Alpine village at the foot of Fort Tournoux

Do you know La Condamine-Châtelard, this charming Alpine town with picturesque landscapes? But above all, have you ever heard of the mysterious Fort de Tournoux who dominates her?

In this article, dive into the heart of La Condamine-Châtelard and explore its hidden treasures. Discover the origin of its intriguing name, hobbies that she proposes, the points of interest not to be missed and much more. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a quiet getaway, La Condamine-Châtelard will delight you.

Geographical location of La Condamine-Châtelard

La Condamine-Châtelard is ideally located in the heart of the Ubaye valley, in the Hautes-Alpes department. Nestled just 14 km from Barcelonnette, the village is easily accessible by taking the D900 road, which leads to the magnificent Serre-Ponçon lake.

La Condamine-Châtelard is located at the confluence of two rivers: the Ubaye, which majestically crosses the valley, and the Parpaillon torrent. This privileged geographical location offers an exceptional natural setting, surrounded by imposing mountains and breathtaking landscapes.

“La Condamine-Châtelard is a true gem nestled in the heart of the Ubaye valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. »

The village is also dominated by the Fort de Tournoux, an imposing fortress dating from the 19th century. Perched on a hill, the fort offers a panoramic view of La Condamine-Châtelard and the surrounding area, making it a true iconic landmark of the region.

Whether you are a nature lover, hikes in the mountains or simply in search of tranquility, La Condamine-Châtelard is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Ubaye valley.

Church of La Condamine-Châtelard
Church of La Condamine-Châtelard (source)

Points of interest in La Condamine-Châtelard

La Condamine-Châtelard offers several points of interest to visitors. The main attraction is the fort of Tournoux, a cultural treasure dating from the 19th century, nicknamed the “military Versailles”. This magnificent fort is a true architectural marvel and offers a fascinating dive into history.

The village is also home to two picturesque hamlets: the Hamlet of Châtelard And the Hamlet of Villard. Le Châtelard is renowned for offering spectacular panoramic views of La Condamine-Châtelard and its surroundings, allowing visitors to enjoy a breathtaking landscape. THE Hamlet of Villard, for its part, is a veritable breeding ground for local artists and artisans, where you can discover their unique creations.

Another site not to be missed during your visit to La Condamine-Châtelard is the Toumoux sundial. Dating from 1817, this sundial is a true masterpiece of precision and ingenuity. It testifies to the importance given to science and the measurement of time at the time when it was created.

Leisure activities in La Condamine-Châtelard

La Condamine-Châtelard offers a variety of leisure activities for all tastes. Whether you are a fan of water sports, aviation, hikes, of Mountain biking or you're just looking for a festive atmosphere, this Alpine village has everything you need to keep you entertained.

Water sports at the Champ Félèze leisure center

Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted to take advantage of the facilities of the Champ Félèze leisure center. This base offers activities such as windsurfing and canoeing, ideal for cooling off and having fun on sunny days.

Crazy Water Rafting

Just a 35-minute drive away, our whitewater activity base is ideal for spending a sporty and fun day near La Condamine-Châtelard. We offer rafting, kayaking and hydrospeed courses in particular!

Flight school for aviation enthusiasts

If you are passionate about aviation, the La Condamine-Châtelard flight school is the ideal place for you. You can take airplane, glider and model aircraft lessons, and enjoy unique experiences in the air.

Hiking and mountain biking in the picturesque surroundings

La Condamine-Châtelard is also an ideal starting point for many hikes. Whether you like long walks in the great outdoors or prefer shorter routes, you will find what you are looking for among the different itineraries offered. Some of them are even part of the GR passages, offering breathtaking landscapes.

For lovers of Mountain biking, La Condamine-Châtelard offers marked trails where you can enjoy beautiful sporting escapes in the middle of the mountains.

Village festivals and downhill skiing in winter

In summer, the village festivals of La Condamine-Châtelard create a festive and friendly atmosphere. You will be able to discover the local culture, enjoy the activities and soak up the warm atmosphere of the village.

In winter, the nearby Ste Anne ski resort will allow you to hit the slopes of downhill skiing and experience unforgettable moments of skiing.

Snowshoeing and ice driving

La Condamine also offers hiking possibilities in snowshoes, an ideal activity for exploring snowy landscapes and enjoying winter nature.

For an even more exciting experience, you can also try your hand at driving on ice and feel the unique sensations it provides.

Whatever your leisure preferences, La Condamine-Châtelard offers you a range of exciting activities to discover during your stay.

Accommodation in La Condamine-Châtelard

Visitors to La Condamine-Châtelard have the choice of several accommodation options to enjoy their stay. Whether you prefer the comfort of a hotel restaurant, the warm atmosphere of a guest room, the authenticity of municipal lodgings, the activities offered in the holiday centers or the outdoor experience of camping, you will find the accommodation that meets your expectations.

In the village of La Condamine-Châtelard, you can stay in a hotel restaurant which offers you the comfort of accommodation quality as well as the possibility of tasting tasty local cuisine. B&Bs are also available, offering a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to meet people. residents passionate about their region.

If you are looking for total immersion in local life, you can opt for the municipal lodgings. These typical accommodations in the region will allow you to discover La Condamine-Châtelard while living like a local in your own right. THE holiday centers are another interesting option, offering infrastructure suitable for families and groups, as well as varied activities nearby.

Finally, if you prefer to enjoy nature and sleep under the stars, the camping is the ideal. You can set up your tent or rent a chalet or mobile home in a preserved natural setting. The La Condamine-Châtelard campsites offer modern equipment and services to make your stay pleasant.

Whatever your preference, the accommodation options in La Condamine-Châtelard are numerous and adapt to all budgets and desires. You will be able to fully enjoy your stay in this charming Alpine village.

La Condamine-Châtelard Nearby cities and villages

La Condamine-Châtelard is surrounded by several other picturesque towns and villages in the Hautes-Alpes.

  • Jausiers: This Alpine village is located just a few kilometers from La Condamine-Châtelard. It is renowned for its magnificent mountainous landscapes, its hiking trails, hiking and its rich cultural heritage.
  • Meyronnes: Nestled in the Ubaye valley, Meyronnes is a peaceful village offering breathtaking panoramas. Nature lovers will appreciate the possibilities of hiking and the preserved landscapes of this region.
  • Saint Paul on Ubaye: This charming town is located in the Ubaye valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts.

Whether you want to explore the surrounding area, discover new landscapes or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the region, these nearby towns and villages are a perfect extension of your visit to La Condamine-Châtelard.

La Condamine-Châtelard in summer

La Condamine-Châtelard offers many summer activities for visitors. Lovers of hiking will be able to take advantage of the numerous routes departing from La Condamine-Châtelard and Sainte-Anne station. The varied landscapes, from green mountain pastures to mineral cliffs, offer magnificent views during the famous Tour of the Great Berard and Metairies. Cyclists will also be able to challenge the climb of Saint Anne, a spectacular climb and an excellent workout for lovers of cycling.

THE points of interest to visit include the Parpaillon tunnel, an old tunnel cut at more than 2600 meters above sea level, linking the Ubaye valley to Crévoux. THE Fort de Tournoux is also a must-see site, with its different batteries perched on the cliff.

Summer is also an opportunity to discover the hamlet of Châtelard, which offers a breathtaking panorama of La Condamine.

Take advantage of summer in La Condamine-Châtelard to experience exciting outdoor adventures and explore the natural and historical treasures of the region.

Practical information on La Condamine-Châtelard

The name of La Condamine-Châtelard finds its origin in the term “condamine”, which designates a fertile land, and “châtelard”, which refers to a fortified house built on a height. THE residents of La Condamine-Châtelard are called Condaminois/Condaminoises, and the village has around 170 residents. It is located at a altitude of 1305 meters and its Postal code is 04530.

Conclusion

La Condamine-Châtelard is a charming Alpine village, offering a variety of leisure activities and historic sites such as the Fort de Tournoux. Whether you want to enjoy nature, go hiking, cycling, or simply relax, La Condamine-Châtelard is an ideal destination for lovers of mountains and tranquility.

Visitors can immerse themselves in history by exploring Fort de Tournoux, a 19th-century cultural treasure nicknamed the “Military Versailles.” THE hobbies are numerous, ranging from water sports to Champ Félèze leisure center hiking and mountain biking in the magnificent alpine landscapes.

With varied accommodation options, such as hotels, guesthouses, municipal lodgings and even a camping, visitors can find the option that best suits their needs. Whether you're a thrill-seeking adventurer or a family looking for a relaxing vacation, La Condamine-Châtelard offers something for everyone.