La Condamine-Châtelard between fort and high mountains

La Condamine-Châtelard lies at the confluence of the Ubaye and the Parpaillon mountain stream. Themes for a stay range from Fort de Tournoux, a 19th-century military fortress, to trails through high-mountain landscapes and traditionally managed alpine pastures. There is also the Sainte-Anne ski area and the Espace culturel Pellegrin. If you are looking for a hotel in La Condamine-Châtelard, your interests can help guide your choice of travel dates: different conditions apply to visiting the fort, accessing the tunnel and seasonal ski operations.

Landscape between the Ubaye and Parpaillon

The southern entrance to the Parpaillon Valley leads from La Condamine-Châtelard up 1,400 metres in elevation over a distance of 18 kilometres. From larch forests, the landscape climbs through alpine pastures and rocky terrain to vast scree cones in an uninhabited high-mountain zone. This sequence of landforms shapes the character of the valley entrance: forests, pastures and stony ground alternate rather than forming a uniform landscape.

Fort de Tournoux and its history

Fort de Tournoux is perched on a rocky spur between La Condamine-Châtelard and Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye and extends across almost 700 metres in elevation. The military fortress was built between 1843 and 1865 to secure access to the Col de Larche. The Batterie des Caurres was added in 1880. The complex has been listed as a historic monument since 28 June 2016. Its construction period, military purpose and later addition of the battery give the site several historical points of interest.

The Batterie des Caurres area can be visited during the regular visiting season from May to September, but only on a guided tour and by prior reservation. Check the current dates before your trip if you are planning a visit.

Hiking trails and cultural landscape

The Les Métairies hiking loop starts in La Condamine and passes through Le Châtelard and Mareilles. Along the way, it passes the Metairies du Serre, du Grach Haut, du Grach Bas and de la Chapelue. These remote farms also represent a cultural landscape shaped over generations: farmers lived in substantial, isolated metairies and shaped their surroundings through their work.

The Tour des Chapelles is a circular route starting in Le Châtelard, in La Condamine-Châtelard. It connects four chapels with remote farms, some of which have been abandoned. The Tour du Grand Bérard focuses on a different landscape: the route overlooks mineral-rich mountain valleys that contrast with the alpine pastures where livestock graze. These differences can help you choose: Les Métairies passes named farms, while the Tour des Chapelles connects chapels and remote farms; the Tour du Grand Bérard highlights the contrast between mountain valleys and alpine pastures. Trail conditions can change, so take this into account when planning your hikes.

Ski area and access to the Parpaillon Tunnel

As of 22 August 2026, the Sainte-Anne ski area has 35 kilometres of pistes, 13 runs and six ski lifts at elevations between 1,800 and 2,400 metres. Seasonal operations can change; check the information for your travel dates.

The Parpaillon Tunnel is freely accessible, but it is not open year-round. Weather conditions and closure dates affect access from La Condamine-Châtelard. During a closure, motor vehicles are not permitted on the access road. Check the latest snow and closure conditions before setting out. When planning your trip, these are two separate questions: the seasonal operation of the ski area and the actual access conditions for the tunnel.

Culture at the Espace culturel Pellegrin

The Espace culturel Pellegrin is located below Fort de Tournoux, in the last surviving military building from the early 20th century. Its cultural program includes exhibitions, live events, film screenings, conferences and debates. The specific events on offer may vary. This cultural venue complements the fort’s historical themes with a broad range of events, while offering an experience distinct from a visit to the fort.

Discover more destinations: Pierrerue, Banon, Redortiers, Saint-Vincent-Les-Forts, Saumane, Thorame-Haute, Faucon-De-Barcelonnette, L'Escale.

For the main travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.