Ad04 007742 BdLost amidst the sandstone, Annot has retained the authenticity of an ancient Provencal village where time passes peacefully. During your visit, you’ll be amazed by the details that tell the story of this place. From the solid ramparts to the centuries-old stone houses hewn from the local sandstone, and the cobbled streets, you’ll be instantly immersed in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. If you look up, it’s not uncommon to see sandstones towering over the village, giving it a serene air as if watched over by these rocks. The water flowing from the Vaïre and winding through Annot and its canals soothes the spirit and adds a touch of coolness, pleasant in summer. For an even more immersive visit, cross the Pont de la Vaïre and follow the course of the river. You’ll be able to take in the natural surroundings as you take in the charms of the surrounding scenery. Continue your journey to the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Vers-la-Ville with its famous Stations of the Cross, a listed historic monument that dominates the village and bears witness to the depth of its history.
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Ad04 004962 BdContinue on to the small Chapelle de Vérimande, built on former Templar lands and admired for its Gothic architecture. A place dear to the hearts of Annot’s inhabitants, it houses the reliquary bust of the sandstone town’s patron saint: Saint Fortunat, honored every year at Pentecost. Not far from this chapel, you can also admire the Chapelle des Pénitents blancs, the Chapelle de Sainte-Anne, and the ancient church of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens. To round off your day in style, take a moment to relax and stroll away from the historic center. You can take the paved Roman road in the Beïte valley for a remarkable view of the Vaïre valley. Or contemplate the most beautiful view of the village of Annot from the dominant rock: the Baou de Parou.
In summer, Provence takes center stage with its traditions, customs and local produce. Every two years, the Festival du Folklore puts the spotlight on French and foreign provinces. Art and culture are at the heart of this community, with music, painting, sculpture and dance enlivening village life throughout the year.
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Ad04 007694 BdAnnot’s rich historical heritage takes us on a journey through the ages. If you love history and are curious about Annot, we recommend a visit to the Musée Regain, located in the heart of the village. Every summer, this museum presents a new exhibition on the traditions of the Pays d’Annot. You can also contact the Annot Tourist Office to find out about the village’s cultural events and the guided tours organized throughout the year, which will enable you to delve into the village’s rich history.
Among the best-known events, the annual Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days ) in September offer you the opportunity to discover Annot’s rich history through guided tours of the ramparts. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan your vacation in the Verdon on the wings of the season, to enjoy the sunshine and pleasant temperatures away from the crowds and hustle and bustle.
Festival Saint Forunat AnnotThe feast of Saint-Fortunat in the run-up to Whitsuntide, distinguished by its bravado in Napoleonic costume, immerses you in a unique historical atmosphere.
Fete Provenale AnnotThe Fête Provençale d’Annot, in even-numbered years, with its colorful parades and dances in traditional costumes, celebrating the region’s culture.
Fete De Saint Fortuna AnnotFor folklore fans, the Annot Folklore Festival is a must in odd-numbered years, with festivities taking place on the second weekend in July.
Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience? The Train des Pignes à Vapeur invites you to take a trip back in time on its wooden benches aboard its charming carriages. Between Puget-Théniers and Annot, via Entrevaux, you’ll travel through the mountains at the pace of steam over a 20-kilometer route with a 300-meter vertical drop along the region’s legendary railway line. An original way to discover the Verdon’s emblematic villages and landscapes.
Ad04 007748 Bd 1The Train des Pignes has been restored and is operated by volunteers from the Groupe d’Etude pour les Chemins de fer de Provence. You can board the train from May to the end of October. Departure in the morning, return in the afternoon.
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Balade Dans Les Gres Dannot Vers La Chambre Du Roi 9
Balade Dans Les Gres Dannot Vers La Chambre Du Roi 3Just a stone’s throw from the village center, you’ll witness the intensity and power of nature as you head for the Grès d’Annot. A listed and remarkable site known for its spectacular rock formations formed over 40 million years ago that seem to defy the laws of balance.
The route to the Grès d’Annot takes you out of the village, through charming little lanes, and into a magnificent chestnut forest, surrounded by imposing blocks of sandstone. As you go along, the boulders rise and fall against each other, creating intriguing fault lines.
As you approach the King’s Chamber, every step you take is accompanied by a strange sensation, as if fantastic creatures straight out of a book, fairies or goblins, could appear at any moment. The rocks take on enigmatic shapes, giving the impression that the forest is imbued with a mysterious presence. In addition to the sensations you can experience on the edge of these sandstones, the site is particularly well known to rock-climbing enthusiasts!
Along the way, you’ll come across marker posts with a number and a color, each corresponding to a heritage point. By flashing the QR code on the post with your smartphone, you can obtain detailed information on each of these points. To do this, simply download the “Annot les Grès” app. If you don’t have a smartphone or digital tablet, you can always ask for the discovery booklet at the tourist office.
If you’re a climbing enthusiast, the Grès d’Annot site is your paradise! This area is particularly well known for climbers of all levels. There are a variety of climbing routes, from small crags under ten meters that can be climbed without a rope, to more technical bouldering routes for more experienced climbers who dare to take on the challenge. Whether you come with family or friends, you’ll have the opportunity to take up the challenge of the big or small pyramid, the galopins, the dalle de la Beïte, as well as the cracks and emblematic routes scattered within a magnificent chestnut forest. This climbing site offers over 100 routes, some of them over 25 meters high. It’s up to you to defy the law of gravity!
If you’d like to learn how to climb, we strongly recommend that you hire a professional to guide you in complete safety. You can also get in touch with Verdon Tourisme, which offers two- or three-day rock-climbing holidays on the cliffs of the Grès d’Annot. For the more experienced climbers, climbing Topoguides are on sale at the tourist office, the café du commerce and the bakery.
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Balade Dans Les Gres Dannot Vers La Chambre Du Roi
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Ad04 006302If you’re visiting Annot in May or June (depending on the dates), don’t miss the Annot à bloc event! It’s a friendly, festive event designed to introduce and share climbing over a weekend, on the magnificent natural site of the Annot sandstones. Whether you’re an amateur or a beginner, you can measure yourself against the best by taking part in the open bouldering contest. Loïc Gaidioz, Marzio Nardi and Tony Lamiche are sponsoring the event. New climbing enthusiasts can challenge their balance by taking part in the free activities: slackline, artificial wall climbing, accrobranche course and tyrolienne. A not-to-be-missed local event for the whole family in the Verdon!
Peche En Riviere Haut Verdon
Truite Fario Des Alpes De Haute Provence MinOn the banks of the Vaire river, near the Coulomp river and Lac deCastillon, Annot is an exceptional place for fishing enthusiasts. The Coulomp River, which begins its course upstream from the village, has been awarded the “Rivière en bon état” label. This mountain stream, little affected by human activity, is home to superb fario trout, the jewel in the crown of our local natural heritage. Every year, the Rhône Méditerranée Corse water agency awards the “Rivière en excellent état” label to rivers of outstanding ecological quality. If you prefer lake fishing, we remind you that Lac de Castillon and Lac de Chaudanne are just a stone’s throw from Annot. Here, whether you’re on the shore or in a boat, you’ll be delighted to pit your wits against proud aquatic adversaries: pike-perch, bleak, carp, trout and pike… for a fishing experience rich in diversity.
The Verdon’s fishing spots remind you that the pleasure of fishing lies in the beauty of the landscape and the contemplation and tranquillity that nature offers. What are you waiting for to experience a privileged moment in Verdon nature?
Gite De Peche A La Maouin
Gite A La Maouin 2If you’re an angler going on vacation with family or friends, you can book “fishing” accommodation such as gîtes, chambres d’hôtes, hotels, vacation villages or campsites that comply with the FNPF’s national charter. These places offer a personalized welcome close to fishing areas, activities for non-fishermen, and services such as tackle storage, live bait storage, morning breakfasts and packed lunches. In addition, they facilitate the practice of fishing by providing fishing maps, documentation, fishing guides, and fishing tackle retailers.
The A la Maioun gîte, which has been awarded the fishing accommodation label, welcomes you as if you were at home, for an unforgettable stay in a calm and relaxing setting from mid-March to early November. Are you bringing your children or friends? No worries! There’s something for everyone here. With hiking trails nearby, water sports activities at nearbyLac de Castillon and the village of Annot, there’s plenty to do!
Visit the local market in Annot for a sensory experience that awakens all the senses. The large market square, shaded by imposing plane trees, is the lively heart of Annot all year round. It’s the ideal meeting place for local producers and shopkeepers offering a variety of regional treasures. As you stroll through the colorful stalls of fresh produce, you’ll embark on a voyage of discovery into the heart of Provence. Here, in this warm atmosphere, you have the opportunity to interact with the locals, sample local flavors, admire regional craftsmanship, and experience a moment of conviviality where Provencal authenticity takes center stage. The Annot market perfectly embodies the charm and generosity of the inhabitants of this beautiful region, who are just waiting for you to share their culture and traditions.
Good to know: The Annot market is held every Tuesday from 01/01 to 31/12, from 8am to 1pm.
France 655862 1280Annot is also an ideal destination for those in search of peace and quiet, nature and unspoilt open spaces, where you can enjoy all kinds of sports and outdoor activities. Here are a few addresses to help you discover Annot
