Roman Columns

The Colostre is a biological reservoir of great importance for lower Verdon and Durance. But it lost its beauty during the twentieth century, from a bed in braids to a more straight and steep path. If the number of fish species has decreased, the river and its valley still shelter some emblematic species such as the Beaver or the Small Horseshoe bat. A restoration project is under way to restore its good functioning and all its vitality.

It takes its source on the slopes of Mount denier and cross the plateau of Valensole to throw itself at the foot of the Greoux dam. The Colostre is a biological reservoir of great importance for Lower Verdon and Durance, allowing aquatic species to reproduce and grow there. The river is home to some iconic species such as the White-footed Crayfish or the Beaver. It could still accommodate many others, such as Chabot or Otter.

The Blanchon fountain (under the Colostre bridge) may date from half of the 18th century. We know that it was repaired in 1826. It is fed by a spring whose water arrives so far through a small underground canal that crosses the cellars of some houses. This system, sometimes poorly maintained in the past by the owners of the houses in question, sometimes diverted for their benefit, could lead to a bad flow at the fountain.

The Lapidary Museum of Riez was created in 1929 by Marcel Joannon, better known under the name of Marcel Provence. Installed from its origins in the Paleochristian Baptistery (5th century), it includes a set of lapidary furniture mainly from the Gallo-Roman period (stelae, altars ...).

Le Colostre, est dégradé : mauvaise qualité des eaux, nombreux désordres écologiques liés aux aménagements passés. L’objectif de restauration du Colostre est donc de retrouver un bon fonctionnement global du cours d’eau, tout en répondant aux besoins et usages socio-économiques (irrigation agricole, usages touristiques, intérêt patrimonial, attentes des riverains et des pêcheurs…). Le projet répond à des enjeux environnementaux.

In the 1st century BC, the Romans settled their city near the river at the foot of the hill. Excavations have shown that the city at that time occupied the entire width of the Colostre valley. "Julia Augusta Reiorum Appolinaris" is then an important road junction linking Aix and Digne, Fréjus and Castellane. The four columns that can still be admired date from that period, isolated in the meadow, vestiges of a temple of which we do not know the god to which it was dedicated.