Castellane | Tourism 04 Alpes Haute Provence

Notre-Dame du Roc and its panoramic view

Perched atop the Roc in Castellane, it embodies the history of the 12th century. As you follow the trails and explore the Petra Castellana archaeological site, you’ll discover the remains of ramparts, imposing towers and architectural features that bring the past back to life.

Nearby Lake Castillon

Located between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes, Lac de Castillon boasts emerald waters, lush green beaches and a wide range of activities including canoeing and paragliding. Perfect for a day of sport and relaxation with the whole family or just the two of you.

Cadières de Brandis hike

Discover imposing dolomitic cliffs offering panoramic views of the peaks of Haute Provence, the Écrins and the Gorges du Verdon. A unique place and rock formations for a unique moment of contemplation.

Intense Verdon

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Immerse yourself in the historical heritage

of Castellane’s old town

Welcome to you, vacationers of all horizons, ready to be swept away by the mysteries and beauty of a unique city, nestled at the foot of a majestic cliff, the “Roc”. Imagine dominating the town with its imposing silhouette, a monumental 184-metre limestone cliff that gives this small town a very special character.

Your visit begins in the Place Marcel Sauvaire, where the old town spreads out in all its charm. Colorful facades and fountains evoke a bygone era, while the heart of the town remains resolutely pedestrian, inviting you to stroll at your own pace. Just a 30-minute walk away, a panoramic view awaits you at the Notre Dame du Roc chapel. From its terrace, the Pentagonal Tower at the entrance to the town, the ramparts, the Pont Napoléon, and the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon await your gaze and attention.

After this breathtaking escapade, come back down to the heart of local life. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break with an artisanal ice cream in one of the lively squares, steeped in the city’s warm atmosphere. Continue your stroll to the clock tower, witness to the slow passage of time, the Porte de l’Annonciade, guardian of ancient secrets, and thechurch of Saint-Victor, a place steeped in spirituality and history. Let yourself be guided by the narrow streets and hidden treasures, for every corner of this town conceals discoveries that will awaken your senses, and push open the doors of a pottery store, a weaving workshop or a stall scented with lavender products. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the village square comes alive with the rhythm of the market, and every month, the Place Marcel Sauvaire fair unfurls its Provencal fabrics, for moments of sharing enveloped in the scents of Provence. May your journey be an adventure, and may the stories of this fascinating town remain etched in your memory.

Chapelle Notre-Dame du Roc

Guardian of the Verdon valley

Erected on the summit of Le Roc, majestically overlooking Castellane and the Verdon valley, the 12th-century chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc bears the scars of time, having been destroyed and rebuilt. Each stone tells a story, each vault resonates with echoes of the past. As you wind your way around the Roc, up the face and down the Serre, you follow in the footsteps of the generations who have trodden these paths before you. As you explore, a must-see stop is the archaeological site of Petra Castellana, a fortified city founded by the lords of Castellane. The remains of the ramparts, the proud towers, the church and the castle literally transport you back in time. Each stone, each architectural element, is a tangible link with the past, an open window on history that comes to life before your very eyes.

Allow around two hours to complete this five-kilometer hike, an adventure that reveals magnificent panoramas of the village and surrounding peaks.

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Good to know

Rendezvous at the Maison Nature et Patrimoine

The Maison Nature et Patrimoine, located in the heart of Castellane, is a central location featuring three exhibition areas and the Relais du Parc. The aim of the latter is to interpret and raise visitors’ awareness of the Parc naturel régional du Verdon’s territorial project. Here you’ll find detailed information on the territory, hiking itineraries, and the various activities offered by the Park and in the Castellane area, including themed outings, village visits, meetings and events.

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Lac du Castillon

An emerald color and a relaxing setting

Emerald-colored water that makes you want to dive in, supervised beaches surrounded by greenery – you’re welcome at Lac de Castillon. Stretching over some 8 km, sheltered from the Mistral wind, this 500-hectare artificial lake offers the perfect setting for relaxation, idleness and sporting activities. Anchored between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes, it is the first dam on the Verdon, whose construction began in 1924 and was completed after the war.

The three lakeside leisure centers invite you to enjoy an unforgettable water adventure, with canoeing, paddling, sailing and motor boating. Explore its creeks, marvel at its scenery and don’t forget to look up to watch the vultures circling in the sky. For thrill-seekers, the nearby village of Saint-André-les-Alpes is an ideal spot for paragliding. Are you more into mountain biking? Then get on your bike and follow the trail around Lac de Castillon. A wonderful day of sport and adventure for the whole family or just the two of you.

Stop off at Saint-Julien du Verdon

Take the opportunity to stop off at Saint-Julien du Verdon, nestled in an amphitheater of pine- and oak-forested mountains. Overlooking Lac de Castillon, at an altitude of 900 m, you’ll enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the lake’s tranquil waters. Like a small marina on the shores of Lac de Castillon, Saint-Julien-du-Verdon benefits from its proximity to the Gorges du Verdon, making it an ideal location for a variety of water sports. Hikers are also well catered for! If you prefer walking, venture out on Saint-Julien-du-Verdon’s themed hikes along marked forest trails. A great way to discover its rich geological treasures.

Lake Chaudanne

For a moment out of time

Upstream from Castellane, the Verdon traces its way from the Col d’Allos and Colmarspasses, criss-crossing the Alpine valleys before gracefully reaching Saint-André. It is from this charming village that water reservoirs and dams have given life to artificial lakes that have greatly influenced the beauty of the area. Much smaller than its neighbor, Lac du Castillon, we present Lac de Chaudanne, the Verdon’s second largest reservoir. With a surface area of 70 hectares, the green of the forests reflected in the blue of its waters, the limestone cliffs that surround it and its wild side, will almost make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Immersed in this natural setting, Lac de Chaudanne reveals its unspoilt charms, where untamed nature lends the place an almost timeless atmosphere.

The village of Demandolx stands at the summit of this landscape, offering magnificent panoramic views. From here, the view over Lac de Chaudanne will not leave you indifferent, reminding you that the beauty of the present moment lies in its simplicity. From Castellane, and in just a few minutes’ drive, Lac de Chaudanne opens its arms to you for a relaxing day on its verdant shores.

If you’re feeling sporty, you can also follow the trail on foot or by bike. Please note that boating on Lac de Chaudanne is strictly forbidden. There’s no rafting or boating here, just a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Near Chaudanne, you can explore the sundial circuit and, of course, the famous Gorges du Verdon.

Castellane, white water sports paradise

Guaranteed thrills

Looking for a thrill? In and around Castellane, several service providers offer you the opportunity to explore the Verdon gorges with a healthy dose of adrenalin! What about rafting, hydrospeed, water trekking, canyoning or canoeing? These are just some of the ways you can explore the spectacular scenery and turbulent waters of the Gorges du Verdon.

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Aqua rando "Super Easy

from Pont de Tusset in the Gorges du Verdon

Duration: 3h30 | Level: Very easy

Very easy and accessible from age 7, this aquatic hike is ideal for discovering the Grand Canyon du Verdon on a gentle itinerary. Under the sunshine of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, you can enjoy the turquoise water in complete safety. A refreshing immersion with optional jumps from 1 to 6 metres, suitable for everyone. In the heart of the Gorges, this aquatic trek allows you to explore the flora and fauna in a memorable way, combining fun, excitement and sensations!

Intense Verdon recommends this activity for water-lovers. For those sensitive to the cold, we recommend an afternoon session.

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Cadières de Brandis hike

Gateway between the Alps and Provence

Perched at an altitude of 1,500 metres above the Verdon valley, we take you on a hike to discover a geological curiosity: the Cadières de Brandis, or “the giants’ chairs” in Provençal. These imposing dolomitic cliffs are made up of large limestone towers and boulders. Starting from the Siréniens parking lot, embark on this 8km loop, with its 416m vertical drop, for a magnificent panoramic view of the peaks of Haute Provence, the Ecrins National Park in the background and the Gorges du Verdon.

Practical info: Allow around 3.5 hours for the hike.

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Discover the Sirenian Site

The Tabori ravine is home to one of the most famous sites in the Haute-Provence Geological Nature Reserve. A veritable marine cemetery dating back 40 million years, the Sirenian fossil site contains over two hundred bones of marine mammals similar to today’s dugongs. The route from the Col des Lèques takes you through meadows, through a pine forest and finally to the Sirenian site, the final point of this hike.

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Focus on the Pétardier festival

An emblematic event in Castellane

On January 31, 1586, a Huguenot troop of harquebusiers, gendarmes and Pétardiers, led by Baron d’Allemagne and Lesdiguières, attempted to reconquer the town of Castellane during the Wars of Religion. Despite favorable intelligence, the attempt failed in the face of unexpected resistance from the inhabitants. The cold winter weather was chosen to minimize the chances of being spotted. The tactic was to blow up a gate with firecrackers to invade the town. However, the firecrackers fail, the defenders inflict damage, and the troop captain is burned. Faced with the confusion, the assault was abandoned, and the siege was lifted on January 31. After the siege of Castellane, the local council officially undertakes to commemorate this feat by organizing a thanksgiving procession. This initiative became an established tradition in the commune, repeated every year on the last Sunday in January.

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Do you know the Pays Gourmand label?

In the heart of the Verdon, a genuine gastronomic discovery awaits you, woven from authentic flavors and gourmet traditions. We’re delighted to invite you to join us on a gustatory adventure, where you’ll discover our delicious specialities, carefully highlighted by the Pays Gourmand label. The label’s tables, veritable jewels scattered across the Verdon, invite you to a feast where authenticity reigns supreme. Our passionate, committed restaurateurs make it a point of honor to select fresh produce, promoting short supply chains. Each mouthful becomes an ode to the surrounding nature, a celebration of the riches that our land generously offers.
There are 15 certified restaurants at our destination, all ambassadors for the region, ready to take you on a culinary journey. Among them, let yourself be charmed by the exquisite symphony of flavors offered by“O délices” and“L’Escapade“, two addresses not to be missed in Castellane.