Visit Castellane: full guide

Are you planning a getaway in the south of France to visit Castellane? Find out why and how this little Provencal Jewel will marvel at you!

Hosted between the Mediterranean and the Alps , the city of Castellane is a treasure that the Verdon and the mountains protect. Castellane is shared between the alpine freshness and the sweetness of Provence.

Visiting Castellane is like tasting a delicious mix of spices, you discover an invaluable yet wonderful character... Now that we have attracted your curiosity, discover everything you need to know to visit Castellane!

Castellane in a few words

Small town of just 1,500 inhabitants, Castellane is nevertheless the sub-prefecture of the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence . City of History, the traces of the first inhabitants of the locality date back to 40 million years!

It is fossils of marine mammals that you can observe by yourself, at the origin of the legend of the sirens... As for men, their presence is dated six centuries before our era.

Castellane has seen and lived many things over the centuries, which today gives it its unique character. labeled “Villages and character cities” for its landscape and architectural heritage, it is also highlighted by the nature that surrounds it or crosses it! This is the case of the river of Verdon, which we find the famous throats Not far.

What to do and what to see at or near Castellane?

Visit Castellane

Castellane has everything from a charming small Provencal village, bordered by alpine mountains. An amazing freshness and the warmth of the south rhythm the atmosphere of the place. It has several places to see like the churches of Sacred Heart and Saint-Victor de Castellane , Tour de l’Horloge and Porte de l’Annonciade .

But to visit Castellane, it is also to find a military past that has left traces: walls that shaped the city, with 14 towers, of which there is no longer anything left today. Petra Castellana , it is its name, is still visible above Castellane, as well as a pentagonal tower.

You will also enjoy the small squares of the city. With the sun, they become the ideal place to stop and refresh. Speaking of refreshing, don’t miss them Verdon banks , river crossing the city.

Chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc and the Pont du Roc

The chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc overlooking Castellane from the top of its 184 meters above sea level. Its origin is not yet determined, but in any case, it is a very old chapel, dating at least from the 12th century.

A hiking trail of about 40 minutes, accessible to children, allows access. On the plateau, the chapel, its water point and of course its panoramic view of the city and its valley. Admission is free and free . You can even ring the bell!

On the way, do not miss the Pont du Roc, at the foot of the latter, enjoining the Verdon. Accessible only for pedestrians, it is an opportunity to observe the famous river. Its original wooden construction dates from year 812. But after a few decays, he was rebuilt in stone in 1404 (in 1815 he even saw Napoleon I Cross it!

Gorges du Verdon

Famous in Europe, the Gorges du Verdon attracts thousands of people every year. And for cause! The river of Verdon has dug the limestone mountains over the millennia.

So today we find ourselves facing a natural wonder without the same. The part near Castellane is the pre-bras and it is by continuing to Pont-de-Soleil and La Palud-sur-Verdon that we find the Gorges in their own way. They are the perfect place to indulge in canyoning, rafting, climbing and other aquatic hikes.

Some areas are particularly impressive. This is the case of the Styx of Verdon and Imbut. For the first, it represents a kind of mini canyon in the canyon and for the second, the Verdon disappears squarely underground, hidden by huge rocks!

Make rafting or canyoning in Verdon

As mentioned above, the Verdon and its Gorges are particularly well suited to sports activities. Like rafting and canyoning! Two widespread activities in the region. Take the water, learn to tame it, and, above all, listen to it!

Many service providers make it possible to make exits on the river, to discover the gorges and their natural characteristics (fauna, flora, geology). For if you are tested by currents, you will discover everything around you in the passage!

Verdon Regional Natural Park and the Haute-Provence Geological Reserve

Castellane is located in the middle of two important natural points: the Verdon Natural Regional Park and the Haute-Provence Geological Reserve. It is an opportunity to explore both areas and discover what nature has more beautiful!

In the park, limestone, river, lavender fields, cliffs and forests make up a wonderful natural table covering 188 000 hectares. The geological reserve extends over nearly 200,000 hectares and concerns, among other things, the arch plissé of Castellane.

Its purpose is to protect these geological sites from human deterioration, to promote respect and preservation of places.

The Dolmen of the White Stones

Located north of the city, near the Balm, the Dolmen des Pierres Blanches is the oldest site in the territory of Castella. Indeed, its origins date back to neolithic, about 2500 BC!

It is a limestone site, typical of the region. He would have served as a funeral room, and many bones were found there, as well as ornaments and jewellery. Hiking or cycling allows you to easily reach the places.

Visit museums

The city of Castellane is also cultural. It has three museums that you must visit. The first, the Resistance Museum , retraces the history of the region during the Second World War and has important collections of objects, among the most important in Europe!

The second, Citromuseum , is intended for lovers of old cars, but also for automobile history. It exposes some 120 models of Citroën from After-Guerre, for a leap in almost fantastic time.

As for the third, Nature House & Heritage , it devotes itself to the Castellan nature, including a permanent exhibition “Sirènes et Fossiles”. This museum also organizes events, excursions and workshops.

Make stand-up paddle to the lakes of Castillon and Chaudanne

If you can stand on a board and paddle while keeping the balance, here is an activity that should please you to discover Castellane and its region.

The stand-up paddle works on a very simple principle: a board, a paddle and that’s all. The lakes of Verdon are yours! Surrounded by limestone cliffs, of green nature and floating on an incredibly hot turquoise water, this will leave you delicious memories!

Attend a transhumance

Transhumance is a true alpine tradition that even Castellane practice. This is an annual procession that sees the herds migrate (often cows or sheep) from winter pastures to green summer pastures.

According to the regions, animals are decorated and highlighted with floral ornaments. This is a very nice show to watch! It takes place in the month of June and the city of Castellane is embellished by animations, demonstrations and workshops around the practice of transhumance.

The Gifts of Brandis

Above the Verdon valley stands proudly with immenses pale rocks, decorated with greenery: the Gifts of Brandis. They are discovered through several hiking routes.

But it is largely worth the candle, because the landscape that will be offered to you is unmistakable. These rocks are another way, for the least astonishing, to visit Castellane.

From the heights, embrace the valleys, mountains and hills that form the prealpine relief, at almost 1,500 meters above sea level. Also enjoy pure air that you can breathe in full lungs!

Where to eat in Castellane?

On-site or take-away, you will find some surprises in Castellane. Local cuisine, based on fresh products, some Spanish cuisines will delight your taste buds. With the Verdon as a backdrop, don’t hesitate to focus on these establishments that we particularly recommend.

L’Escapade

The reception, the kitchen and the setting of this establishment make him one of the best to eat in Castellane. Its pink façade that contrasts with greenery around the well-known landscape.

And yet, it is with local and fresh products that the Master Restaurer works, in order to offer delicious and delicious dishes. On the experience side, customers are witnessing an excellent time at this table!

Côté Fontaine

On the edge of a small square in the centre of Castellane, discover Côté Fontaine. This small restaurant serves elaborate dishes and pancakes at a very affordable price.

The plates are copied and impregnated with ambient generosity. Its local bistro allure gives this establishment a small side “as at home”, very attractive and friendly.

Nature Café

Freshness and generosity characterize the Nature Café very well. Very pleasant place to eat in Castellane, it is with good products that it seduces its customers. The menu changes every day, a sign of freshness and undeniable quality.

You will find this restaurant on a small street in Castellane.

How to get to Castellane?

When you visit Castellane, you are close to several cities, like Draguignan , Digne-les-Bains or Manosque . But their size is modest if you look further and grow up to Nice or Marseille .

Only 100 kilometers from Castellane, Nice is probably his simplest access. Nice airport is very well served by all of France and to find the perfect flight, help you with a comparison as Skyscanner . Guests can then reach Castellane by car, following a journey of less than two hours. For the same duration, you also have the choice of the station in Niçoise which has a direct line Nice-Castellane, provided by the Chemins de Fer de Provence.

On the other hand, if you prefer to arrive Aix-en-Provence or Marseille , respectively 150 and 190 kilometers, plan a little more time of travel, between 2 hours and 2:30. As for rail transport, they will send you through Digne-les-Bains. For schedules, find out on the site of the Chemins de Fer de Provence as they are subject to change.

Where to stay in Castellane?

Castellane’s housing offer is complete! Benefiting from the provencal climate that we know so well and with a large area, it has several campsites. At the edge of the Verdon, with swimming pool, in peace, you will find your happiness.

But Castellane also offers lodgings, hostels and traditional or unusual hotels. One. Compare hotels , will help you to see more clearly and define what you want for your stay in Castellane. For those who like to feel like home, experience Airbnb is also possible and this in all Castellane, not only the village in itself.

On the budget, as everywhere, several types of services are offered and therefore make prices fluctuate according to the standing and comfort of the place. It will be up to you to compose according to your scholarship and your desires! Here you are ready to visit Castellane, the village in the heart of the mountains, on the verdon and on the edge of Provence!