Visit Castellane

Located in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Castellane is an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy a Provençal getaway for a weekend or a few days This charming village, whose origins date back to prehistoric times, exudes a medieval atmosphere and is one of the main gateways to the Verdon Gorges. So, what activities can you do, and how can you visit Castellane? How can you prepare for your stay? This guide explains everything you need to know right now!

Though it has only 1,500 inhabitants, Castellane remains a must-visit stop if you truly want to discover the most beautiful villages in Provence! It boasts a history dating back over 40 million years, meaning you must take the time to appreciate its architectural and natural heritage!

What makes Castellane an unmissable village is certainly its perfect location near the Verdon Gorges, a prime entry point for exploring the largest canyon in Europe There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, kayaking, swimming, and why not indulge in exceptional natural landscapes by following the Blanc-Martel trail, which is accessible to beginners.

Lake Castillon is also a remarkable place for summer pleasures, but you must first take the time to visit the village of Castellane itself for its historical treasures! From cobbled streets to ancient stone houses, you can admire charming buildings such as the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, the Pentagon Tower, the Saint-Victor Church, and the Roc, a massive rock outcrop overlooking the valley with pride.

Castellane and its surroundings are rich in resources! It is therefore a preferred destination if you don't know where to stay in Provence, especially if you're looking for accommodation near the Verdon Gorges

Is your trip to the South of France approaching and you still don't know what to do in Castellane? Don't worry, my article is here for that! Between different excursions, tasting local cuisine, or water activities like rafting, everyone will find something to enjoy whether you're with family, friends, or as a couple! I recommend you book your activities in advance to ensure you have a spot

Overlooking Castellane from a height of 200 meters, the Roc dazzles with the spectacular views it shares with its visitors! To access it, you'll need to undertake a short hike of about 30 minutes that is suitable for everyone and leads to the Notre-Dame-du-Roc chapel, a peaceful and soothing pilgrimage site

To do this, follow the Roc path starting from the tourism office; you will quickly come across signs pointing to "Chapelle du Roc." The climb is gradual, so take the time to admire the view of the village and the mountains, pause for photos, and rest a bit! Several benches dot the path. Once at the top, the chapel will welcome you with its serene aura for some rejuvenation or simply to enjoy the view and landscapes aided by the two orientation tables!

The historic center of Castellane offers a beautiful journey through time with its streets lined with stone houses and colorful facades, leading to small squares, fountains, and shops! A must-do when visiting Castellane

And rightly so, Castellane exudes a typically Provençal charm that is both warm and refreshing due to its alpine setting. During your visit, it will be impossible to miss remarkable buildings such as the Sacred Heart Church, the Saint-Victor Church of Castellane, the Clock Tower, and the Annonciade Gate.

You can also take a tour of the Resistance Museum to understand the history of the region during World War II, the Nature & Heritage House renowned for its exhibition "Mermaids and Fossils," and the Citromuseum, which displays around a hundred post-war Citroën models and shares the history of the automobile.

Also take a moment to admire the village ramparts, which include 14 towers, although only ruins remain

Enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the Verdon Gorges, just a stone's throw from Castellane, which must absolutely be included in your list of things to do during your stay. Hiking, water activities, extreme sports, or simple strolls, definitely don't miss Europe's largest canyon! If you are unsure how to visit the Verdon Gorges, the Blanc-Martel trail offers 15 km of breathtaking landscapes!

Furthermore, it is absolutely possible to enjoy a guided tour of the Verdon Gorges! I found an excursion that is a circuit of the Verdon Gorges and Lavender Fields from Nice which includes exploring Europe's largest canyon, visiting a lavender field, as well as touring the village of Castellane, and then Moustiers-Sainte-Marie where you will have a lunch break. Expect to pay €110 per person

Just minutes from Castellane lies Lake Castillon, formed by the Castillon dam blocking the waters of the Verdon. It can easily serve as a small respite to relax or perhaps engage in various water activities! It is undoubtedly a must-see site if you are passing through Castellane!

Bordered by mountains and stretching over a length of 10 kilometers, this artificial lake boasts turquoise waters and pleasant developed beaches Swimming, paddleboarding, or pedaling, there are plenty of options, or you may simply choose to lounge and enjoy the present moment!

A stay in Castellane would be incomplete without indulging in its local cuisine. Of course, enjoy the restaurants and markets that are brimming with typical products such as tourtons, small stuffed pastries that are either sweet or savory, and daube Provençale, a beef stew marinated in red wine Goat cheese, lavender honey, and olive oil are also must-try specialties to bring home

Situated a few kilometers from Castellane, the Cadières de Brandis are spectacular rock formations, an exceptional natural site resembling giant seats overlooking the valley and revealing breathtaking views of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, at an altitude of 1,500 meters!

To properly visit Castellane, here are some good places to eat! Whether you are on a quick stop during your road trip through Provence or for a few days getaway, these restaurants are popular among visitors for their excellent value for money and delightful flavors!

When visiting Castellane, you must surely be wondering where to stay? Overall, the prices in Castellane are reasonable, especially if you travel in the low season. There are plenty of accommodation options, and I've selected a few good places to save you time

Castellane is located near several interesting cities such as Draguignan, Digne-les-Bains, as well as Nice and Marseille if you extend your search a bit further. Therefore, flying to Castellane via Nice Airport, located about 100 km away, is an interesting option to save time! And to find the best flight deals, I advise you to use Ulysse

Once you are there, you can rent a car and drive to Castellane, or head to Nice train station to connect to Castellane via the Provence Railway line. In either case, expect just under 2 hours to reach Castellane from Nice. By the way, if you wish to visit Nice at the same time, I also have a guide on that topic!

An alternative would be to fly into Marseille (190 km) or Aix-en-Provence (150 km), but those airports are more than two hours away - quite a long journey! As mentioned earlier, renting a car makes it easy to reach Castellane, the same goes for the train which requires a transfer in Digne-les-Bains.

And that's the end of my article on how to visit Castellane! You know everything you need to have a wonderful stay If you really love holidays in France and wonder what to choose between the beaches in the south or north of France, I have an article that might interest you!