The Alpes de Haute Provence and the Gorges du VerdonMust-sees in Castellane and the surrounding area

Tourist and cultural sites

The Gorges du Verdon

The Gorges du Verdon, one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe, offers breathtaking cliffs and turquoise waters ideal for canoeing, hiking and rafting.
Situated between the Alpes de Haute-Provence and the Var, this spectacular natural site is a must for lovers of grandiose landscapes and adventure.

The Village of Castellane

Castellane is a welcoming Provencal village, with its colourful facades, narrow streets and lively squares, where you can relax in the shade of a fountain.

Its small boutiques, bistros and terraced restaurants are an invitation to discover and enjoy.

Strategically located, Castellane is also a crossroads linking the Gorges du Verdon, the Grasse region to the Mediterranean, the upper Verdon valley and its Alpine massifs, as well as Provence and the Dignois region.

Situated on the Route de Napoléon, it is a crossroads where all paths meet.

Castellane village © Castellane Tourisme
Castellane village

© Castellane Tourisme

Notre Dame du Roc Chapel

Notre-Dame du Roc chapel © Castellane Tourisme
Notre-Dame du Roc chapel

© Castellane Tourisme

The Roc de Castellane is a 184-metre rocky promontory overlooking the village of Castellane.

Crowned by the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, dating from the 9ème century, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Verdon valley and surrounding mountains.

A 35-minute walk (2.5 km) from the Calme & Nature campsite, this site combines nature, history and spirituality, attracting walkers and heritage enthusiasts alike.

The Provencal Market

The Provencal market in Castellane is a not-to-be-missed event, where local producers sell their fresh seasonal produce.

Located in the heart of the village, it’s a great place for locals and visitors alike to get to know the flavours and typical products of Haute Provence.

Open all year round, it takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, from 8am to 1pm, and is a real showcase for the wealth of local produce.

The Provencal market of Castellane © Adrien Noat
The Provencal market of Castellane

© Adrien Noat

The Castellane Nature and Heritage Centre

The Maison Nature et Patrimoines de Castellane is an interpretation centre that showcases the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

Through interactive exhibitions and workshops, it raises visitors’ awareness of local biodiversity and Provençal traditions, while promoting a sustainable approach to nature.

It’s an ideal place for families and nature lovers.

Swimming pool and lakes

Castellane swimming pool

The Castellane swimming pool is a family leisure centre located in the heart of the village.
It has 2 outdoor pools and a waterslide.

Ideal for cooling off in summer, surrounded by a superb panorama, it’s a friendly place to relax and soak up the sun.

Lake Castillon

It stretches for over 8km between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes and is home to the Sirocco water sports centre.

This ideal spot for water-based activities offers swimming, as well as pedalo, kayak and stand-up paddle hire.

Accessible in less than 10 minutes by car, the Sirocco water sports centre is a popular destination for families and friends, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Alpine countryside.

The beach at Baie du Cheiron, right next to the water sports centre, is perfect for relaxing and picnicking.

Lake Castillon
Lake Castillon
Sirocco water sports centre
Sirocco water sports centre

Lake Sainte-Croix

Situated in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, it stretches for almost 22 kilometres and offers picturesque scenery with its cliffs and verdant forests.

Ideal for water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking, paddling and swimming, the lake also has beaches where you can relax.

Hiking and mountain bike trails line its shores, offering breathtaking views.

Accessible from Castellane, it’s a must-see destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Sainte Croix
Lake Sainte Croix

Hiking

The GR4

The long-distance footpath (GR 4) passes in front of the Calme & Nature campsite.

This route offers walkers a diversity of landscapes, crossing forests, hills and picturesque villages, and is a great adventure for nature lovers and hikers.

The Blanc-Martel trail

A 15km route through the Gorges du Verdon, which can be completed in 5 to 6 hours.

It offers spectacular views of the cliffs and turquoise waters of the Verdon, making this walk a must for nature lovers. Don’t forget to bring water and good shoes!

The Cadières de Brandis hike

A route of around 7 km, which can be completed in 2 to 3 hours.

Located near Castellane, this hike offers breathtaking views of the Gorges du Verdon and rock formations. Accessible to all abilities, it’s a great nature experience not to be missed. Remember to bring water and your camera!

The Annot Sandstone Trail

A route of around 10 km, which can be completed in 3 to 4 hours.

Located near Annot, it offers spectacular scenery with its unique rock formations and beautiful views over the valley. Accessible to all, it’s perfect for nature lovers. Remember to bring water and good shoes!

Outdoor leisure activities

Canyoning

Discover canyoning in the Gorges du Verdon with Action Aventure in Castellane. This activity combines hiking, swimming and abseiling down waterfalls and natural slides. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced canyoneer, there are routes to suit all levels, allowing you to explore wild areas under the supervision of professional guides.

10% discount for campsite guests at our partner Action Aventure

Canyoning in the heart of the Verdon Gorges © Verdon Photo
Canyoning in the heart of the Verdon Gorge

© Verdon Photo

Canoeing

Canoeing in the Gordes du Verdon
Canoeing in the Gordes du Verdon

Explore the crystal-clear waters of the Gorges du Verdon by canoe or kayak.

Le Sirocco water sports centre, located at Lac de Castillon just 10 minutes’ drive from the campsite, offers canoe and kayak hire for all levels.

It’s an ideal way to discover the spectacular scenery while sailing at your own pace.

Rafting

Experience the thrill of rafting the Verdon rapids with Action Aventure ou Aloha Verdon.

Working as a team, you’ll descend the most dynamic sections of the river, guided by experts, while admiring the spectacular scenery of the gorges. Accessible to all, rafting combines adventure and safety.

10% discount for campsite guests at our partners Aloha Verdon Action Aventure

Rafting on the Verdon © Verdon Photo
Rafting on the Verdon

© Verdon Photo

Paragliding

Paragliding in the Gorges du Verdon © Castellane Tourisme
Paragliding in the Gorges du Verdon

© Castellane Tourisme

The Haut Verdon flying site at Chalvet (Saint-André-les-Alpes) is accessible all year round.

Thanks to favourable aerological conditions, the site is ideal for a number of cross-country launches, and is also suitable for less experienced pilots.

The drop is 650 metres, with all possible take-off directions and two official landing zones.

Climbing

The sites at La Palud-sur-Verdon and Rougon are the main starting points for climbing enthusiasts in the Gorges du Verdon. Most of the climbing sites are less than 10 minutes away, on the right bank of the Gorges.

Riding

The Centre Equestre de Vérimande, a certified French Riding School, offers introductory riding lessons and rides on marked trails in the eastern part of the Alpes de Haute-Provence.

Fishing

The Verdon, with its wide variety of species and magnificent scenery, is an ideal place for fishing enthusiasts, whether in lakes, rivers or gorges.

Mountain bikes

The Castellane and Verdon region offers superb mountain bike trails for all levels, enabling you to discover peaks, lakes and forests.

A recharging point for mountain bikes is available free of charge at the Tourist Office.

Our partners

Aloha Verdon

Aloha Verdon

Castellane Verdon

Castellane Verdon

Verdon Tourisme

Verdon Tourisme

Action Aventure

Action Aventure