Castellane in the Verdon: complete guide

Castellane stands at the foot of an impressive limestone cliff, right at the entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. This characterful village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence attracts lovers of nature, heritage and whitewater sports. What to see, what to do, where to swim? You’ll find all the answers here to help you plan your stay. Between lakes, hikes and water parks, the destination suits every type of holidaymaker.

Many campsites with a water park let you enjoy it as a family, whatever the weather.

What to see in Castellane, gateway to the Verdon?

Castellane boasts a rich heritage, blending nature and history. Here are the highlights not to be missed during your visit.

The Roc and the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel

The village is overlooked by a 184-metre limestone cliff, visible from across the valley. At its summit, the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel has watched over the town since the Middle Ages. The climb takes around 30 minutes and rewards you with a magnificent panorama over the Verdon.

The historic centre

On your way back down, you’ll discover the lanes of the old village. The Clock Tower, the Annonciade Gate and the Saint-Victor church bear witness to several centuries of history. Castellane has, in fact, earned the “Village et Cité de caractère” label.

The Maison Nature et Patrimoines

To continue your discovery, this museum hosts the “Sirènes et Fossiles” exhibition. It’s dedicated to the geology and marine remains of the Verdon region.

What activities can you do in the Gorges du Verdon from Castellane?

Castellane in the Verdon is the ideal starting point for outdoor activities. There are plenty of options:

• Rafting, canyoning and kayaking can all be enjoyed from Castellane, with guided outings for every level.
• The Blanc-Martel trail crosses the gorges for around 15 kilometres and remains the most famous in the region.
• The Sentier des Siréniens (1.5 hours, 4 km round trip) lets families discover fossils that are 40 million years old.
• The cliffs around Castellane have more than 900 climbing routes suited to every level.
• Paragliding and bungee jumping from the Artuby bridge round out the thrill-seeking options.

Lakes and swimming around Castellane

Lake Castillon and Lake Chaudanne are just a 10-minute drive from Castellane in the Verdon. These two reservoirs offer supervised beaches in summer, water sports centres and a relaxing setting.

Lake Castillon, with its deep blue waters, is the larger of the two. There you can try stand-up paddleboarding, pedal boating, or simply swim in designated areas. Lake Chaudanne, more intimate, suits those looking for peace and quiet.

Claire’s tip: to enjoy the lakes without the crowds, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The colours are also more beautiful for photos then!

Where to stay in Castellane in the Verdon?

Camping remains the favourite type of accommodation for families in the Verdon. In and around Castellane, establishments range from 3 to 5 stars. Some have genuine water parks with heated indoor pools, slides and paddling pools. Children can enjoy the water even on rainy days or outside the peak season.

When it comes to accommodation, the choice is wide. You can opt for a pitch for a tent or vehicle. Renting a fully equipped mobile home also appeals to many families.

Kids’ clubs, free wifi and evening entertainment round out the offering at many establishments.

Looking for a campsite with a pool for your next holiday in the Verdon? Discover the campsites with a water park in PACA available near Castellane and book your stay!