A Visit to Castellane in the Verdon
Where is Castellane located?
Castellane, the smallest subprefecture in France, is a small Provençal village in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, and located near Rougon and La Garde.
Situated upstream from the Verdon Gorges, it is part of the Verdon Regional Nature Park. The GR4 hiking trail runs through the area, which includes the two reservoirs at Castillon and Chaudanne. Castellane is located 15 km from Lake Sainte-Croix and just 30 km from Grasse and Draguignan.
Castellane, At the Gateway to the Verdon
Where the Mediterranean meets the Alps, at the gateway to the majestic Verdon Canyon, Castellane is an authentic town full of character, boasting an incredibly rich heritage. Nestled between the Luberon and the lavender fields, the valleys and hills of the Var in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, its narrow streets are lined with historic facades, cobblestone streets, and other treasures from the Middle Ages.
In addition, there are many hiking trails nearby.
Perched high above the Verdon River between Lake Castillon and Lake Chaudanne, it is overlooked by the monumental Notre-Dame Rock, a protected site that towers over it from a height of 184 meters.
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The Castellane region is largely made up of the Pre-Alps and is crossed by the Route Napoléon at the Col des Lèques.
Its long history and spectacular landscapes make Castellane an ideal destination for recharging your batteries and relaxing, as well as for setting out on adventures in a sublime and unspoiled setting, bathed in Mediterranean sunshine.
What to Do in Castellane?
- Rafting with Raft Session: a unique and exhilarating way to explore the Verdon Gorges, available from May through September on routes for all skill levels, in either a standard raft or a mini-raft. The base is located in Castellane itself, on Chemin des Hautes-Listes.
- Citromuseum: The Citroën museum, dedicated to postwar models, displays 2CVs, DSs, Traction-Avant models, and “youngtimers” across 2,500 m². 120 original Citroën cars, in near-new condition. The site captivates visitors with its vintage charm, featuring enamel signs, vintage signage, and a full-scale recreation of a 1970s gas station.
- Maison Nature & Patrimoines: In the heart of Castellane, at the foot of Roc Notre-Dame, the Maison Nature & Patrimoines features a permanent exhibition of sirenian fossils that bear witness to the time when the region was still underwater. It also explores the area’s more recent past with an exhibition tracing the history of medieval Castellane. The center organizes numerous nature activities, discovery outings, guided tours, and workshops for everyone.
- Pont du Roc: At the foot of the Roc Notre-Dame, 300 meters from the entrance to the village of the Gorges du Verdon, the Pont du Roc spans the Verdon River toward Grasse. For a long time the only crossing over the river, it contributed to Castellane’s strategic importance throughout history. The bridge’s ancient origins are well documented, even though the current structure dates from the 15th century. A site with spectacular scenery—a must-see in Castellane.
- Notre-Dame du Roc Chapel: It has overlooked the village and the valley since the 12th century. Rebuilt several times throughout history, it is a must-see in Castellane for the view it offers of the valley. The Sentier du Roc trail allows you to reach it on foot in 30 minutes—a great opportunity for a pleasant family walk.
Restaurants in Castellane
- La Main à la Pâte: A must-visit spot in Castellane, located in the lively Rue de la Fontaine neighborhood, La Main à la Pâte welcomes you to its terrace, decorated in the colors of Provence, or indoors to enjoy pizzas and mixed salads.
- La Voûte: A restaurant serving traditional and regional cuisine, La Voûte is located on Rue du Mitan, near the tourist office, in a beautiful historic building with exposed stone walls. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are a priority. The specialty you must try: pieds paquets.
- L’Escapade Restaurant: Located on the old road to Grasse, just a stone’s throw from the Verdon River, L’Escapade offers high-quality, home-style cuisine that showcases ingredients from local suppliers: fresh fish from the market, beef tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce, or rack of lamb.
- Lac du Castillon Restaurant: an elegant venue in an exceptional setting, where you can enjoy inventive, gourmet cuisine. From convivial platters to share, tapas-style, to the finest dishes such as Burgundy snails, as well as internationally inspired options: falafels, bitterballen, tempura shrimp, or veggie bowls.
- Les Terrasses de la Salaou: on the Verdon Gorges Route, come and dine at an iconic stone mill in Castellane to enjoy traditional dishes or Provençal and Alpine specialties, either in the cozy dining room or on the beautiful, shaded terrace.
