Castellane, gateway to the Gorges du Verdon

The site of Castellane is always striking: the village, set on the banks of the Verdon at an altitude of over 700m, is itself dominated by the Roc, an impressive 180m-high limestone promontory that rises out of nowhere in the middle of the landscape of the Alpes de Haute-Provence.

At the top of the Roc, the Notre-Dame-du-Roc chapel keeps a tireless watch over the town. Rebuilt at the end of the 19th century, the building was the site of pilgrimages in the Middle Ages, when newly-weds came here to seek the Virgin's favours. Today, it is tourists who come here to admire the panoramic views over Castellane, the Verdon and the surrounding area.

Below, Castellane is a large Provencal village that comes alive mainly during the summer months, from May to October. Aware of its tourist appeal due to its remarkable location, the 'gateway' to the Gorges du Verdon has built up a fairly comprehensive range of accommodation, with a strong preference for campsites - so there's plenty of advice for lovers of open-air holidays!

Castellane is a particularly pleasant base from which to explore the region. With its bistros, small shops and plane trees providing shade, the historic centre has all the charms of a Provencal village. You'll be impressed by the market on Place Marcel Sauvaire on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, with its stalls full of local produce.

An ancient medieval town, Castellane has preserved the remains of its ancient ramparts, such as the emblematic Pentagonal Tower. You can discover the town's heritage by wandering the streets, paying attention to the details... and taking your time, as we know so well in Provence!

Castellane should not, however, be confused with a sleepy village under the Provencal sun: the town attracts a lot of people in season, and its activities, generally directly linked to the Verdon and its gorges, are more of a sporting nature. Castellane is a meeting place for white-water sports enthusiasts looking for thrills in the Gorges du Verdon. These range from a simple kayak trip lasting a few hours to a complete crossing of the grand canyon, from Castellane to Lac de Sainte-Croix, for a much more technically demanding expedition!

There's also rafting, with sessions for beginners as well as advanced courses, and aqua trekking, for those who enjoy a sporty hike without the fear of getting into the water... In short, there's something for everyone, and for all ages, families included, at Castellane's leisure centres.

Back to Castellane, for an unusual visit in the main square: the Sirens and Fossils Museum, dedicated to the sirenian family (dugongs and other manatees), is a surprise in the heart of Haute-Provence. It's a reminder that these limestone massifs, formed millions of years ago under the sea, were for a long time a marine world: many perfectly preserved fossils of these descendants of mermaids have been found near Castellane!