Castellane

Visit Castellane, Provence

Castellane is found at the northern end of the Gorges du Verdon in the Alpes de Haute Provence department, and is  very popular base for exploring the gorges and other scenic highlights of the region.

Exploring Castellane

The largely pedestrianised village is interesting to explore, with its narrow streets and medieval houses clustered around the Marcel Sauvaire square and the streets that immediately surround the square - the old town is also surrounded in part by the original town defences.

There are lots of sights of interest to see as you explore Castellane, including an ancient tower now with a clock and campanile on top, the 14th century ramparts and associated towers (one is an unusual five sided tower),a 15th century stone bridge, and a 12th century church (the church combines elements of both gothic and roman styles of architecture). You can also pass throught he original stone gateways into the village.

Weekly markets in Castellane are held on wednesday and saturday mornings (the saturday market is the larger of the two).

Chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc

Everywhere you go in Castellane you are aware of the large cliff-sided rock next to the village that supports the Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Roc. The current chapel dates from the 18th century, although an earlier chapel on the same site was built in the 12th century. Be sure to walk up to the chapel and the top of the rock, above all because the chapel terrace has very impressive views over the village and surrounding countryside - allow about half an hour to reach the top.

Close to Castellane

Not surprisingly given its location the town is a popular centre for all kinds of outdoor activities in the region. apart from excursions to the Gorges du Verdon all manner of outdoor activities can be enjoyed in the surrounding countryside.

The most popular include hiking, cycling, mountain climbing and canoeing, and activities based around the leisure lakes in the region such as Castillon Lake.

The tourist office in Castellane can guide you if you would like to follow one of the waymarked hikes to explore the countryside.

Other villages that we recommend you visit near Castellane include the small villages of La Garde and Blieux, with Bargeme and Annot a little further afield.

Castellane also forms part of the popular Route Napoleon tourist route.

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (the region and department for Castellane) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Castellane: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 2*;

Suggested places to visit near Castellane, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mons 24km; Seillans 26km; Entrevaux 26km; Fayence 29km; Tourrettes 29km; Saint-Cezaire-sur-Siagne 31km; Callian 32km; Montauroux 32km; Tourtour 33km; Aups 34km; Riez 34km;

Castellane tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Lac de Castillon - site of natural beauty (4km) : Verdon - regional natural parc (25km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (28km) : Grottes de Saint-Cezaire - site of natural beauty (32km) : Jardin de la Villa Fort de France - remarkable garden (38km) : Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (42km) : Le Vallon du Brec - remarkable garden (43km) : Lac d'Allos - site of natural beauty (46km) :

See more places and a map at places near Castellane