2026 Castellane Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

If you're traveling through Provence, make sure to add this place to your itinerary—it's just 2 km from Castellane, on the way to the Verdon Gorge. Here, in a historic estate, you'll find over 120 rare Citroën cars. The best part? They're all in working condition! Many of the cars have only 20,000 km on the odometer and look brand new. The most valuable exhibit is the legendary DS No. 32, the very one showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 1955. It still starts up effortlessly! 📅 Season: April 14 – October 12 🕙 Hours: July–August 10:00–18:00, other times 14:00–18:00 💰 Admission: Adults €8, Children €4 🐾 Pets allowed 📍 Address: Route de La Palud, 04120 Castellane

Introducing Castellane, the gateway to the legendary Verdon Gorge—a place that leaves you in awe even after seeing the Grand Canyon! And here’s why: 🏔️ Views that will take your breath (and your phone's storage) away The town is perched on a rocky plateau, with the turquoise Verdon River flowing right beneath it. Hike up to the clock tower or the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel—panoramic views of the mountains and town are guaranteed to rack up the likes. The town is officially recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," so the aesthetic is top-tier. 🚵‍♂️ Adrenaline and Nature 🌳 Castellane is the starting point for dozens of hiking and cycling trails of varying difficulty. But the main attraction is undoubtedly the Gorges du Verdon—the most spectacular canyon in all of Europe! The canyon reaches depths of 700 meters, and the water is such a stunning turquoise and emerald that you won’t need any filters. Lace up your boots, hop in a boat, or grab a bike and go: the memories are guaranteed! ⛱️ Lakeside Relaxation 🎣 Two stunning lakes are nearby: Lac de Castillon and Lac de Chaudanne. The former is perfect for windsurfing and water skiing, while the latter is a secluded gem for fishing and taking in the rugged cliffs. 🏰 Old Town Vibes Get lost in the maze of narrow streets, see the pentagonal tower, and visit the 17th-century Lion Fountain. You won't find the hustle and bustle of big cities here—just pure authenticity and the smell of fresh baguettes and coffee from the local bakery. 🚘 Getting There: Car: The most convenient way to travel. Bus: From Nice Airport (LER 51) or Digne-les-Bains (LER 51). 🗺️ Our Itinerary: · Day 1: Nice – Lac de Sainte-Croix (kayaking through the gorge) – Castellane (Hotel du Roc) – evening stroll in town. · Day 2: Visit the local market, then travel the most picturesque and accessible route of the Verdon Gorge—the Route des Crêtes (a 24km loop, accessible by car or bike, starting in La Palud-sur-Verdon). Return to Castellane and hike the Roc trail up to Notre-Dame du Roc. It’s well worth the effort! · Day 3: A stroll through town, a trip to Lac de Chaudanne, and the return to Nice.

You've definitely seen the Eiffel Tower and the lavender fields of Provence. But how about a church that literally hovers 184 meters in the air? Welcome to the tiny town of Castellane! ⁉️Why this place will blow your mind: 1️⃣ The Pilgrim's Trail (and a cardio workout). You can't drive up here. You can only reach it on foot from the town center, following a winding rocky path past ancient fortress walls. The hike takes about 30–40 minutes. 2️⃣ The first church was built here between the 9th and 11th centuries to protect against enemy raids. It was burned down by the Huguenots, blown up by kings, and its dome collapsed in 1703—but the people of Castellane stubbornly rebuilt it every time. A 20-ton guardian angel. At the very top of the bell tower stands a massive white statue of the Virgin Mary, over 6 meters tall. She literally hovers over the abyss, "watching" over the town and protecting it from hardship. A million-dollar view. 3️⃣ The summit offers a 360° panoramic view of the emerald Verdon River, the rooftops of medieval Castellane, and the start of the famous Verdon Gorge—the deepest canyon in Europe!

Did you know that the famous Sainte-Croix Lake (which you often see in photos) is fed by this body of water? Lac de Castillon is the gateway to the Verdon Canyon. This photo reveals the classic Verdon landscape: rugged limestone slopes covered with lavender and green forests meet the vibrant turquoise water. This incredible color is due to limestone sediment and glacial origins. This place is ideal for: 🚗 A scenic drive along the Route des Crêtes; 🚣 Kayaking and SUP surfing (the water warms up perfectly!); 🏕 Camping in the surrounding area (camping sites are available). 🛶 The most accessible way to connect with nature: for just 10 euros, you can rent a SUP board and enjoy an hour of pure harmony. Imagine slowly gliding along the mirror-like surface, gazing at the reflection of the rocks in the turquoise water and hearing the chirping of cicadas. No motorboat noise, just silence and the feeling of floating over an abyss (the lake's depth reaches 100 meters in places!). This isn't just rafting; it's true meditation under the Provençal sun. #Provence #France

Verdon Gorge, a place with only happy memories 🍷 If you go to Nice or Cannes in southern France, I recommend renting a car and spending a day at Verdon Gorge. We brought our swimsuits, wine glasses, and wine, sat under the Verdon Gorge bridge, enjoyed tanning, rented a pedal boat with a roof, and swam and played all day. It was still like a dream! It was really hard to see Asians and there were a lot of locals. Make sure to bring your swimsuit..💚 #Nice #FreeAccommodationEvent #Cannes #HotPlace #UniqueAccommodation #FranceTravel #France #Swimming #Hocation #EuropeTravel #Travel

St. Andrew's Town