What is there to do in Castellane?
Castellane, in the South of France, is one of the most famous villages near the Gorges du Verdon. If you stay in a luxury villa near Castellane, you can enjoy both the charm of the village and its beautiful surroundings.
You’re not just here for the village centre, but also for the balance between tranquillity and active pursuits. Mornings begin peacefully, with the village slowly coming to life as shops open and the first café terraces start to fill. Later in the day, many visitors head into nature, for example towards the Verdon or the Lac de Castillon. Castellane is also a popular starting point for canoeing on the Verdon, with routes ranging from calm waters to more adventurous sections.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy your days in this beautiful region:
- walking to Notre-Dame du Roc
- canoeing or rafting on the Verdon
- swimming at Lac de Castillon
- take a day trip along the Gorges du Verdon
- visit a market in the center
Castellane’s appeal lies in this variety. Many holidaymakers choose to combine a visit to Castellane with the Gorges du Verdon in a single day, spending the morning in the village and exploring the surrounding area in the afternoon. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the region is ideal for an sporty holiday in Provence. Castellane in Provence is situated on the Gorges du Verdon, which offers a wealth of possibilities. At the same time, the village itself is peaceful and has a cosy atmosphere.
You can find more information about activities and events via the Castellane Tourist Office.
What are the top sights in Castellane?
Although Castellane is not a big city, there are several places that you will want to visit during your holiday in Provence. The Tour Pentagonale is a remnant of the old city wall. It shows that Castellane was once a fortified city. The structure is slightly out of sight but is easy to reach.
The Saint-Victor church is located at the foot of the rock and is the starting point of the ascent to the top. The building itself has a long history and gives a good picture of the religious past of the village. In addition, you can visit the Musée des Citroën and the Musée de la Résistance, both of which offer a different view of the history of the region. The Pont Napoléon, just outside the center, is also worth a short stop, especially because of its location over the river Verdon.
In the center you will see old facades, passages and small details that remind you of the Middle Ages. It is precisely these small elements that make the village characteristic.
Market in Castellane: when and where?
The market in Castellane plays an important role in village life. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the main square transforms into a collection of stalls. The Wednesday market is smaller and focused on daily products.
On Saturdays it is more extensive and attracts more visitors. Then you will find a wider variety of products. You will walk past stalls with local specialties such as cheeses, honey and olives. In addition, you will find clothing stalls, accessories and sometimes artisanal products.
There are plenty of markets in Provence and Côte d'Azur so you can visit several markets during your holiday in Provence. A practical tip: go early. In the morning it is quieter and you have more space to look around. If you are going to another part of France on your next holiday, visit the markets in the Dordogne and walk past the stalls in the Poitou-Charentes. They have many similarities with Provence markets. You see however, see differences with the mountain regions at the markets of the Languedoc and the merchandise in the French Alps.
The rock of Castellane and Notre-Dame du Roc
One of the best-known sights in Castellane is the 184-meter limestone rock. At the top stands the chapel of Notre-Dame du Roc, which has looked out over the village for centuries.
The walk to the summit starts at Saint-Victor church, at the foot of the rock. The trail is steep and made up of stones and loose ground. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, though the pace is usually a little slower, especially in warm weather.
Once you arrive, it is easy to see why this is one of the most popular spots. You get a view over the whole village, the Verdon River, and the surrounding mountains. The landscape is literally at your feet.
If you go early, it is quieter and cooler. Later in the day, the path becomes busier and hotter. In the evening, the light changes again, giving the view a different atmosphere.
The center of Castellane
The centre of Castellane is small but has a practical layout. Everything revolves around the Place Marcel Sauvaire. Large plane trees provide shade and make the square a pleasant place to sit. From the square, you look up at the chapel that is high above the village. By noon, the square changes. Terraces fill up and the square becomes more atmospheric and livelier. As the evening progresses, it becomes quieter once again.
The streets around Place Marcel Sauvaire are narrow and partly medieval. In the centre of Castellane, you will find small local shops such as Maison Nature & Terroir, which sells regional products and delicacies, and La Boutique du Verdon, which sells souvenirs and handicrafts from the region. In addition, Atelier Cuir & Création is a well-known shop for handmade leather products, while at Boulangerie du Roc and surrounding speciality shops, you will find typical Provençal products and fresh delicacies. What is striking is that everything is close by. You do not have to walk far for anything.
Restaurants and eating in Castellane
In Castellane, life largely takes place around the square. Here, the day often starts with a coffee on the terrace, while later in the day the tables fill up for lunch and dinner. You sit beneath the plane trees and watch village life pass by quietly. The cuisine in Castellane is simple and recognisable. The menu features dishes from the region, often prepared with products from local suppliers. Think of salads, grilled meats, cheeses, and small dishes.
In the centre, you will find several restaurants and terraces where you can dine without a reservation. Well-known addresses include Restaurant Le Dix Bis and Le Vouté, where you can go for a simple lunch or dinner after a day in the Verdon. Restaurant des Alpes, with traditional dishes, and La Main à la Pâte, with pizzas and simple dishes, are also frequently visited. L’Escapade is located just outside the square and is a bit quieter. For a drink or coffee, the terraces on Place Marcel Sauvaire are popular, where you can watch village life pass by peacefully in the shade of the plane trees.
Most beautiful villages in the South of France
There are numerous beautiful villages in the south of France. In the heart of Provence, for example, lies Tourtour, a hilltop village with views over the surrounding countryside, whilst Salernes is renowned for its pottery and tranquil atmosphere. Cotignac also stands out for its houses built against a rock face and the lively square below. Brignoles is slightly larger, where you’ll find shops, markets and historic buildings. Heading towards the Côte d’Azur, the atmosphere changes: in Grasse, it’s all about perfume and narrow streets, whilst Èze sits high above the coast with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of the region’s best-known villages, with art galleries and ancient city walls. Each village has its own character, making it easy to alternate between nature, culture and short day trips during your stay.
