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

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

Meet Castellane, the gateway to the legendary Verdon Gorge—a place that will leave you in awe even if you've seen the mighty Grand Canyon! And here is why: 🏔️ Views That Will Take Your Breath Away (and Fill Up Your Phone Storage) The town clings to 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 shots of the town and mountains are guaranteed to rack up hundreds of likes. Castellane is officially listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, so stunning aesthetics are a given. 🚵♂️ Adrenaline and Nature 🌳 Dozens of hiking and biking trails of varying difficulty kick off in Castellane. But the main attraction is, without a doubt, the Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon). It's the most spectacular canyon in all of Europe! The gorge drops down to 700 meters deep. The water here is such an unreal shade of turquoise and emerald that you won't even need filters. Lace up your hiking boots, hop in a boat, or get on a bike and go for it: unforgettable memories are guaranteed! ⛱️ Lakes for Chilling Out 🎣 There are two breathtaking lakes nearby: Lac de Castillon and Lac de Chaudanne. The first one is absolutely perfect for windsurfing and water skiing, while the second is a hidden gem for fishing and taking in the dramatic cliffs surrounding it. 🏰 Old Town Vibes Get lost in the maze of narrow streets, check out the pentagonal tower, and admire the 17th-century Lion Fountain. You won't find the hustle and bustle of a big city here—just pure authenticity and the aroma of fresh baguettes and coffee wafting from the local bakery. 🚘 How to Get There: Car - definitely the most convenient option Bus - from Nice Airport take line (LER) 51, from Digne-les-Bains take line LER 51 🗺️ Our Itinerary: · Day 1: Nice - Lake Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix), kayaking through the gorge - Castellane (Hotel du Roc) - strolling through the town · Day 2: Hit up the local market, drive the most scenic and accessible route of the Verdon Gorge - Route des Crêtes (doable by car or bike, a 24 km loop starting in La Palud-sur-Verdon), head back to Castellane, and hike up the Roc trail to Notre-Dame du Roc. It's so worth it! · Day 3: Morning walk around town, a quick trip to Lac de Chaudanne, and heading back 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