The gateway to the Gorges du Verdon, Castellane offers a rare density of activities: canyoning, rafting, hiking, paragliding and medieval heritage. The field guide by a team that has been leading canyoning and flights in the region for over 15 years.
Castellane · VerdonCastellane is the gateway to the Verdon Gorge, in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This charming little town, dominated by its famous rock, offers a rare density of activities for France.
When it comes to adventure, the Verdon offers a breathtaking playground: canyoning in the gorges, rafting on the river, river hiking, canoeing and kayaking on Lake Castillon, or paragliding between sea and mountains. For nature lovers, the Verdon Grand Canyon, the Martel trail, and the Point Sublime are among the region's most spectacular sites. For heritage, the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, the medieval alleyways, and the Route Napoléon tell centuries of history.
This guide presents the best activities around Castellane, categorised by experience type, with difficulty level, family accessibility and duration. Our team has been guiding canyoning and paragliding excursions in this beautiful region for over 15 years. : what you'll read here comes from the ground, not from a tourist guide.
Castellane is one of the best starting points for outdoor activities in the Verdon. Turquoise waters, dizzying cliffs, and wild landscapes make for an ideal setting for adventure seekers and families alike.
You descend directly into the gorges, between turquoise pools, natural slides and jumps. Several canyons depart from Castellane: the Grand Canyon, the Riolan canyon and, more technically, the Saint-Auban canyon. No experience necessary for the discovery trails, accessible from 8-10 years old. Discover our canyoning trips in Castellane.
Le Rafting practised in rafts of 6 to 8 people supervised by a guide: a route of around 2 hours which is suitable for beginners as well as sporting types. The Canyoning (Aqua rando) is the gentle alternative, on foot and with flippers and a wetsuit – ideal for families. Best time: May to September. Remember to book in July-August.
A few minutes from Castellane, Lake Castillon offers calm waters and a 360° mountain panorama. Available for half-day or full-day hire: explore the shores, bathe in the emerald waters, or picnic on a shingle beach. Accessible to all, no experience necessary – and a great spot for observing griffon vultures on the cliffs.
Climbing is another way to discover Castellane and the surrounding area. Between paragliding, via ferrata and rock climbing, the cliffs and reliefs of the Alps offer memorable vertical experiences.
Visit two-seater flight With a qualified instructor, you’ll take off to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and mountains. At Ailéments, we offer first paragliding flights just a stone's throw from the Verdon, supervised by instructors who have known every breeze for over 15 years. From our sites in Gréolières, … the view opens out onto the Mediterranean and the peaks of the Mercantour. Flight duration: 15 to 30 minutes. Suitable for children aged 6 and over.
The cliffs around Castellane attract climbers: several climbing routes and trails via ferrata They are set up facing the gorges. The via ferrata allows you to progress on the rock using cables and ladders, without being a mountaineer – allow 2 to 3 hours, accessible to fit teenagers and adults. For younger children, adventure parks (tree-top adventures) in the region complete the offering.
Castellane is located in the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park. Around the town, the landscapes alternate between deep gorges, wild plateaus, and breathtaking panoramas.
The Verdon Gorge is the Europe's deepest canyon Its cliffs plunge up to 700 metres into an emerald river. From Castellane, the Route des Crêtes and the Corniche Sublime follow the gorges with panoramic viewpoints. The Point Sublime, just a few minutes' walk from the car park, is the region's most famous viewpoint. Go early for the light and to avoid the crowds.
The most iconic hike in the Gorges: 14 km at the bottom of the canyon between Chalet de la Maline and Point Sublime, with tunnels dug into the rock, footbridges and dizzying panoramas. Allow 6 to 7 hours, challenging route (difference in altitude, metal stairs, headtorch recommended). Return by shuttle from La Palud-sur-Verdon. Not recommended for young children or those with a fear of heights; the lower gorges are the family-friendly alternative.
For days of relaxation, the surroundings of Castellane offer turquoise lakes and nature trails accessible to all. The ideal way to alternate with days of adventure.
Le Lake Castillon, a few minutes from the village, is wilder and less crowded: an authentic mountain setting for swimming, picnicking or canoeing. The Lake of Sainte-Croix (45 min), larger and more touristy, deploys its turquoise waters — a classic starting point for ascending the gorges by pedalo or electric boat. Castillon for tranquillity, Sainte-Croix for the summer atmosphere.
Less well-known than the Grand Canyon, the Basses Gorges (between Esparron Lake and Quinson) offer a gentle and wild experience: lower cliffs, calm river, intimate nature. You can explore them by canoe, kayak, or pedal boat, like a mini Provençal fjord. The ideal route for families and leisurely strolls without intense effort. Allow half a day; rentals available on site.
Castellane is not just a starting point for outdoor activities. A historic town founded in the Middle Ages, it has retained its narrow streets, fountains, and ramparts. Half a day is enough to explore it on foot.
Le Roc, a limestone block 184 metres, dominates the village. At its summit, the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel has watched over the valley since the 13th century. The ascent is on foot (approx. 30 mins, a few steep sections); at the summit, the panoramic view encompasses the entire valley. The best viewpoint in Castellane, magnificent at the end of the day. Free access, suitable for children aged 5-6 accompanied.
The centre can be explored in an hour: cobbled lanes, stone houses, vaulted passageways and shaded squares. To see: the Pentagonal tour (remains of ramparts), the church of Saint-Victor and the fountains. Castellane is on the route napoleon (Return from the island of Elba, 1815). A lively Provençal village: artisans, market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Small, free museum in the centre: exhibitions on geology, the fauna of the Verdon, and the history of Petra Castellana. The Sentier des Siréniens (approx. 1 hour) allows you to observe fossils embedded in rock – the region was underwater millions of years ago. An ideal activity on bad weather days or with curious children.
Castellane is a nature destination, not a stopover town. To make the most of it, it's best to plan your season, duration, and itinerary in advance. Here's what you need to know to organise your holiday without any nasty surprises.
Le Verdon can be visited from April to October. For canyoning, rafting and river hiking: from May to September (water at a good temperature). Spring and autumn for hiking and sightseeing without the crowds. For the lavender at the Valensole plateau (45 mins): late June to early August. July-August remains the liveliest period – book in advance.
Weekend (2 days) Canyoning + Castillon Lake, then Roc and Route des Crêtes. Short stay (3-4 days) add rafting or aqua hiking, the Martel trail and Lake Sainte-Croix. Week (5-7 days) complete immersion — canyoning, paragliding, hiking, lakes, villages (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie). The paragliding + canyoning combo optimising a short stay.
Castellane is around 1 hr 30 Nice. The fastest: A8 then RN 202 via the Cians gorges. The most picturesque: the road from Grasse, Wolf's Gorge and Bleine Pass. A day trip from the Côte d'Azur is perfectly feasible. Buses are possible from Nice and Digne, but a car is still recommended.
Canyoning, rafting and paragliding are the experiences that leave the most lasting impressions on visitors. Our team welcomes you all year round (except January) for canyoning in the Verdon Gorge and paragliding just a stone's throw from Castellane.
Turquoise pools, natural waterslides and jumps into the Verdon gorges. Discovery route from 8-10 years old or more athletic outings. Qualified guide, all equipment provided. Half a day to a full day depending on the chosen route.
Our canyoning trips
A tandem flight with views of the The Mediterranean and the Mercantour, from our Gréolières sites. Discovery, Ascension or Prestige flights: 15 to 30 minutes, from 6 years old, no physical fitness required. Child flight possible with the parents' agreement.
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Two powerful experiences on the same day: ideal for optimising a short stay, for a Hen do, a stag do or a group of friends. The combo is one of our most requested formulas.
See the comboBased in the Alpes-Maritimes since 2013, Our team has been overseeing canyoning and paragliding in the Verdon region for over 15 years. State-qualified instructors, over 1070 5/5 reviews a personalised approach, where security is never a compromise.
One call is all it takes to arrange your outing. Fancy learning to fly? Discover our paragliding school.
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Best-selling packages for experiencing Castellane and the Verdon outdoors. Transparent pricing, state-certified instructors.
Canyoning in the gorges and paragliding above the region, filmed by our team on the ground.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the seasons, length of stay, access and activities in the Verdon.
Castellane and the Verdon are best visited from April to October. For canyoning, rafting, and river hiking, the ideal season runs from May to September. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking and sightseeing without the crowds. July-August remains the busiest period, so book activities and accommodation in advance.
A Weekend is enough for the sporting essentials (canyoning, lake, rock climbing, Route des Crêtes). A Short stay of 3-4 days allows for the addition of rafting, the Martel trail, and Lake Sainte-Croix. A full week offers total immersion by combining canyoning, paragliding, hikes, lakes and Provençal villages such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Castellane has many campsites (often on the banks of the Verdon), gîtes, B&Bs and a few hotels in the village. During high season (July-August), accommodation fills up quickly: book in advance. To explore the gorges and lakes from a base, staying in Castellane or near La Palud-sur-Verdon is ideal.
The historic centre brings together restaurants, terraces and Provençal cuisine establishments around its shady squares. Local artisans (local produce, pottery, soaps) have shops in the alleyways, and the Wednesday and Saturday morning market sets the rhythm of local life.
Yes, the courses Discovery canyoning The Verdon offers family-friendly canyoning trips, generally suitable for ages 8-10 and upwards depending on the route, with no prior experience needed and guided by a certified professional with equipment provided. Canyoning is a gentler alternative. For paragliding, tandem flights are available for children aged 6 and over with parental consent.
Castellane is accessible by bus from Nice and Digne-les-Bains, but a car is still highly recommended to access the various sites (gorges, lakes, viewpoints), which are often scattered. From Nice, allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes the route, via the A8 then the RN 202, or by the more scenic route of the gorges du Loup and the Bleine pass.
For the lavender fields of the Valensole plateau, approximately 45 minutes from Castellane, aim to late June to early August. This is the flowering season, with the purple rows basking in the Provençal sun. Combine this with the Lake of Sainte-Croix and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
In bad weather, set course for heritage: the medieval historic centre, the pentagonal tower, the Church of Saint-Victor, and the House of Nature and Heritage (Free museum on the geology and fauna of the Verdon). The Sentier des Siréniens, with its fossils embedded in the rock, is an ideal curiosity for families on rainy days.
The gateway to Europe's largest canyon and a density of outdoor activities rarely seen in France.
Canyoning, rafting and canyoning in the Gorges du Verdon The signature activity, from May to September, accessible for families from 8-10 years old.
Cliffs of 700 m, Point Sublime, Martel trail (14 km) and turquoise lakes (Castillon, Sainte-Croix): some of the most spectacular panoramas in France.
A Tandem paragliding From age 6, from Gréolières, with views of the Mediterranean and the mountain peaks. The paragliding and canyoning combo makes the most of a short break.
Le Roc (184 m) and its chapel, the medieval centre, the Route Napoléon and the Maison Nature et Patrimoines: heritage to complete your adventure days, even in the rain.
