Castellane is the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon, in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This small town of character, dominated by its famous Roc, is home to a density of activities that is rare in France.
When it comes to adventure, the Verdon offers a breathtaking playground. Canyoning in the gorges, rafting on the river, water trekking, canoeing on Lake Castillon or paragliding between sea and mountains: there's no shortage of thrills. Nature-wise, the Grand Canyon du Verdon, the Martel trail and Point Sublime are among the region's most spectacular sites. In terms of heritage, the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, the medieval streets and the Route Napoléon tell the story of centuries of history.
This guide presents the best activities around Castellane, classified by type of experience. Each section specifies the level required, how accessible it is for families and how much time you should allow. Whether you're here for a sporting weekend or an outdoor holiday, you'll find everything you need to organise your stay without wasting any time.
Our team has been leading canyoning and paragliding trips in this beautiful region for over 15 years. What you read here comes from the field, not from a tourist guide.
Castellane is one of the best starting points for outdoor activities in the Verdon. The turquoise waters, towering cliffs and rugged terrain are the perfect backdrop for adventure-seekers and thrill-seeking families alike.
Canyoning is Castellane's signature activity. You descend directly into the gorges, between pools of turquoise water, natural slides and jumps into pools carved out by the river. The experience is both sporty and refreshing.
Several canyons are accessible from Castellane. The Grand Canyon du Verdon offers a breathtaking route through the heart of the gorges. Visit Riolan canyon is a must, with its wild scenery and crystal-clear waters. For a more technical route, the Saint-Auban canyon offers abseiling and challenging sections in an unspoilt environment.
No experience necessary for the discovery trails. Sporting outings require good physical condition. Allow half a day to a full day, depending on the route you choose. Suitable for families aged 8-10 and over. A qualified guide supervises each outing and provides all the equipment.
👉 Discover our canyoning trips in Castellane
Rafting on the Verdon is done in rafts for 6 to 8 people, supervised by a guide. You descend the rapids of the river in a spectacular gorge setting. The classic route from Castellane lasts around 2 hours and is suitable for beginners and sports enthusiasts alike.
Aquatic trekking (or aqua rando) is the gentler alternative. You walk and swim your way through the canyon, wearing flippers and a wetsuit. The sensations are there for the taking, but the pace remains relaxed. It's the ideal option for families with children or for those who prefer to explore the gorges without the extreme adrenaline.
Best period: May to September, when the flow of the Verdon and the water temperature are comfortable. In high demand in July and August, remember to book in advance.
Lac de Castillon, just a few minutes from Castellane, offers a very different experience from the gorges. There are no rapids here, just calm waters, 360° mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere. A perfect setting for enjoying the sun and the great outdoors, without the sporting dimension.
Canoe-kayak hire is available for half-day or full-day trips. You can paddle along the banks, stopping for a swim in the emerald waters or picnic on a pebble beach. It's also an excellent vantage point for observing the colony of griffon vultures nesting in the surrounding cliffs.
Accessible to all, including young children. No experience necessary. A great ride on the water on a hot day.
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.
Not many visitors think of it, but paragliding is one of the best ways to get some height on a holiday around Castellane and the Verdon. In a tandem flight with a qualified instructor, you take off for a breathtaking panorama between sea and mountains.
At Ailéments, we offer paragliding baptisms just a stone's throw from the Verdon supervised by instructors who have been familiar with every breeze in the region for over 15 years. From our flying sites in Gréolières, The view opens out over the Mediterranean on one side and the peaks of the Mercantour on the other. Discovery flight, ascent flight or prestige flight Each package offers a unique experience.
A discovery flight lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. No particular physical condition is required. Suitable for children aged 6 and over, with parental consent. For a full day of adventure, the paragliding + canyoning combo is a particularly popular option for groups and EVJF/EVG events.
The cliffs around Castellane also attract climbers. A number of climbing routes and via ferrata courses have been set up facing the gorges, in a pretty, vertiginous setting that makes every passage memorable.
Via ferrata is a way of climbing rocks using cables and rungs, without having to be a mountaineer. It's a sporty and fun activity, accessible to teenagers and adults in good physical shape. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a complete circuit, with breathtaking views over the canyon.
For families with young children, the region's adventure parks (accrobranche) complete the offer with tree courses adapted to each age group. A great way to vary your leisure activities over several days.
Castellane lies at the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park. The landscapes around the town alternate between deep gorges, wild plateaux and breathtaking panoramas. Here are the must-see natural sites to explore.
The Grand Canyon du Verdon is the largest canyon in Europe. Its cliffs plunge 700 metres into an emerald river. The spectacle is breathtaking, whatever the season.
From Castellane, the Route des Crêtes (on the left bank) and the Route de la Corniche Sublime (on the right bank) take you along the gorge by car, with regular panoramic stops. The Point Sublime, just a few minutes' walk from the car park, offers a magnificent view of the entrance to the canyon. It is the most famous viewpoint in the region and a must-see for all visitors.
Tip: set off early in the morning to avoid the crowds in high season and take advantage of the best light on the cliffs. A complete tour of both shores takes a good half-day.
The Martel trail is the most emblematic hike in the Gorges du Verdon. This 14km route runs along the bottom of the canyon between the Chalet de la Maline and Point Sublime. You'll pass through tunnels carved into the rock, cross footbridges over the river and discover breathtaking panoramas at every turn.
Allow 6 to 7 hours' walk. The trail is signposted but demanding, with steep gradients, narrow passages and metal staircases. Bring good hiking boots, plenty of water and a headlamp for the tunnels. The route is linear, so you'll need to organise your return by shuttle bus (service available in season from La Palud-sur-Verdon).
This trail is not recommended for young children or those prone to vertigo. For a more accessible walk, the lower gorges are an excellent alternative for families.
For a relaxing day out, the area around Castellane offers turquoise lakes and nature trails accessible to all. Ideal for alternating with adventure days.
Two very different lakes surround the Castellane area, each well worth a visit.
Lac de Castillon is the nearest lake, just a few minutes from the village. Wilder and less busy than its neighbour, it offers an authentic mountain setting. Its jagged banks and deep waters are perfect for swimming, picnicking or canoeing. The calm environment is ideal for soaking up the sun in an unspoilt setting.
Lac de Sainte-Croix, around 45 minutes away by car, is larger and more popular with tourists. Its turquoise waters make it one of the most beautiful lakes in Provence. It's the classic starting point for pedal-boat or electric-boat trips up the gorges. In summer, families can spend the day on the beaches.
The two lakes complement each other: Castillon for its tranquillity, Sainte-Croix for its summer atmosphere and water sports activities.
Less well known than the Grand Canyon, the lower gorges of the Verdon offer a gentle, wild experience between Lac d'Esparron and Quinson. The cliffs are lower, the river calmer and the countryside more intimate.
You can explore them by canoe, kayak or pedalo, gliding between vegetation-covered rock faces. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a small Provençal fjord. It's the ideal route for families with children, couples or those looking for a nature walk without strenuous physical exertion.
Allow half a day for a full outing. Boat hire is available on site, with no booking required in low season. In summer, it's best to arrive early to avoid waiting times.
Castellane is not just a starting point for outdoor activities. The town itself is well worth a visit. A historic town founded in the Middle Ages, it has preserved its narrow streets, fountains and ramparts. Half a day is all it takes to walk around the town and discover its discreet but authentic heritage.
The Roc de Castellane is the town's symbol. This 184-metre limestone boulder dominates the village and can be seen from miles away. At its summit, the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel has watched over the Verdon valley since the 13th century.
The climb is on foot along a signposted path. Allow around 30 minutes for the ascent, with a few steep sections. The effort is well worth it: at the top, the panoramic view takes in the whole valley, the surrounding mountains and the roofs of the village below. This is the best vantage point in Castellane, ideal for photos at the end of the day when the light is golden.
Accessible to accompanied children aged 5-6 and over. Bring water and closed shoes. Access is free all year round.
Castellane's historic centre can be easily explored in an hour. As you stroll along the cobbled streets, you'll discover stone houses, vaulted passageways and shady squares that bear witness to the town's medieval past.
Landmarks not to be missed include the pentagonal tower, a vestige of the old ramparts, the church of Saint-Victor with its Romanesque facades, and the fountains lining the village squares. Castellane is also on the Route Napoléon, the historic route taken by the Emperor on his return from Elba in 1815. Commemorative plaques recall this passage through the town.
The atmosphere is that of a lively Provencal village, far removed from the museum villages. Local artisans (pottery, soaps, local produce) have shops in the centre and are well worth a visit. The Wednesday and Saturday morning markets give you the pulse of local life.
The Maison Nature et Patrimoines is a small, free museum in the centre of Castellane. It features exhibitions on the geology of the region, the fauna of the Verdon and the history of Petra Castellana, the archaeological site that gave the town its name.
The Sirenian Trail, accessible from the museum, is a unique geological curiosity. This educational trail, which lasts around 1 hour, allows visitors to observe Sirenian fossils (ancestors of the manatee) embedded in the rock. It's an original way to discover that this mountain region was under the sea millions of years ago.
It's the ideal activity for bad-weather days, families with curious children or simply to vary the pleasures between two days of adventure. The welcome is warm and the instructors passionate.
Castellane has to be earned: it's a nature destination, not a stopover town. To make the most of it, it's best to plan ahead for the season, the length of your stay and your itinerary. Here are the essentials for organising your holiday without any nasty surprises.
Castellane and the Verdon can be visited from April to October. This is the period when all the outdoor activities are accessible and the weather conditions are most favourable.
For canyoning, rafting and water trekking, the ideal season is from May to September. The water is at the right temperature and the flow of the river makes it comfortable. For hiking and cultural visits, spring and autumn offer pleasant days without the summer crowds.
If you want to see the lavender fields on the Valensole plateau (45 minutes from Castellane), aim for late June to early August. The sight of rows of purple lavender in the Provence sunshine is well worth the diversions.
July-August remains the busiest period. Activities are in high demand, campsites are fully booked and the roads through the gorges can be busy. Book your activities and accommodation in advance for this period.
It all depends on what you're looking for. Here are three scenarios to help you calibrate your stay.
Weekend (2 days) - Sports essentials. Day 1 : canyoning trip in the gorges in the morning, swimming at Lac de Castillon in the afternoon. Day 2: climb to the Roc de Castellane, visit the village and take the panoramic route of the Crêtes. You'll leave with a wealth of sensations and panoramic views.
Short break (3-4 days) - Sport and nature. Add a day of rafting or water hiking and the Martel trail. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy Lac de Sainte-Croix and stroll through the village without having to run.
Full week (5-7 days) - Total immersion. Combine canyoning, paragliding, hiking, lakes, heritage and nearby Provencal villages (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon). It's the ideal way to explore the region in depth, alternating days of sport with days of relaxation, and leaving without frustration.
Le paragliding + canyoning combo allows you to combine two great experiences on the same day, a great way to make the most of a short stay.
Castellane is about an hour and a half's drive from Nice. There are two possible routes.
The quickest route takes the A8 motorway then the RN202 via Puget-Théniers and the Cians gorges. The more picturesque route takes the road to Grasse and then up through the gorges du Loup and the Col de Bleine. This second route is a little longer, but takes in some magnificent scenery.
If you're coming from the Côte d'Azur for a day out, it's perfectly feasible. Many of our customers combine an outing canyoning in Castellane with a day on the road, enjoying the gorges on the way there or back.
Castellane is also accessible by bus from Nice and Digne-les-Bains, but a car is still highly recommended for getting around the region and accessing the various sites.
Castellane brings together in a small area everything that makes the Verdon so rich: spectacular gorges, white water, a discreet heritage and unspoilt nature. Whether you come for a day of adventure or a week of immersion, each day can be made up as you wish, from thrills to contemplation.
Canyoning, rafting and paragliding are the most memorable experiences for visitors. The gorges, lakes and village complete the holiday with quieter moments that are just as memorable.
Our team welcomes you all year round (except January) for canyoning in the Gorges du Verdon and paragliding just a stone's throw from Castellane. One call is all it takes to organise your outing.
