Camping Castillon de Provence: Explore Castellane's Wonders

Easy walk starting from the road (C 2) leading to Demandolx. Suitable for baby carriages and people with reduced mobility. At a sharp bend to the left, on the road leading to Demandolx, the path is closed by a gate. Follow the path to Hameau de Ville. You can go as far as Notre-Dame de Conches on the ridge behind (by a more difficult path), from where you'll have a beautiful view of Lac de Castillon on the Saint-Julien-du-Verdon side. The path to the Hameau is wheelchair accessible. If so, please go to the Tourist Office in Castellane to pick up the key to open the gate (a deposit will be required).

Breathtaking view of Lake Castillon. 1 - Take the trail rising above the road heading to Mount Crémon, across the picnic area. When coming out on a track, follow it at the rise, following a hairpin bend to the right. After 100m, take the left path. stroll under the pines and reach the track again (cross it). Then the climb becomes less steep. Follow the track under the larches and reach a large flat area at the border between the sunny and shaded slopes (a spring below, behind the slope of the track). 2 - Follow the track across for 50m, then exit it to the left and take a trail rising regularly in the slope parallel to the track. After crossing two ravines and following some hairpin bends, come out on the Demandolx mountain pass at 1.5km. 3 - At the mountain pass, follow the trail to the left for 1 km / less than a mile. Then leave it when reaching the right slope. Stroll along the route which remains flat for a good while. Reach the ridge of Mount Crémon. 4 - Leave the main trail and turn right onto a narrow path. Follow the route through the ridge and climb to the top. Perform the last 400m of vertical drop first in the undergrowth and then in the pastures. To the top of Mount Cremon at the mountain pass cycling milestone (1760m). 5 - The same route is used for the return.

An alternative to driving to Lac de Castillon for swimming or water sports ...

This hike, easy and very pleasant, is ideal during spring and offers multiple viewpoints on the Castillon lake. From the village, reach the big curve of the Route de St André-les-Alpes at 500m, just before the Memorial of the Resistance. Exit the N202 and follow the small road on the right. Continue on 700m after the last house until a dirt road. Take the flat road for another 800m. 1- At the end of the road (turning area), take the small path on the right (some steep sections!). At the end of the rise, climb to the ridge of the Barre de Pidanoux. 2- Continue on the ridge trail for 1km. Pass the peak (1,237m) and continue for another 500m. Complete the path where the trail descends steeply. 3- Head back by the same route to the village.

Saint-Julien du Verdon, a 1,500-year-old village ... Notre-Dame Chapel As early as the 5th century, monks from the Abbey of Lérins (off the coast of Cannes) built a small priory at the top of today's village. Their mission: to Christianize the region. They made contact with the Vergunni tribe occupying the site on the banks of the Verdon. This led to the creation of a village named after Saint-Julien, the martyred saint venerated by these abbots. A church was later built on this site. It was enlarged in the early 18th century and later named Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. The plum dryer and "pardigones" Below the chapel stands the plum dryer, recently restored according to tradition, with a plaster covering that once came from the gypsum quarries, now partially submerged. It dates back to the 2nd half of the 19th century. At that time, on the banks of the Verdon, there were fields of cereals and orchards, notably of plum trees. After the harvest, farmers dried these "pardigones" plums in individual granaries or drying sheds, before marketing them: this one is the last witness to the importance of this production. Saint-Roch Church At the end of the 19th century, as the population grew, Saint-Julien acquired a 2nd church, built on the site of a shrine to Saint Roch and dedicated to this saint, who had become the village's patron saint. This is the current parish church. The communal oven The current communal oven, a few meters below the square, dates back to 1905, but must have existed long before that. Families took turns baking bread here. Like the two wash-houses, it was a place for community life. Nowadays, it is revived every year for Whitsuntide, the patron saint's day and other festivities. The lake Named after Castillon, this submerged village lies 90 m below sea level, upstream from the dam. It was first impounded in 1948. The lake has transformed Saint-Julien's economy. Agriculture has been reduced in favor of tourism.

From the top of la Barre du Pidanoux there is an incredible view of Castillon Lake, the village of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon and the surrounding peaks. From the Saint Julien du Verdon roadside parking lot, follow the N202 for 500 m towards Saint-André les Alpes, until you reach a large bend. This bend is located just before the Resistance memorial. Take a small road to the right and follow it for 700 m, then after the last house, take the flat dirt track for another 800 m or so. At the end of the track (turning point), take the small path on the right (some steep sections). At the end of the climb, reach the crest of the Pidanoux bar. Continue on the crest path for 1 km. Pass the highest point (1,237 m) and continue for another 500 m. End the walk when the path descends steeply. Turn around and return to the village along the same route as before.

This sporty circuit, which can be completed in one or two days, starting from Castellane or Saint-André-les-Alpes, takes you around the Lac de Castillon from the heights, offering splendid views.

Climb to the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel along Castellane's ramparts. From the Tourist Office, drive up Boulevard Saint-Michel towards Digne. Take the first street on the right (towards the rescue center). Follow the path along the ramparts, towards "Chapelle du Roc". The path gradually climbs up to the chapel, with a view over Castellane from the gardens of the Tour Pentagonale. Numerous benches line the route. A breathtaking view of Castellane and the valley awaits you at the summit. Two orientation tables help you spot the surrounding peaks. The Notre-Dame du Roc chapel, adorned with ex-votos and normally open day and night, is exceptionally closed this summer due to renovation work.

This loop takes the road alongside Lac de Chaudanne to reach the village of Demandolx, then forks right onto a track shortly before the Col de Saint Barnabé. Below the Teillon massif, which rises to 1893 m, the descent is made on a single track via the GR4. This route, which offers a bird's-eye view of the lake, takes in the mountain scenery near Castellane. If you're feeling sporty, this itinerary will take you 2h30.

The origins of the Petra Castellana archaeological site date back to the 11th or 12th century. In the Middle Ages, it was a fortified town founded by the Lords of Castellane. From the end of the 13th century onwards, the city was gradually abandoned, with the inhabitants preferring to live in the Bourg, where Castellane now stands. Ramparts, towers, a church and agricultural terraces are all still visible on the Petra Castellana site.

Taking the emblematic Blanc Martel trail without taking your car couldn't be easier, thanks to the shuttle bus and the Zou 450 regional line (ex BV1 )from Riez, Roumoules, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Castellane. Shuttle service resumes on 28/04/2023. How does it work? The Zou 450 regional line links Riez to Castellane via the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon. From La Palud-sur-Verdon, the Blanc-Martel shuttle bus takes you to the Chalet de la Maline, the trailhead. The trail ends at Point Sublime (Rougon). For your return journey, take the shuttle bus to the village of La Palud-sur-Verdon and/or the regional line 450 to Riez or Castellane. Timetables... To ensure optimum operation, the timetables of the Riez-Castellane regional line (450) and the Blanc-Martel shuttle are coordinated. Online booking is highly recommended if you want to be sure of getting a seat! Please note that the shuttle does not return to Chalet de la Maline in the afternoon.

A quiet family campsite in the heart of the Provençal countryside between Digne les Bains and the Verdon. In the heart of Provence, a region renowned for its sunshine, blue skies and Alpine air, La Célestine campsite offers a variety of accommodation options on a flat 3-hectare area, located only 16 km from Digne les Bains. Bordered by the river Asse and close to the Gorges du Verdon and its lakes (Sainte Croix, Castillon, Esparron) the campsite offers many activities on site and in surrounding areas. Enjoy a 750 m² lake directly on the campsite.

Municipal service area / camping cars Near parking lot and swimming pool Open all year round

An unforgettable ride through the Haut Pays Niçois and Haute Provence on the steam Train des Pignes or the locomotive. From the land of the olive tree to that of the chestnut tree, via Entrevaux and its citadel, immerse yourself in the charm of travel in days gone by. Retro ambience on the "Micheline" of the 1930s: - from December to April as well as September 20 and 21, November 2 from Puget Théniers to Annot - August 5 to 10 from Saint André to Thorame The Steam Train runs on all other dates. Several themed trains are proposed for 2025: Dance Train: May 4 Music Train: June 22 European Heritage Day: September 20 and 21 Olive Train: October 12 Halloween Train: October 26 and local events Saint Fortunat festival in Annot: May 18 Chestnut Festival at Le Fugeret: November 8

Pub, bar, brasserie in the center of Digne les Bains. "L’Étoile is a beautiful brasserie with terraces that stretch out at the beginning of Boulevard Gassendi, facing the Étoile roundabout and its parking lots. For nearly fifteen years, it has been a popular spot for those who enjoy basking in the sun or sitting in the heated area for the more chilly ones. The menu offers a wide variety of options to suit all tastes: delicious composed salads, charcuterie boards, well thought out daily specials and generous portions of meat. When it comes to dessert, the café gourmand is easily devoured. One of the chef’s specialties is the homemade hamburger with artisanal bread. The presentation of the dishes is pleasing, and the service is quick, making it a great choice for those in a hurry. In the evenings, this brasserie-bistro transforms into a tapas bar, offering a tapas menu with a wide selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Hervé, the owner, is a fan of music and rugby, thus it is not uncommon to come across a live concert by a local band or a live broadcast of a sporting event. In summary, L’Étoile offers excellent value for money and is a pleasant stop in Digne-les-Bains on the Alpine road. To top it all, a large car park is located right in front and the Tourist Office is only a few metres away. Lunch service: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Dinner service: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm"

Charming hotel in a former oil mill nestled in a large wooded park 10 minutes from the village.

Family hotel with outdoor pool and large terrace, at the foot of the village. This establishment has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label and welcomes cycling tourists. The rooms (16 m²) with private bathrooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. A buffet breakfast is served on the poolside terrace or in the dining room. Private parking is also available. The bar at Hôtel Les Oliviers welcomes you for a relaxing moment by the pool. This establishment is certified Accueil Vélo, offering a warm welcome to cycling tourists. Hôtel Les Oliviers has been awarded Gold in the Éco-Défis program. This initiative supports participants in reducing their environmental impact. It helps to highlight partner businesses, strengthen team cohesion, control costs, and become active players in the ecological transition.

Gîte for 4 people located in the heart of the charming village of Marcoux. The main assets of the gîte are the panoramic view and the swimming pool. The layout of the gîte is full of surprises, with many objects diverted from their original function.

This all-terrain, single-wheel wheelchair makes hiking accessible to anyone with reduced mobility. On loan from Colmars town council. Please bring a suitable vehicle for transport, and ensure that at least 2 or more people are able to use it safely.

Spacious and quiet room overlooking a provençal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and an eco-bel. spacious and quiet room overlooking a provencal garden. swimming pool with natural maintenance and environmental practices rewarded rewarded by an eco-bel.

On the shores of Lac de Castillon, an aquatic area marked out by buoys and supervised in July and August. Come and enjoy the cool waters of the lake in the swimming area, which is equipped and supervised in summer. It's ideal for young and old alike! Picnic area nearby.

The contemporary village of Saint-Julien is located only 9km from the capital city of Suetrii called Ducelia, then Salinae, the ancient city of Castellane. An ancient pre-Roman road linking Cimiez to Riez via Annot and Entrevaux crossed the lower area of the town, now submerged under the waters of the lake. The section linking Vergons (capital of Vergunii) to Castellane crossed the Verdon, between Saint-Julien and Castillon, with a bridge strangely named the Julien bridge.

Located in Haute Provence, the heart of the French Resistance, this museum is dedicated to all those who refused defeat and took up the fight as soon as General De Gaulle called. Library and archives available by appointment only. It objectively represents the entire Resistance, without prejudice to its different currents. The museum displays a wealth of objects, documents and authentic photos, some of them extremely rare. Several life-size reconstructions of scenes from underground and maquis life enhance the visit. The museum aims to be a European reference, and its library and archive center are a further educational tool. Out of respect for the victims of this period, we've avoided showing unbearable, all-too-familiar images, to make it a pleasant family visit during the vacations, when, in addition to the sunshine of Provence, you'll have good memories of having discovered something different.

Water sometimes flows into the ravine. In its work of erosion, it gradually reveals the relief shaped for the first time more than forty million years ago. On the right bank, you can see a gray limestone massif dated back to 140 million years (Jurassic). On the left bank of the marls and yellowish sandstone limestone, dating back to 40 million years.

Overlooking the town from its 184m straight and steep cliffs, the top of the Roc is decorated with a chapel topped by a statue of the Virgin and Child. Majestic, strong and anchored since the dawn of time, it looks like the relic of a surrealist dungeon, left there by improbable and fantastic creatures.

Fossils less than 1% of living things are found fossilized, which goes to show that fossilization is somewhat “miraculous”. It is the transformation of the remains of an organism and its conservation in rocks. Obviously, the mineralized portions (skeletons, shells, etc.) are best preserved. But wood and fingerprints, traces of activities, could also be preserved, thus providing valuable information.

In fact the 200m high rock was inhabited several times in the course of the history of the town. The hilltop sites in this part of Provence essentially correspond to two major periods in search of safe places. The first one, before the Roman colonization in the 1st century BC, corresponds to the Celtic-Ligurian settlement period and the formation of so-called oppida. The second great period corresponds to the Saracen invasions from the 8th century to the early 10th century.

Everything is well in the 13th century when the town left Petra Castellana and had just settled in the plain, the country is peaceful and prosperous. This is not the case in the second half of the 14th century when economic crises and social unrest were more and more numerous. Times are no longer safe and the town is fortified in 1359. The wall, lined with 14 square towers, must adapt the shape of the town exactly in the same manner it was at that time. Hence the construction to the upper corner of this high tower that dominates the plain.

How were the houses in Petra Castellana built ? From 2016 to 2019, several archaeological soundings were conducted near the rampart. One took place in front of you They helped archaeologists understand the organisation of the site and they were all buried again after the surveys to preserve the remains. We know that the buildings often stood and leaned against the rampart. Windows were built in the rampart. We reckon that the buildings were about 15 m² of floor surface but some could be larger. They had one or two upper floors : livestock could stay on the ground floor or it could be used as a workshop or a cellar and people lived on the the 1st and 2nd floors. The masonry was of local limestone and lime mortar and the rooves were covered in tiles. During the excavations, few potsherds were found. Grains could be stored in dug silos, the archaeologists discovered some of them.

We can still observe the fortifications of Petra Castellana, in particular on the north side, in front of you. We think that the wall used to surround the whole site but there are no obvious remains on the south side The archaeologists were able to locate a 245 m long part of this surrounding wall. There were seven half-moon shaped towers linked together by a continuous wall called a curtain wall. The rampart was carbon dated to the end of the 12th - the beginning of the 13th century. The towers were massive and solid, there were no rooms inside. They were built with stones and mortar, then covered in terracotta tiles. We can still see that the rampart was open in several places but we don’t know if there were any crenellations. There may have been a chemin de ronde inside the fortification, at the top of the rampart.

Pub, bar, brasserie in the center of Digne les Bains. "L’Étoile is a beautiful brasserie with terraces that stretch out at the beginning of Boulevard Gassendi, facing the Étoile roundabout and its parking lots. For nearly fifteen years, it has been a popular spot for those who enjoy basking in the sun or sitting in the heated area for the more chilly ones. The menu offers a wide variety of options to suit all tastes: delicious composed salads, charcuterie boards, well thought out daily specials and generous portions of meat. When it comes to dessert, the café gourmand is easily devoured. One of the chef’s specialties is the homemade hamburger with artisanal bread. The presentation of the dishes is pleasing, and the service is quick, making it a great choice for those in a hurry. In the evenings, this brasserie-bistro transforms into a tapas bar, offering a tapas menu with a wide selection of wines, cocktails and beers. Hervé, the owner, is a fan of music and rugby, thus it is not uncommon to come across a live concert by a local band or a live broadcast of a sporting event. In summary, L’Étoile offers excellent value for money and is a pleasant stop in Digne-les-Bains on the Alpine road. To top it all, a large car park is located right in front and the Tourist Office is only a few metres away. Lunch service: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Dinner service: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm"

Traditional restaurant located near the small village of Marcoux (route de Draix) Mountain specialties in winter Pierrade - raclette - Savoyard fondues - mountain burger

Restaurant in a traditional and quiet village offering Mediterranean cuisine with Corsican and Armenian influences. We cook mainly with fresh products and favor short food supply chains. We offer Corsican and Armenian specialties. We also cook traditional recipes.

Inventive cuisine with local and seasonal products with an organic tendency. The restaurant offers, not only, but mostly traditional cuisine, with seasonal, local, and if possible organic products. All dishes are homemade.

Gastronomic restaurant / Fish specialties Shaded terrace in summer. Seminars, weddings, anniversaries, possibility of takeaway meals. 50 places inside - 30 places on the terrace. Menu from 27€

OPEN TO EVERYONE. Creative and balanced cuisine, local and seasonal products. Bistronomic restaurant located in a hotel with a 2 hectare wooded park on the banks of the Blanche river. At the moment, the Insolent offers burgers and stews to order, delivery possible within a radius of 10 km. Our slate menu evolves over the seasons. Panoramic outdoor terrace.

5 minutes from Forcalquier. This authentic inn, housed in a late 18th-century farmhouse, offers traditional, quality cuisine in a green setting.

Located on the village square with a terrace in the sun or in the shade, this small restaurant offers tasty and generous cuisine. A traditional and local menu, daily specials, a nice selection of meats. Customers appreciate: “Good value for money / succulent pasta and meats / excellent and fast service / heated covered terrace”

Organic and natural wine cellar / dining cellar: Pierre, our village sommelier, offers almost 400 references of wines, beers and ciders - Sale of local produce - Dishes on the slate - Charcuterie / cheese plancha. To take away or enjoy on site.

Opening 15/05/2020 > 27/09/2020 At the entrance of the largest canyon in Europe, the Huttopia Gorges du Verdon campsite welcomes you on a unique site on the banks of the Verdon with a beautiful swimming pool and private access to the beach…

Looking for a change of scenery? Try a complete change of scenery just 1h30 from Nice. The Roncharel gîte welcomes you to the heart of nature in the Verdon and Vaïre valleys, to discover another South. Panoramic views, absolute peace and quiet! Single rooms and group accommodation. Provencal cuisine based on local produce.

Refuge of the C.A.F (French club promoting mountain sports) - this cottage is located on one of the most open viewpoints on the Verdon Gorges. This is a unique accommodation on the Route des Crêtes with a typical Provençal charm. An exceptional location on the Grand Canyon, starting from the famous Blanc-Martel and Imbut trails, a stage of the GR4, at the core of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, for your hiking, climbing, mountain biking and white water trips. Jean Faure, the new guard will welcome you as of March 26, 2016

This eco-gîte is located in a new house in the countryside, at the foot of the barre des Dourbes, on the heights of Digne. You can enjoy the calmness and the exceptional panorama in this privileged setting in the heart of the Geological Reserve and the Geopark. The view from the terrace is exceptional and particularly clear. The tenants can enjoy a green space with flowers. It is located 9.6 km from the city center and 10 km from the thermal baths.

A quiet family campsite in the heart of the Provençal countryside between Digne les Bains and the Verdon. In the heart of Provence, a region renowned for its sunshine, blue skies and Alpine air, La Célestine campsite offers a variety of accommodation options on a flat 3-hectare area, located only 16 km from Digne les Bains. Bordered by the river Asse and close to the Gorges du Verdon and its lakes (Sainte Croix, Castillon, Esparron) the campsite offers many activities on site and in surrounding areas. Enjoy a 750 m² lake directly on the campsite.

Municipal service area / camping cars Near parking lot and swimming pool Open all year round

Nice room in a green garden

Studio located in a residence with private park and parking, on the 4th floor with elevator, facing south, with balcony.

3 star apartment of 55 m2 on the ground floor of the owners' house. Quiet area, open view, close to nature and the city. Very well exposed and bright. Two rooms (18 and 21 m2), very well equipped, new bedding of 160 cm, large terrace, small garden.

This 2 room apartment is ideally located in the city center, close to the bus station and buses. Parking in the garden. Recently renovated. Quiet and comfortable apartment.