Camping Castillon de Provence: Explore Castellane's Wonders

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

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.

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.

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.

On an estate spanning 840 acres, the Château de Taulane offers superb golf in an enchanting setting. The 18-hole course across some 6,300 playable yards on the Domaine de Taulane opened in 1992 and allows for a great variety of playing styles. If you love wide open spaces, the Golf de Taulane, on the Alpes-Maritimes/Var border in the villages of La Martre and Chateauvieux, is a dream come true. It is one of France’s most beautiful golf courses, steeped in the peace and quiet of nature’s majesty, a splendid environment of meadows, firs, and lavender. The diverse holes and tee areas are excitingly spaced, inviting a brisk pace and offering an endless variety of views. Whether you are relaxing with friends or testing your golfing skills on a personal or competitive level, the straightforward but original course layout is ideal for all levels of play. Pro shop Four-star hotel: Château de Taulane Architect: Gary Player Pets allowed on the golf course: dogs on a leash or attached to the cart are allowed on the course. The establishment does not have a charging station for electric vehicles.

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.

In front of a breathtaking view of the village and the majestic mountain, the restaurant of the campsite La Pinatelle in Saint-Auban, welcomes you in all conviviality. Our snack-restaurant is open every day in summer, you can have lunch or just a drink in the sun while enjoying our spacious terrace with a view on the village and the cliffs. We offer a varied menu with pizzas, salads, meat or fish. In high season we also organize fantastic parties! Open from May to September : Snack - Bar - Restaurant with view on the village and the mountain, table soccer and billiards.

Nestled in the high country of Grasse, between Verdon, mountains and rivers, the camping Tikayan La Pinatelle is ideal for nature lovers. Camping and caravanning pitches, chalet and mobile home rentals. Heated swimming pool and restaurant. Our 2-star Tikayan La Pinatelle campsite welcomes you to Saint Auban. Located between the Pays de Grasse and the Verdon Natural Park, lovers of peace and nature will be delighted. Our campsite in the Alpes Maritimes offers comfortable rentals, chalets with views of the cliffs overlooking Saint Auban, and air-conditioned mobile homes. Stay at our campsite in Saint Auban with your own tent, motorhome or caravan, and enjoy our heated swimming pool and a meal in our restaurant with its terrace overlooking the village and cliffs. The site offers shaded and private pitches covering an area of 100 m², for peaceful and relaxing moments. Appropriate amenities and facilities are available to welcome you in the best possible conditions. Heated swimming pool, open every day free of charge (from May to September, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) For younger children, there is a suitable and secure playground. And for those who like a challenge: A football pitch. Volleyball court (200m) A boules court. A table tennis table. A billiards table & table football. A mini golf course.

Via souterrata, the WORLD'S FIRST way to discover two activities at the same time: Via Ferrata and caving or underground tree climbing.

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.

Enter the wilds of the Monts d’Azur Biological Reserve, 40 minutes from Grasse, and discover an extraordinary site that is home to European bison, wild horses, deer, wild boar, foxes, and more – the fabulous fauna of Europe, roaming free! A 700-hectare natural preserve dedicated wholly to wildlife The Monts d’Azur Biological Reserve is in the town of Thorenc encompasses a mosaic of surprising and fascinating environments, from rocky cliffs to verdant, grassy plains to remarkable woodlands. Among the emblematic species that you can see on the site are the European bison and the Przewalski’s horse, successfully reintroduced by Dr. Patrice Longour and his staff. These animals quickly acclimated to this environment, that which their ancestors trod a few millennia ago. This reintroduction has also had significant positive impact on site’s biodiversity, with striking development of the flora and remarkable evolution in the open environments. Our safaris: Immersive safaris, for an up-close and personal experience with wild animals! The Reserve has a variety of safari types available (walking, wagon, snowshoe, or sleigh), all guided by specialists who accompany visitors as they come face-to-face with the freely roaming wildlife, while shedding light on how these large mammals interact with their environment. - Walking safari – 90 mins - Snowshoe safari (depending on snow conditions) – 90 mins - Wagon safari – 60 mins - Sleigh safari (depending on snow conditions) – 45 mins Prolong the pleasure with a vacation in the midst of stunning natural scenery... Go to the "Accommodation" section.

Chapel dedicated to Saint-Sébastien, decorated and painted by the artist Patrick Moya in 2018. The interior of the Saint Sébastien chapel in Le Mas, officially unveiled in October 2019, has been entirely decorated by Nice artist Patrick Moya. On the inner walls and ceiling of this chapel, the artist has painted a mural that tells the story of the life of San Sebastian, a tale that resonates with the village’s history dating back to Roman times, as well as with the artist’s own world and his research in the realm of contemporary art. The wall-to-wall work is a blend of sacred and secular: the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, the Hospitallers, the venerable family of Provençal nobles known as La Famille de Grasse, the Lérins monks, the American aviators hidden and protected by local residents during World War II. Religious symbolism, clever nods to eras and events, quotations – everything is deftly incorporated, bathed in the same Mediterranean light, interpreted with the same poetry. To visit the chapel, contact the Le Mas town hall.

Collection of around 100 lithographs by Max Ernst, one of the world's leading exponents of the "Dada" and Surrealist movements, and his wife Dorothea Tanning, an artist in the same vein. Also on view are paintings by Stan Appenzeller.

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

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.

Traditional, bourgeois, family and friendly cuisine in this bar-restaurant located at the entrance of the village of Saint-Auban

In front of a breathtaking view of the village and the majestic mountain, the restaurant of the campsite La Pinatelle in Saint-Auban, welcomes you in all conviviality. Our snack-restaurant is open every day in summer, you can have lunch or just a drink in the sun while enjoying our spacious terrace with a view on the village and the cliffs. We offer a varied menu with pizzas, salads, meat or fish. In high season we also organize fantastic parties! Open from May to September : Snack - Bar - Restaurant with view on the village and the mountain, table soccer and billiards.

La Source is the restaurant of the Parc Terre des Lacs, located just above the two fishing lakes of Saint-Auban, in the Grasse high country. Specialities prepared with trout from the lakes and using local or regional produce. At the restaurant La Source, we want to prepare "real" home-made products. This is why since 2017 we offer specialties prepared with our smoked trout. For the rest (cheeses, delicatessen, vegetables, etc.) our suppliers are located on our territory or for the most distant in the PACA region. Starters, main courses and desserts are on the slate and vary according to the motivations of our chef! However, we will regularly propose you and for example : Starters : - smoked trout salad - Hot goat cheese salad (prepared with Jean-Michel and Bénédicte's goat cheese from the Gourette farm in Soleilhas) Dishes - baked trout - smoked trout risotto - the trout burger - entrecote excellence - Black Angus ground steak - homemade nuggets Desserts - homemade brownie - lemon pie revisited - French toast - banana cake - white cheese with chestnut cream - alpine ice cream

Family restaurant with an excellent welcome and hearty, quality dishes! Real cooking as we like it. Salads, daily specials, snacks...

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

Innovative concept where all the pleasures of enjoying a good glass of wine or a beer are combined in the heart of the village of Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey.

Wine bar, discoveries, music, travel. Theme evenings On-site catering (pan bagnat, wraps, salads...)

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.

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.

Nestled in the high country of Grasse, between Verdon, mountains and rivers, the camping Tikayan La Pinatelle is ideal for nature lovers. Camping and caravanning pitches, chalet and mobile home rentals. Heated swimming pool and restaurant. Our 2-star Tikayan La Pinatelle campsite welcomes you to Saint Auban. Located between the Pays de Grasse and the Verdon Natural Park, lovers of peace and nature will be delighted. Our campsite in the Alpes Maritimes offers comfortable rentals, chalets with views of the cliffs overlooking Saint Auban, and air-conditioned mobile homes. Stay at our campsite in Saint Auban with your own tent, motorhome or caravan, and enjoy our heated swimming pool and a meal in our restaurant with its terrace overlooking the village and cliffs. The site offers shaded and private pitches covering an area of 100 m², for peaceful and relaxing moments. Appropriate amenities and facilities are available to welcome you in the best possible conditions. Heated swimming pool, open every day free of charge (from May to September, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) For younger children, there is a suitable and secure playground. And for those who like a challenge: A football pitch. Volleyball court (200m) A boules court. A table tennis table. A billiards table & table football. A mini golf course.

Small, fully-equipped self-contained studio set in 7000m2 of pine woodland in Saint-Auban, in the Haut-Pays de Grasse region. Mountain views. Quiet setting.

Beautiful stone village house, you will be pleasantly welcomed in this beautiful village which has won an award in the towns and villages in bloom competition. Thanks to its environment of forests you can make hikes, tourist circuits which will take you either to the coast of the Côte d'Azur or to Castellane inland. Peace and beauty of the landscapes will be your companions of stay. Ground floor (6 steps). Entrance into a large room (kitchen and dinner areas, living room, TV TNT). 1st Floor : 1 bedroom with 1 double bed (140x190) and 2 single bunk beds (90x190). Shower room and wc. Store room. Electric heating. All charges included. Supplement granules in heated period. Public parking 100m away. Cleaning fee in compulsory supplement.

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.

Located in Escragnolles, on the famous Route Napoléon, the Lodge du Berlandou welcomes you to a relaxing, natural setting. Our 2 unusual accommodations, with magnificent views of the mountains, are ideal for relaxation.

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

Nice room in a green garden