Experience CAMPING RELAISDESGORGES DU VERDON in Castellane

The old paths lead to the isolated hamlets of Brandis and Villars-Brandis.

Perched more than 1,200m above sea level, overlooking the village of Rougon, this is a unique area with a view over the entrance to the Grand Canyon. This vast wild plateau is distinguished by pastoralism (low walls and dry stone sheepfolds). As a summer pasture site, it is advisable to stay away from the flocks supervised by protection dogs (patous). This hike is better mid-season because of the south-facing sun exposure. Alternate option: If you turn right a bit before the plateau you will reach the Barre des Catalans for breathtaking views over Rougon with a panoramic viewpoint. If you are lucky you could see vultures flying

This dolomitic formation is intriguing, it resembles perched chimneys on a ridge with stunning views. From the car park of the col des Lèques, take the track heading south. You can park a little further away (there’s a parking lot at the tennis court or at the small mountain pass at 400m). Follow the track towards Cadières de Brandis. 1 - At the first intersection, leave the Chemin de Taulane on the right (return path) and continue up the forest track on the left. Gradually go up the track for about 1km until the intersection with the path descending on Castellane. 2 - Continue on the rising track. At 100m, leave a descending track on the left. Continue on the rising track for another 300m, then follow the route of the trail at the first turn. Reach to the peak of the Colle Bernaiche and regain the trail coming from Villars Brandis. 3 - Continue on the track heading towards the pylon and at the end of it, follow the path starting from the hillside and heading towards Cadières. Continue on this route which is relatively flat for 500m then. When you have reached a fruit tree, leave this route in direction of Cadières, which is glimpsedat the back and follow the path that goes right up the hill. Meander between the rocks and under the pine trees, reach the highest point of the trek (1 550m). 4 – Between pines and cleared passages, go down the path leading to the plateau. After about 900metres, turn right at the bottom of a depression (an area where the air pressure is low), then go through the rocky passages (not dangerous, but some steep passages; pay attention to the marking!) and cross a small rock tunnel before starting the descent to the forest. In the woods, (a steep downhill!) continue to pass through until you reach another marked path. 5 - Leave behind the path descending to Taulane on the left and follow the path on the right going towards the col des Lèques. At 900m, regain point ( 1 ) 1 - Enter the car park via the route taken initially.

Like giant chairs, the Cadières de Brandis guard the entrance to the grand Verdon canyon ("cadière" means "chair" in Provencal). These impressive ruiniform rocks rise 1545 metres above the Verdon valley. Drive from Castellane to the Col des Lèques (7.5km). At the pass, park in the parking lot on the Les Sirènes campsite side. Cross the main road and take the forest track opposite. After 700 m, the track crosses the GR406, keep to the left, and continue along the track to the path that runs along the Colle Bernaiche ridge and reaches the pylon. Continue along the path, which crosses the south-facing slope, winding its way up to a wooded ridge. After a succession of ascents and descents, you reach a pine plateau. Cross the plateau on the way down, then turn right to reach a depression. After a steep descent, cross a rocky chaos, then pass under a natural tunnel before descending to the forest. In the undergrowth, the descent is steep at first, then continues across to the right after a crossroads. A little further down, you join a forest track and the GR 406, which takes you back to the Col des Lèques.

One of the most prestigious sites in the Haute-Provence geological reserve. This valley contains a paleontological deposit unique in the world: hundreds of fossilized bones of sirenians, marine mammals that are ancestors of dugongs and manatees. This easy hike starts at the Col des Lèques (7.5km from Castellane towards Digne), on the right after the Les Sirènes campsite, where you'll find a parking lot. The route first crosses meadows, then continues through a pine forest before arriving at the Sirènes site, the destination of the hike. Take the path alongside the campsite. Be careful not to take the left-hand track! After 1km of walking, keep to the left and the path continues to a footbridge, crosses a valley and rejoins the Siren Valley and the geological site. Return by the same route.

And strange marine mammals called the sirenians inhabited our lands... From the car park at the Col des Lèques, take the path along the campsite. In 500m, follow the path and find a small pass and an intersection of marked trails. 1 - Go left and leave on the right the trail going up towards La Baume. Find a ruin by the relatively flat and shaded path. Pass by and then find a small footbridge. After crossing it, climb the trail with a few wooden steps under the pines. Cross the next valley and find a view of the Col des Lèques, the north face of Cadières de Brandis and the summits of Robion and Destourbes, dominating Castellane. Go down the path and go to the right in the direction of the valley where the sirenian fossil site is located. 2 - The same route is used for the return.

How to discover the Gorges du Verdon without passing by the mythical belvedere of the Point Sublime? It is a must-see. Point Sublime offers a spectacular view of the entrance to the Canyon, where the Verdon winds its way between the two cliffs. There's a parking area, for which a charge is made in season, where you can take a short break and walk 15 minutes to the lookout. Return by the same route. You can take the LER 450 bus from Castellane, La Palud-sur-Verdon or Riez.

Dating from the 17th century, this pretty bridge over the Verdon is well worth the detour... It's an ideal walk for a special moment in the heart of the Verdon: a calm, unspoilt place, far less crowded than the Gorges. At the end of the Couloir Samson parking lot (opposite the road), you'll find the Pont de Tusset path, which follows the GR 49. After a short but steep descent through the undergrowth, you come to the Pont de Tusset: one of the most beautiful bridges spanning the Verdon. The presence of a bridge here is not recent: the first construction dates back to the 11th century! Take the same path for the return journey, but beware: it's very stony and slippery.

A bucolic walk to the hamlet of Thon. Superb Romanesque stone bridge over the Asse de Blieux and its waterfalls.

The couloir Samson itinerary takes you to and from the entrance to one of Europe's largest canyons: the Gorges du Verdon. From the Couloir Samson parking lot, descend to the Raquette (turnaround area at the 23A road) and then descend, again via a path (the GR4), to the end of the Blanc-Martel trail: the entrance to the Canyon. In the Gorges, you follow the Verdon through tunnels (the Baou tunnel is 670 m long) to the Trescaïre towers: three rocky towers on the opposite bank. This is the end of the itinerary, but you can continue walking if you wish. Please note that swimming in the Verdon is prohibited.

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

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

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"

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.

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.

Go rock-climbing in a natural and preserved environment in the Siagne Gorges! GO ROCK-CLIMBING IN A NATURAL AND PRESERVED ENVIRONMENT IN THE SIAGNE GORGES! Known for the untamed environment, the Siagne Gorges are made up of cliffs that are ideal for rock-climbing. Whether you are an advanced rock-climber or a beginner, your experienced monitor will give you all the necessary advice and information for a successful rock-climbing session. You will be accompanied throughout the stages of your ascent so you can climb in complete safety. Enjoy the adrenaline-filled climb and enjoy the panoramic views as you scale the cliffs. A sporty and pleasant experience connecting with nature awaits!

Discover the natural and preserved territory of the Siagne de la Pare on a thrilling day of canyoning! DISCOVER THE NATURAL AND PRESERVED TERRITORY OF THE SIAGNE DE LA PARE ON A THRILLING DAY OF CANYONING! Known for its wild landscape and translucent water, the Siagne de la Pare is a canyon bringing together aesthetic appeal and fun. With your monitor, discover the secrets of this stunning site. Swim in the clear-water ponds and combine the ingredients necessary for a successful canyoning session: waterfalls, natural slides, hikes and rappeling! Make the most of this adrenaline-filled outdoor activity bringing together nature and discovery!

Zygaenas are Lepidoptera insects of the Zygaenidae family. They are divided into several genus. There are nearly 800 species of zygaenas worldwide, including 60 in Europe and 35 in France.

The "neighborhood" called Lèques situated to the north of pass of Lèques evokes the name of these thrush traps, consisting of two flat stones, that allowed to trap the birds at that time (a completely prohibited practice today). A few juniper berries, thrushes’ favorite candy in winter, were placed between the sticks. The bird had to move the sticks to peck at grains, and the vertical stone fell and knocked it.

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.

Fossils relate us about the history of life. They have allowed the birth of the theory of evolution by showing us the existence of now extinct animals. In our region, ammonites are a good example. They disappeared 65 million years ago after having populated all the seas of the globe during the Mesozoic era.

A parking area that lets you get to Point Sublime and discover the beauty of the Grand Canyon du Verdon. The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day during the high season, and free access the rest of the year.

The Griffon Vulture along with its alpine cousin, the Bearded Vulture, are the largest raptors in France which can reach nearly 3m wingspan and weigh between 6 to 7kg. Like all scavengers, by vultures "recycling" the carcasses, they contribute to public health and participate in the great life cycle of matter. With the success of this reintroduction, the same sponsors and players are now interested in another lost loved one, the Cinereous vulture.

If sirenians the ravine of Tabori, who lived in the sea, are now at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, it is not because of a sudden drop in the water level. The sediment accumulated at the bottom of the sea for millions of years are found upright and altitude when the Alps were raised.

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.

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.

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€

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

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.

A modern restaurant with a stylish setting, a large terrace overlooking the park, facing the village and not overlooked. Home-cooked cuisine.

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”

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…

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Nice room in a green garden

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.

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

Independent apartment on the ground floor of a villa, private garden, very quiet place, 300 m away from Ferréols lake.