Discover Provence during your holiday
Castellane and our campsite in the Gorges du Verdon are located in the heart of Provence. Bordered by the Alpine foothills, it also has a Mediterranean feel. From Castellane, you can take the famous ‘Route Napoléon’, the route taken by Napoléon on his return from Elba. Surrounded by lavender fields and olive groves, regional crops and sheep farms, you can sample authentic Provence. A little over an hour’s drive away, you will find Grasse, the city of perfumers.
Can you hear the sound of cicadas? Can you smell that sweet lavender scent?
Welcome to Provence!
Discover this region of a thousand and one colors during a relaxing holiday! This is part of the charm of Provence: the diverse and rich landscapes, the authenticity and history.
The whole family will love spending their holiday in this beautiful region where you can combine sports and cultural activities!
In the morning, go canoeing or canyoning, and in the afternoon, visit a museum or meet the local artisans!
You will quickly adopt the art of living in Provence: a region with a warm climate, where life is good!
In Provence, we don’t joke when it comes to cooking. Here, you will delight your taste buds! Local and regional products, flavors and scents of Provence, venture to the markets for good food and meet the local farmers! There’s nothing like delicious sun-drenched fruit and vegetables, good cheese from the farm next door or wine from a Provençal vineyard!
Markets and cuisine
Provençal cuisine pays homage to the sun. Don’t miss the bustling little markets in the village squares open every morning from dawn and where you will find local producers. In the little restaurants, you can sample the olive oil, sheep’s or goat’s milk cheeses, sun-kissed vegetables cooked with thyme, basil and garlic, fish, olives, etc.…and of course, all the varieties of tomatoes with their unique flavour. Weekly markets in Castellane are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Provençal entertainment
Whether you come in the middle of summer or spring time, there are numerous events organised in Castellane and its neighbouring villages providing a glimpse into Provençal culture. The Transhumance Festival in mid-June celebrates shepherds and their sheep as they move up to higher pastures. Flocks of sheep, farmers’ markets and traditional music mark the weekend.
Every summer, Castellane organises weekly events such as treasure hunts and daytime or evening music festivals.
On the fourth Sunday in July, the village of Barrême hosts a lavender festival centred around its former lavender distillery which is now a museum for this famous Provençal flower.
Grasse : a famous village in Provence
Midway between Castellane and the sea, is the area referred to as ‘le Pays Grassois’ (Grasse country), otherwise known as the Balcony of the Cote d’Azur. Stop off in Saint-Vallier de Thiey, famous for its Provencal figurines and pottery, before continuing your journey on to Grasse. The perfume capital of the world is nestled in a haven of floral scents used by the best perfumers in the world. Don’t forget to visit the International Perfume Museum. Fragonard and Molinard, two iconic perfume manufacturers, offer free tours.
