Castellane is an iconic stop on the Route Napoléon. Museums, medieval landmarks and routes on horseback or by bicycle offer a variety of experiences. You can plan your trip around your interests—whether you want to explore collections, discover the history of buildings or add some exercise to your stay.
Museums and cultural history
The Musée de la Résistance offers self-guided visits at any time; guided visits for individuals are available on request. The exhibits include numerous objects, documents and authentic photographs, some of which are extremely rare. Life-size reconstructions depict scenes from life underground and in the Maquis. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.
The Citromuseum displays more than 120 original Citroën vehicles dating from 1938 to 1998. They are in exceptionally good original condition and have very low mileage. The museum is therefore home to an extensive collection of historic vehicles.
In the heart of the village is the Maison Nature & Patrimoines. Its permanent exhibition, “Sirènes et fossiles,” explores the period when a sea covered the region and manatees and dugongs lived there. This natural history focus adds a different perspective to local and cultural history. The Maison Nature & Patrimoines also provides information from the Parc du Verdon, a shop, and year-round events and activities. Check the exhibition details before your trip; the program may also change.
Medieval traces in the village
Petra Castellana consists of medieval ruins accessible via an interpretation trail. The Tour Pentagonale dates from 1359 and is part of Castellane’s former fortifications, which included 14 towers. While Petra Castellana combines ruins with an interpretation trail, the Tour Pentagonale recalls the village’s former fortifications.
The Itinéraire des silhouettes uses eight silhouettes to portray the village’s history and its architectural and cultural heritage. Together with the medieval ruins and the Tour Pentagonale, this route explores different aspects of the village’s history.
Horse-riding route and cycling loop
The Route Napoléon à Cheval starts in Castellane and follows the banks of the Verdon through the heart of the Réserve naturelle géologique de Haute-Provence. The riding route is 18 kilometres long and takes five hours. Route conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Another option is Le tour des lacs, a 23.5-kilometre cycling loop that starts and finishes at the Castellane tourist office. The options differ not only in activity: a duration is also given for the riding route, while the cycling loop returns to its starting point.
Rocky promontory, lake and regional produce
The Roc de Castellane is a distinctive rocky promontory more than 200 metres high. Nearby is Lac de Castillon, close to the village centre. It has developed beaches and supervised swimming areas; these facilities and supervision may vary by season.
The Sentier du Roc has fountains and benches along the way for resting. As the facilities may change, check their condition before your walk.
The Maison de Produits de Pays des Gorges du Verdon is a covered market that is open year-round and has an area for local produce. The market also promotes the region. Check the current opening arrangements before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Le Vernet, Saint-Paul-Sur-Ubaye, Selonnet, Saint-Étienne-Les-Orgues, Les Mees, Faucon-De-Barcelonnette, Aiglun, Entrevennes.
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-De-Haute-Provence.
