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Lake Castillon

Between nature, adventure and history

Lac de Castillon, located in the heart of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, not far from the village of Castellane, is a magnificent artificial lake created by the Castillon dam. With its 10 kilometers of deep water, it offers a peaceful setting in which to unwind. You can enjoy a wide range of water sports, from canoeing to paragliding, and even go fishing in an area rich in fish stocks. Situated upstream from the famous Lac de Sainte-Croix, this lake encourages you to slow down and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

Getting there

Lake Castillon

Slow down the hectic pace of everyday life

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Located in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, in the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, Lac de Castillon is one of the five lakes of the Verdon. The result of human ingenuity with the creation of the Castillon dam in 1948, this artificial lake has managed to preserve a certain harmony with its natural environment. With an expanse of almost ten kilometers and a depth reaching 100 meters in places, the magic of Lac de Castillon also lies in its ability to invite you to slow down from the hectic pace of modern life.

Whether strolling along its beaches, paddling quietly on its calm waters, or admiring the gentle sunsets, you’ll be encouraged to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and enjoy what’s essential.

Taking the timeCool off by the lake?

There are several shaded, supervised beaches where you can cool off in complete safety, with or without children. Among the most beautiful are the Plage du Plan in Saint-André-les-Alpes, the Baie du Touron in Saint-Julien-du-Verdon and the Baie du Cheiron in Castellane.

Something for everyone

Away from the tourist itineraries, live to the rhythm of the river and climb aboard a boat for a relaxing cruise on the calm waters of the lake. For the more adventurous among you, water-skiing offers a good dose of adrenalin.

Or would you prefer to be out in nature? Opt for a more peaceful experience and explore the lake and its hidden coves on foot, by canoe or pedalo , lulled by the gentle breeze. Want to try something other than canoeing or pedal-boating? Then you’ve come to the right place! Try your hand at windsurfing, towed buoys, wakeboarding or stand-up paddling.

And if you’re into hang-gliding, Lac de Castillon is also a great place for paragliding. Nearby Le Chalvet is THE take-off spot, offering an intense view of the lake and the surrounding Alps.

For those who love fishing, Lac de Castillon answers your call! Renowned for the richness of its fish population, it’s home to a multitude of species, including mirror carp, pike-perch, forage fish and gudgeon. Here, time passes to the peaceful rhythm of the lapping water, and each catch brings us back to the present moment.

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A rich culture and fascinating history

Lac de Castillon is also a gateway to a rich culture and fascinating history. Discover Castellane, at the gateway to the Gorges du Verdon, famous for its historic monuments such as the Tour de l’horloge, the Tour Pentagonale and the church of Saint-Victor. But also its panoramic views from the Notre-Dame du Roc chapel and its Provencal market.

Explore the cobbled streets of Saint-André-les Alpes, perched on the edge of the lake, for total immersion in typical Provencal culture, or head to Saint-Julien du Verdon, standing proudly on the hillside, for its peaceful ambience and extraordinary views over Lac de Castillon. This village is also home to the famous ” Train des Pignes “, which runs between Nice and Digne-les-Bains. Climb aboard and try this unusual experience to admire the landscapes of our beautiful Provencal countryside.

The most beautiful beaches

From Lac de Castillon

The Plan beach in Saint-André

This large, unmissable beach in Saint-André-les-Alpes invites you to enjoy its vast, sunny lawns and gently sloping, supervised swimming area, making it ideal for families with children. The water, drawn from the highest peaks of the Mercantour, ensures a source of freshness, promising a soothing and invigorating experience.

Touron Bay in Saint-Julien

Located at the foot of the charming village of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, the Baie du Touron awaits you for a refreshing break. The trees lining the beach provide the perfect shade for a siesta, lulled by the gentle murmur of the water. If you’re keen to explore, you can always opt to hire a boat or canoe and explore its wild shores and secret coves.

Cheiron Bay in Castellane

This irresistible beach in Castellane has a large, landscaped, supervised area perfect for relaxing by the water. You can bask in the sun, swim in waters that are the envy of tropical islands, or explore the small island nearby by boat. There’s also a trail for the more adventurous, linking Castellane to the Baie du Cheiron in about an hour and a half’s walk.

Conseil Intense Verdon

Want to combine cycling, walking, heritage and views? Embark on the Tour du lac de Castillon, a 52 km loop, perfect for an open-air journey between the lake and its emblematic villages. You’ll pedal through the villages of Demandolx, Vergons, Angles and Saint-André-les-Alpes, far from any urban hustle and bustle. This cycling adventure will give you a feeling of absolute freedom.

This itinerary is adaptable to all levels, a lesson that travel teaches us: the flexibility to choose our route, take our time, shorten distances or personalize our itinerary according to our level of fitness. Explore places you might have missed by car, while reconnecting with nature: strain your ears to listen to birdsong, feel the scent of trees and the breeze on your face in the heat of the moment.

Good to know: The round-the-lake route is mainly on tarmac roads, making it a relatively easy bike ride and accessible to most cyclists. However, be prepared for a few climbs and descents, especially on the sections that skirt the mountains. The right bank route is shared with Les Chemins du Soleil and the TransVerdon.