Attractions and Places To See around Allons - Top 20

Allons itself is rich in history, featuring the remnants of four square towers and the 11th and 12th-century Saint-Martin tower, currently undergoing restoration. The village also preserves a traditional church, a bread oven, and a fountain. Nearby, you can visit the unique architecture of Annot (6 km), the historic center of Castellane (16 km), the impressive citadel of Entrevaux (18 km), and the fortified village of Colmars-les-Alpes (23 km).

Absolutely. The region is home to the stunning Gorges du Verdon, often called the 'French Grand Canyon,' located approximately 21 km away. You can also visit the imposing Castillon Dam, offering great views of the Verdon, and the beautiful Lake Castillon with its azure waters. For panoramic views, hike up La Crêtes des Serres to see the Mercantour Massif.

Allons is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and running. The Gorges du Verdon offer opportunities for rafting and canoeing. For cycling, explore routes like the 'Castillon Dam – View of Lake Castillon loop' or the 'Colmars – Fortifications of Colmars loop.' Find more options on the Road Cycling Routes around Allons or Cycling around Allons guides. Running enthusiasts can find trails like the 'King's Chamber – View of the Valley loop' on the Running Trails around Allons guide.

Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. The King's Chamber, a cave with natural sandstone rock formations near Annot, is known for its playful character and appeals to both young and old. The 'Le Tour des Champons' is a family-friendly walk directly from Allons, following the banks of the Combes and Champons streams. Lake Castillon also provides opportunities for cooling off and enjoying the scenic beauty.

For easy walks, consider 'Le Tour des Champons' directly from Allons, which is a gentle route along streams. Another option is 'Le Puy de Rent,' showcasing reforestation efforts with pleasant scents of thyme and savory. While the Col de Toutes Aures (1,124 m) is a mountain pass, it's noted as a very easy climb for cycling, suggesting accessible terrain in its vicinity for walking.

The region boasts several beautiful water bodies. Lake Castillon, just 12 km from Allons, is perfect for cooling off with its azure waters. The Gorges du Verdon, about 21 km away, are ideal for rafting and canoeing. Further afield, Lac de Sainte-Croix (41 km) and Lac d'Allos (around 30 km, requiring a walk from parking) offer more opportunities for water-based recreation.

The best time to visit Allons for outdoor activities is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months. During these periods, the weather is most favorable for hiking, cycling, and water sports in the Gorges du Verdon and around the lakes. The air is filled with the scent of thyme and savory, enhancing the natural experience.

Yes, the King's Chamber near Annot is a unique natural sandstone rock formation that feels like a hidden gem. Its entrance is subtly marked, requiring a bit of exploration to find, but it offers a fascinating and playful experience. The Mercantour National Park, home to Lac d'Allos, is also a natural gem known for its exceptional biodiversity and extensive hiking trails.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historic charm and natural beauty. They enjoy the playful character of sites like the King's Chamber, which appeals to all ages. The imposing scale of the Castillon Dam and the scenic beauty of Lake Castillon are also highly rated. The opportunity to explore ancient towers and hike scenic trails while enjoying the tranquility of the region is a major draw.

Yes, several nearby towns host vibrant markets that offer a taste of local life and produce. You can visit the market in Annot on Tuesdays, Saint-André-les-Alpes on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Castellane on Saturdays. These markets are excellent places to experience local culture, find regional products, and interact with the community.

For scenic drives or cycling, you can explore mountain passes like the Col de Toutes Aures (1,124 m), known for its easy climb. Another significant pass is the Col des Robines, peaking at 988m, which offers varying gradients for cyclists and is part of the N202 (Route Napoleon).