Attractions and Places To See around Lac de Castillon - Top 5
Best attractions and places to see around Lac de Castillon include a 10 km long artificial lake nestled within the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Verdon Regional Park. Created in 1948 by the Castillon dam, this lake is known for its emerald waters and serene ambiance. The area features a landscape of middle mountains and green hills, offering a diverse range of natural and cultural sites. Visitors can explore 6 notable highlights, from impressive dams to charming Provencal villages.
Best attractions and…
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Castillon Dam
Highlight • Monument
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Lake Castillon
Highlight • Lake
This lake with azure waters is perfect for cooling off.
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Saint-Julien-du-Verdon
Highlight • Settlement
More information: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Julien-du-Verdon and de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lac_de_Castillon
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Path along Lac du Castillion
Highlight (Segment) • Other
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Lake Castillon
Highlight (Segment) • Other
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Tips from the Community
An absolute must for every good tourist 8-) Seriously, definitely check it out, the color of the water is different every time.
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Nice little place with a mini harbor. You can also rent a pedal boat if you feel like it.
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Beautiful bike ride right along the lake. Make sure to stop in Saint-Julien-du Verdon and enjoy a cool drink down by the lake. There is also a small snack bar if you get a little hungry.
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Riding a bike over a dam is a beautiful experience
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very impressive construction. Only when you stand on the dam you get an image of how gigantic it is. Once a week they open the dam and the water level on the river Verdon has risen so that on the river a whole lot of water activities take place such as canyoning, canoeing, rafting etc.
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Lake Castillon results from a water reservoir at the Cheiron hill. When the dam was installed, water engulfed the village of Castillon and the Saint-Julien bridge. This lake with azure waters is perfect for cooling off.
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Great blue reservoir. Used for tourism in the northern area. The reservoir can provide electricity for 31,000 people.
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Wilder and less developed for tourism than its cousin, the Lac de Ste Croix which is located a few leagues away, the Lac de Castillon is an artificial reservoir accumulating the turquoise blue water of the Verdon which gives it its particular colour. This dam is the result of a long history. In fact, as early as 1895, after a drought that ravaged crops throughout the south of France, the project for a dam appeared that would supply water to the orchards and fields of Provence. The irrigation of agricultural land was in fact the primary objective of this dam, whose construction finally began in 1928. The nationwide project will employ 1,200 workers, including many Germans hired as part of the repairs due by the Germany after the Great War. But the company managing the works went bankrupt in 1936 and the works did not resume seriously until the end of the 2nd World War with more than 2,000 workers (including again German prisoners of war) to end with the implementation service of the dam in 1948. The impoundment led to the disappearance of the village of Castillon, swallowed up by the waters of the lake which today bears its name. You can sometimes see some vestiges of the village, as well as an old bridge, when the level is at its lowest. The lake of Castillon contains in its normal configuration 150 million m3 (8 km, 500 ha) of which 85 million are reserved for agriculture. But the dam is also a hydroelectric plant that manages to produce, on its own, the annual consumption of 31,100 people. And of course, tourism has developed a lot and is now an important activity around the lake. In 2009, a sundial was inaugurated, the time lines of which are drawn on the vault of the dam. Covering an area of about 13,000 square meters, it is the largest sundial in the world. The time is given thanks to the curved shadow cast by the cornice overhanging the dam.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Lac de Castillon?
The most prominent natural feature is Lake Castillon itself, known for its clear, emerald waters and serene ambiance within the Verdon Regional Park. You can also find several well-appointed beaches like Plage du Plan, La Baie du Cheiron, and Baie du Touron, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The surrounding area offers beautiful woods and panoramic views from various hiking trails.
Are there any significant landmarks or historical sites to visit?
Yes, the impressive Castillon Dam, built in 1948, is a notable landmark featuring the world's largest sundial on its curved wall. The road over the dam provides spectacular views. Additionally, the iconic Castellane Rock offers expansive views overlooking the village of Castellane. When water levels are low, remnants of the old submerged village of Castillon and the Julien Bridge can become visible.
What kind of water sports and activities are available on Lac de Castillon?
Lac de Castillon is a hub for water sports enthusiasts. You can enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, towed buoys, and stand-up paddling. Motorboating is also permitted, and unique night-time canoe trips are available for stargazing. The lake is also popular for fishing, with species like mirror carp and pike-perch.
Which villages are worth visiting around the lake?
The region boasts charming Provencal villages. Castellane is rich in heritage with monuments like the Church of Saint-Victor and panoramic views from Notre-Dame du Roc chapel. Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, perched on a hillside, offers extraordinary views over the lake and has a mini harbor where you can rent pedal boats. Saint-André-les-Alpes provides an immersion into typical Provencal culture and is a popular spot for paragliding.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions?
Absolutely! The lake itself is family-friendly, offering safe swimming at supervised beaches and various water sports suitable for all ages, such as pedal boating and kayaking. The charming villages like Saint-Julien-du-Verdon provide a relaxed atmosphere. Exploring the Castillon Dam can also be an interesting outing for families.
What hiking opportunities are there near Lac de Castillon?
The area offers numerous hiking trails that wind through beautiful woods and provide breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding massifs. For easier walks, you can find several options around the lake. You can explore various routes by checking out the Easy hikes around Lac de Castillon guide, which includes trails like the 'View of Lac de Castillon loop from Saint-Julien-du-Verdon'.
Can I go cycling or running around the lake?
Yes, the scenic roads and paths around Lac de Castillon are popular for both cycling and running. The D955 at Lac de Castillon offers beautiful views for cyclists, though it can have some traffic. For more specific routes, consider the Gravel biking around Lac de Castillon guide or the Running Trails around Lac de Castillon guide, which features routes like the 'View of Lac de Castillon loop from Saint-Julien-du-Verdon'.
What is the best time to visit Lac de Castillon?
Lac de Castillon is beautiful throughout the warmer months, with summer being ideal for water sports and swimming. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the villages, with fewer crowds and vibrant natural colors. The serene ambiance makes it a tranquil setting for relaxation year-round.
Are there any unique cultural sites or hidden gems in the area?
Beyond the traditional Provencal villages, you might discover the surprising Mandarom Sect Temples and Statues along a hiking route north of Castellane, offering a unique cultural contrast. The area also has a rich prehistoric history, with evidence of ancient inhabitants and rock art in nearby caves and cliffs, providing a glimpse into the region's deep past.
What do visitors enjoy most about Lac de Castillon?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning emerald waters of Lake Castillon and the beautiful surrounding landscape. The impressive scale of the Castillon Dam and the panoramic views it offers are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the opportunity to cool off in the lake and explore the charming Provencal villages like Saint-Julien-du-Verdon with its mini harbor.
Is paragliding an option near Lac de Castillon?
Yes, Saint-André-les-Alpes is a renowned spot for paragliding. Le Chalvet is a prime takeoff location, benefiting from excellent aerological conditions that make it a popular choice for paragliding enthusiasts seeking breathtaking aerial views of the region.
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