Castellane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Castellane
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Subprefecture and commune
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Castellane and Le Roc from above
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 Castellane
Location in France
Castellane
Location in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur | |
| Department | Alpes-de-Haute-Provence | |
| Arrondissement | Castellane | |
| Canton | Castellane | |
| Intercommunality | Alpes Provence Verdon – Sources de Lumière | |
| Area
1
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117.79 km2 (45.48 sq mi) | |
| Population
(Jan. 2019)
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1,470 | |
| • Density | 12.48/km2 (32.32/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
04039 /04120
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| Elevation | 639–1,761 m (2,096–5,778 ft) (avg. 724 m or 2,375 ft) |
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| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
Castellane is a charming town located in southeastern France, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence area. It's a special place because it's one of the smallest "sub-prefectures" in France, meaning it's a local government center even though it only has about 1,600 people. This makes it a unique and peaceful spot to visit.
Castellane is famous for its amazing natural beauty, especially the towering rock called "Le Roc" that stands right above the town. It's also a gateway to the incredible Verdon Gorge, one of Europe's largest canyons.
Contents
What Makes Castellane Special?
Castellane is known for its stunning natural surroundings and its rich history. The town is nestled among mountains and rivers, making it a perfect spot for outdoor adventures.
The Roc: Castellane's Landmark
The most striking feature of Castellane is "Le Roc" (The Rock). This huge limestone rock rises dramatically above the town. At its very top, you'll find the beautiful Notre Dame du Roc chapel. People have climbed up to this chapel for centuries, and it offers amazing views of the town and the surrounding landscape. It's a bit of a hike, but totally worth it for the scenery!
Gateway to the Verdon Gorge
Castellane is often called the "Gateway to the Verdon Gorge". This is a massive river canyon, sometimes called the "Grand Canyon of Europe." The gorge is famous for its bright turquoise water and towering cliffs. It's a popular place for activities like kayaking, rafting, and hiking. You can see some of the beautiful lakes nearby, like Lac de Chaudanne and Lac de Castillon, which are part of the Verdon River system.
A Glimpse into History
Castellane has a long and interesting history, stretching back thousands of years. People have lived in this area since ancient times.
Ancient Roots
Long ago, even before the Roman Empire, people lived in this region. The Romans later built roads and settlements here. You can still find clues from the past, like old Roman milestones that marked distances along their roads.
Medieval Times and Fortifications
In the Middle Ages, Castellane was an important fortified town. It had strong defenses, including towers and walls, to protect its people. The Pentagonal tower and the Tour de l'Horloge (Clock Tower) are reminders of these times. These old structures tell stories of knights, castles, and battles from long ago.
Modern History and Remembrance
Over the centuries, Castellane has seen many changes. During World War II, the area was a place of resistance. There's even a memorial, like the one at Col des Lèques, to remember the brave fighters who helped protect France.
Things to See and Do
Besides its natural beauty, Castellane has several interesting places to visit within the town itself.
Churches and Chapels
Castellane has several historic religious buildings. The Église Saint-Victor is a main church in the town. There are also smaller chapels, like the Sacré-Coeur church and the Notre Dame du Roc chapel on top of the Roc. These places often have beautiful old architecture and offer a quiet place for reflection.
Museums and Local Life
To learn more about the local culture and history, you can visit places like the Maison Nature et Patrimoine. It might show you what an old Provençal kitchen looked like, giving you a peek into how people lived in the past. Walking through the old streets, like those in nearby Trigance, feels like stepping back in time.
Images for kids
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Lac de Chaudanne
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Gorge of Castellane
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Lac de Castillon
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Petra Castellana
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Village of Chasteuil
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Robion
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Roman milestone
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Ruined château in Rougon
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Château_d'Éoulx
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Pont du Roc
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Draille in Robion
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Clue de Taulanne
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Street in Trigance
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Political cartoon in Le Charivari, 2 December 1851. The caption says "When are you going to stop playing these games? I am getting tired of paying for them."
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Memorial to FTP fighters
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The Roc and the bridge of the Roc
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In the city of Castellane
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Bridge of the Roc
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Notre Dame du Roc
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Votive offerings
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Saint Victor
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Sacré-Coeur
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Saint Pons in Éoulx
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Saint Pierre de Taulanne
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Saint Antoine of Éoulx
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Saint Thyrse
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Pentagonal tower
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Tour de l'Horloge
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Castellane with the Église St Denis on "Le Roc"
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An old Provençal kitchen, reproduced at a Castellane museum
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Sacred Heart church
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Map of Castellane and surrounding communities
