Lake Castillon: a stunning, untamed lake at the gateway to the Alps
The magnificent Lake Castillon stretches for 8 kilometers in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, between Castellane and Saint-André-les-Alpes, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.
It is the first artificial lake on the Verdon River, covering an area of approximately 500 hectares. Its turquoise waters sometimes take on emerald hues depending on the time of day and the light. Located at an altitude of about 900 meters, this artificial lake was created by the construction of the Castillon Dam, which began operating in 1948. As the second-largest lake in the region after Lake Sainte-Croix, it remains far less crowded than its neighbor. That’s precisely what makes it such a special place.
Looking for swimming, water sports, hiking, peace and quiet, or a family vacation by the water? Lake Castillon checks all those boxes. And this guide tells you exactly how to make the most of it.
The beaches of Lake Castillon
Lake Castillon has three developed beaches, each with its own unique character. You’ll be spoiled for choice depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Plan Beach is located in Saint-André-les-Alpes, two kilometers from the village. Its grassy area and gentle slope make it a particularly popular spot for families. It’s the most easily accessible part of the lake, with a parking lot nearby. The water is clear, and the lake’s turquoise waters reach 23°C during the summer season.
Touron Bay, on the Saint-Julien-du-Verdon side, has a more rugged atmosphere. Trees line the beach and provide the perfect shade for a break, lulled by the gentle murmur of the water. The view of the mountains from this spot is one of the most beautiful on the lake. You can also rent pedal boats or canoes right on site.
Cheiron Bay is the third option, on the shores of Lake Castillon, featuring a swimming area marked by buoys and supervised in July and August. It is located on the Castellane side and is easily accessible from the designated parking lot. Pontoons accessible to people with limited mobility are available at Plan Beach and Cheiron Beach.
Supervised swimming areas are open in July and August at all three beaches. Swimming is strictly limited to the areas marked by buoys, and jumping from cliffs or bridges is prohibited for safety reasons. Outside these areas, you’re free to walk along the lakeshore to find your own quiet spot.
Water activities at Lake Castillon
Now for the fun part: Lake Castillon is a premier water sports destination in Provence. The Le Sirocco water sports center, located on the Cheiron Bay side, serves as the hub for many of the activities.
Canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, rowing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and water skiing in designated areas: there’s no shortage of activities on this body of water. You can rent equipment right on-site without having to haul everything around. It’s ideal if you’re traveling light or trying these sports for the first time.
For thrill-seekers, water skiing is available in a designated area. Lessons are available for both beginners and experienced participants. For a more relaxed experience, stand-up paddleboarding lets you paddle along the shores at your own pace and discover hidden spots that would otherwise be inaccessible. Nighttime canoe trips are also organized for adventurers.
Sailing is another wonderful way to explore the lake. The lake is sheltered by the mountains, with a steady breeze in summer that’s ideal for beginners. Finally, swimming remains the top activity for families. The emerald waters of the Verdon invite you to dive right in.
How to visit Lake Castillon?
To plan your trip, the Castellane Tourist Office is your first stop. There you’ll find maps, information on accommodations, and excursion itineraries for the area. The staff knows the area well and can guide you based on your interests.
To fully enjoy the lake, plan to spend several days exploring it. The first day is enough to explore the beaches and try out a few water sports. On the second day, you can walk or mountain bike around the lake, taking in breathtaking views of the entire body of water. This active route connects five towns and passes through unspoiled hilltop hamlets such as Courchons and Blaron.
For lodging, the lakeside villages offer options for every budget. Whether you prefer a campground near the water, a hotel, or a vacation rental, Saint-André-les-Alpes, Saint-Julien-du-Verdon, and Castellane offer several options. Campgrounds let you get up close to nature and provide quick access to the beaches in the morning.
Summer is the most popular time to enjoy the beaches and water sports. The months of May through September are ideal for swimming, while spring and fall offer mild temperatures and colorful landscapes, perfect for hiking. Outside of summer, the lake returns to absolute tranquility, and the landscapes take on a unique character.
Places to See Around Lake Castillon
The lake itself is worth a visit, but the surrounding area is just as worth exploring. Start with the Castillon Dam, which is a marvel in its own right. Standing 95 meters high and 200 meters wide, its curved wall features the world’s largest sundial, unveiled in 2009. The road that runs across the dam offers a breathtaking view of the Verdon River below.
Just a stone’s throw away, the village of Saint-Julien-du-Verdon clings to the hillside. Its narrow streets offer breathtaking views of the lake.
Castellane, a few kilometers downstream, is the gateway town to the area and serves as a good starting point for excursions.
The other major attraction in the region is, of course, the Verdon Gorge. Lake Castillon is located near Europe’s largest canyon. The Route des Crêtes, starting from La Palud-sur-Verdon, offers breathtaking viewpoints overlooking this geological wonder. Plan on spending at least half a day to fully appreciate the panoramic views.
All of this lies at the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park, which covers a large part of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The flora and fauna of this area are more reminiscent of an alpine environment than of coastal Provence. The air is purer here, the environment wilder, and the landscapes quite different from what you see further south.
How big is Lake Castillon?
Lake Castillon is large. Not as big as Lake Sainte-Croix, but large enough that you can’t paddle across it in an hour. Here are a few figures to give you an idea.
The lake lies at an elevation of 879 meters and covers an area of 500 hectares, with a length of 8 kilometers and a volume of 149 million cubic meters. It is the second-largest artificial lake in the Verdon region, after Lake Sainte-Croix. In some places, it reaches a depth of 100 meters.
The dam itself is 95 meters high and 200 meters long, built on limestone bedrock. It is a concrete arch dam owned by EDF, which still operates it today. The body of water follows the shape of the Verdon Valley along its 8 kilometers.
Five kilometers downstream from the Castillon Dam lies the smaller Chaudanne Dam, which acts as a regulator between the two structures. The Chaudanne reservoir covers approximately 65 hectares. Together, these two dams form a hydraulic system that supplies part of Provence with drinking water and electricity.
How do you get to Lake Castillon?
The lake is easily accessible by car from the region’s major cities. This is by far the most convenient way to explore the various beaches. Here is a map to help you find your way:
From Digne-les-Bains or Nice, follow National Route 202. From Castellane, take Departmental Route 955. From Val d’Allos, take Departmental Route 908. Parking is available along the lake, particularly at Baie du Cheiron and Plage du Plan.
From Nice, allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. From Marseille, allow a little over two hours via the A51 toward Sisteron, then take the D952. The road running along the lake from Castellane is a beautiful journey in itself: the views of the turquoise water nestled between the mountains are worth the detour at every turn.
For those who prefer to avoid driving, a hiking trail starts at the Castellane tourist office. The trail heads up toward the Cébière neighborhood, continues toward La Baume, then follows the road to the Col du Cheiron for 500 meters to reach the lake. Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the walk one way.
The Secrets of Lake Castillon
This lake has a history that few visitors know about. And that history begins with a disappearance.
When the dam was filled in 1948, the old village of Castillon vanished beneath the reservoir, taking with it a part of the local history. Houses, a national highway, a bridge—everything was submerged. Some winters, when the water level drops, you can glimpse the remains of the old bridge beneath the surface. It’s a strange and fascinating moment, reserved for visitors who come during the off-season.
The construction of the dam was itself an eventful adventure. The cornerstone was laid in 1929, but the Verdon Hydroelectric Company went bankrupt in 1932. In 1936, a fire—possibly arson—destroyed the crushers at the construction site. The project was finally completed in 1948, after twenty years of twists and turns.
Another secret of this place: its flora and fauna. The flora and fauna that have flourished around the lake are more reminiscent of an alpine environment. Anglers find a true paradise here, with numerous species present, including zander, mirror carp, and salmonids. The pure air from the Alps gives this lake an atmosphere distinct from the Provençal lakes further south.
Lake Castillon is one of the few places in Provence where you truly feel as though you’re on the border between two worlds: the light of the South and the harshness of the Alps. It is this duality that makes it a place apart—calm, wild, and ultimately little known for what it’s truly worth.
