Lying east of the gorge, 12km upstream from La Palud on the Route Napoléon, CASTELLANE's only distinguishing feature is the abrupt, massive rock to the east of the town. Since there's little else to do you might as well climb up to it – thirty minutes from behind the modern church. The gorge itself is out of sight, but the view is still worth the trouble.The tourist office, at the top of rue Nationale (April–June, Sept & Oct Mon–Fri 9am–noon & 2–6pm, Sat 10am–noon & 3–6pm; July & Aug Mon–Sat 9am–12.30pm & 2–7pm, Sun 10–12.30am; Nov–March Mon–Fri 9am–noon & 2–6pm; tel 04.92.83.61.14, www.castellane.org), can provide a full list of the many hotels and campsites in the village and its environs. The Auberge Bon Accueil on place Marcel-Sauvaire (tel & fax 04.92.83.62.01; €30–40; closed Oct–March) is one of the cheapest, while the Hôtel du Commerce on place de l'Église (tel 04.92.83.61.00, fax 04.92.83.72.82; €55–70; closed Dec–March) is the swanky option, and has an amazing restaurant serving a €19 menu with dishes such as artichoke hearts and ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms and goat's cheese. The closest campsite to town, off the D952 or route de Moustiers, is La Baume (tel 04.93.82.62.27). For canoeing and rafting on the Lac de Castellane and the Gorges de Verdon, Aqua-Verdon at 9 rue Nationale (tel 04.92.83.72.75, www.aquaverdon.com) is the place for information; it also rents out bikes.
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