Tag: rafting castellane

Bungee jumping on the Artuby Bridge, 182m

- Various sport activities

10% discount on your bungee jumping verdon

VERDON XP & The Funny Helmets team up with LATITUDE-CHALLENGE to offer you a 10% discount on your bungee jumping on the Artuby Bridge, 182m, the highest in Europe. Come and enjoy the thrill in the beautiful setting of the Canyon du Verdon!

Latitude Challenge is positioned as one of the first bungee jumping companies in France. Latitude Challenge is over 90,000 jumps on the bridge of Artuby.

At Latitude Challenge, bungee jumping is open to everyone, from 15 years old with parental authorization and medical certificate from 55 years old.
For 20 years, Latitude Challenge has also been overseeing the bungee jumping of many people with disabilities. Particular care is then taken.

A key word; Security. All equipment is systematically checked

In 2004, Latitude Challenge extended its activity to teaching parachute jumping. And thus creates a school, specialized in the discovery of free fall for beginners. Since 2012, Latitude Challenge has obtained the Quality Tourism label. Latitude Challenge has the highest rating among outdoor recreation organizations across all industries.

By contacting Verdon Xp, you will be given a promotional code that you will enter on the provider’s website when you register. All you have to do is follow the instructions and be ready on the “D” day for the big jump! Only Sunday from April to November and also Saturday from mid-July to mid-August.

For a group, here is an activity that can perfectly pair with the Must activity in the Verdon who start from the parking of the Auberge des Cavaliers (Grand Canyon Hotel). Only ten minutes drive from the Pont de l’Artuby. Certainly a plus at a hen party girl or boy!

Idea weekend; Saturday; Aqua Trekking Day and night at the Grand Canyon Hotel. Sunday; Jump from the Bridge of Artuby then back to the house of stars in the eyes.

 

In Castellane, the Pétardiers Festival at the end of January

- History

Fête des Pétardiers

Every last Sunday in January, the Fête des Pétardiers has been celebrated in Castellane for almost 450 years.

At the end of January, it’s cold in the streets of Castellane and the town is almost deserted. The Fête des Pétardiers is a chance for everyone to get together. A theatrical re-enactment of the event is organized, with period costumes on loan. A group of Castellanese get together every week for most of the year to put on the show. A re-enactment handed down from generation to generation There’s also a dance and music show. Birds of prey demonstration, medieval catering, mulled wine…

Before turning to the events that took place on January 31, 1586, let’s look back at a few key episodes in the troubled times that pitted Catholics and Protestants against each other in Provence, and in Castellane in particular.

The Wars of Religion in Provence

Since 1530, the Vaudois, who had settled in Luberon for the previous century, had been subjected to brutal repression. The Vaudois claimed Protestant beliefs, which had been declared heretical in 1501. Several Luberon villages were wiped off the map. A veritable civil war broke out throughout Provence and many other parts of France. Despite the terrible violence, Protestantism gradually spread throughout the kingdom. It wasn’t until the accession of King Henri IV in 1594 that the situation finally calmed down. True peace was consolidated a little later with the Edict of Nantes in April 1598.

The Wars of Religion in Castellane

The first outbreaks of religious unrest in Castellane occurred in 1559. Brun de Caille had converted the Castellane family to Protestantism. In the summer of 1560, a Protestant captain named Paulon de Mauvans plundered the town. He moved in after signing an agreement with the governor of Provence. On October 4, 1574, a new Protestant attack was repulsed by the Castellanese and inhabitants of neighboring villages.

The day of the attack in Castellane

Les Pétardiers, January 31, 1586. Protestants led by the Duc de Lesdiguère and the Baron d’Allemagne marched on Castellane. They attempted a surprise attack to take and plunder the town once again. Judithe Andrau, coming from Barréme, her place of residence, spotted the troops in the forest and hastened to sound the alarm when she reached Castellane.

With no military support, the Castellanese had to organize their own defense against the attackers.

Not much remains of the siege’s history. We do know, however, that Judithe Andrau, the heroine of the day, killed Jean Motte, the captain of the attackers. In fact, she threw a cauldron of boiling weight over his head from the top of the Porte de l’Annonciade. This gate, which still exists today, was the city’s weakest point at the time. As for the German Baron, he was shot in the back. This sounded the death knell for the Protestant attackers.

The last Sunday in January has been a busy one for centuries. Long before tourism became Castellane’s summer glory. Come one, come all in January – if we run out of costumes, there’ll always be neoprene suits!

 

The Funny Helmets.

Lake Sainte Croix, Lake Castillon… The five lakes of Verdon

- Lakes of the Verdon

The five lakes of Verdon

Castillon Lake, Chaudanne Lake, Sainte Croix du Verdon Lake, Quinson Lake and Esparron Lake. These are all artificial lakes built in the 20th century for the production of electricity and various human needs.

 

Lake Castillon

With an area of ​​500 hectares, it stretches for almost 8 kilometers. Work began in 1924 and ended in 1948. It was the first dam encountered on the course of the Verdon. It includes a small sector reserved for the army where it is said that sonar tests are carried out for submarines … If its main vocations are electricity production and irrigation in the agricultural sector, it attracts also many tourists. They take advantage of its beaches and the nautical bases of Saint-Julien du Verdon and Saint André les Alpes.

 

Lake Chaudanne

Built between 1950 and 1953, lake chaudanne is located just downstream from Lake Castillon. It is wilder than the other lakes that line the course of the Verdon. Indeed, its access to water is more difficult because of its steep surroundings. Even if swimming is prohibited, it is the ideal place to spend a “relaxed” afternoon when staying in Castellane. it has an area of ​​70 hectares, for a volume of water of 16 million cubic meters. The objective of this dam, in addition to producing electricity (EDF), is to control variations in flow. Precisely at the entrance to the gorges that start in Castellane. Electricity is produced in the power plant. It is fully automated and scheduled each evening for the next day. It is therefore this dam that regulates the water level on the “classic” course.

 

Lake Sainte Croix

Lake Sainte Croix is the second artificial lake in France. It has an area of ​​2,200 hectares over 12 km long and two kilometers wide. Work began in 1970. The 767 million cubic meters it contains are used primarily for energy production. They are also used to supply drinking water to major cities on the coast such as Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Finally, the Canadairs particularly appreciate it for recharging water when forest fires are raging in the region. Many campsites that attract tourists of all nationalities every summer spread out around the lake. It is the main tourist area of ​​the Verdon. In order to set up this body of water, a large fertile valley was sacrificed. In addition, we will operate the displacement of a large population. We drowned the village of Salles-sur-Verdon to rebuild it by the lake.

 

Lake Quinson

The low gorges are narrow and wild. The dam of quinson has been operating since 1967. It creates a lake that stretches over 11 kilometers for an area of ​​160 hectares. It is located in the south of the Alpes-de-haute-Provence department, it is practically inaccessible except for a few gentle slopes which group together near the villages of Montagnac-Montpezat and Saint-Laurent du Verdon.

 

Lake Esparron

It is the last of the five lakes, it is the most downstream, on an area of ​​328 hectares. The dam has also been operating since 1967, creating a particularly Mediterranean and wild lake. Indeed, it sports turquoise waters, numerous creeks and cliffs. It directly supplies 116 municipalities with drinking water. It is dominated by the village of Esparron-de-Verdon. Nearby are also the very tourist town of Greoux-les-Bains and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

 

Regional Natural Park of Verdon, the Guardian of the Temple

- Various articles

Regional Natural Park of Verdon

Created on March 3, 1997. Like any Regional Natural Park, it ensures that the economic development of its territory is harmonized with the conservation and enhancement of its natural heritage. Thus, they differ from the National Natural Parks which are territories protected from human activity.

In addition, surrounded by culminating landscapes at an altitude of more than 1,800 meters, the Parc du Verdon was created around the watershed of the river: the Verdon. It includes 7 landscapes; The Valensole plateau, Artuby, Lakes and Mountains, Lake of Sainte Croix, The Gorges of Verdon, The Low Gorges of Verdon and The hills of Haut Var.

Finally, in addition to the 46 member municipalities, the departmental councils of Hautes Alpes and Var. As well as the regional council of Provence Alpes Cotes d’Azur. Together, they constitute the Joint Syndicate. Each participant of the Joint Syndicate is represented by a delegate who sits on the Syndical Committee. It is the decision-making body of the Park. To put its decisions into action, the Parc du Verdon knew how to equip itself with a team. It is made up of thirty-eight agents with multiple and varied skills.

The Park Charter

The Verdon Regional Natural Park is based on a charter formalizing its project and defining its main directions. It is structured in 4 varied chapters;

-Transmission of heritage – The man at the heart of the project – Sustainable development of resources – Experimentation with new relationships between municipalities

The Park and Tourism

The economy of the region evolving towards an increasingly dominant tourist activity, the Verdon Regional Natural Park also relies on professional guides from Verdon to inform their large clientele about the fragility of the natural heritage discovered during whitewater activities for example.
Regional Natural Park of Verdon welcomes you to the Park House;

Domaine de Valx in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 12:30 pm and 2 pm to 5:30 pm
Such. : 04 92 74 68 00 | Fax: 04 92 74 68 01 info@parcduverdon.fr   www.parcduverdon.fr

 

The Funny Helmets.

In the Verdon, climate changes between 2017 and 2018?

- History

Climatic changes

“Climatic changes”. Words that we hear a lot these days unfortunately .. Between 2017 and 2018, we could note some climatic changes in the Verdon. Would this valley distant from the industrial world be affected by such whims of nature?

2018, rainy summer in the Verdon

This year, with a generous winter in snowfall, until the end of May, we could see the snow-capped mountains. Especially from Castellane to the Rafting embarkation. Suffice to say that the water reserves were already well assured. Thereafter, the cool temperatures and the heavy rains of spring allowed a gradual melting. This ensured a constant level in the Verdon for Canoe and Rafting.

Note that it rained then it rained … Number of sessions we did under the deluge. It’s always part of the adventure and then, wet for wet.

We were asked a lot for the activity Aqua Trekking during this period. However, the first trips were made this year, only from the second week of July. An exceptional fact when you know that last year for example, they had started in May.

Indeed, it had already rained more than normal in May-June. So we thought it would calm down in summer .. Not at all! In July and August, a thunderstorm hit the valley every two or three days. Note in passing that when this happens, communications on mobile phones are interrupted until the next morning. What complicates things a little when you have a number that starts with 06!

The days of water were therefore linked almost continuously. Remember that “water day” on the Verdon means that the dam is open. It then delivers a sufficient volume of water to allow to descend with small and large boats. Three, sometimes four days of water a week! With a flow approaching thirteen cubic meters per second. What changes enormously from the ten cubic meters per second delivered generally in summer.

2017, dry summer in the Verdon

On the other hand, we remember that in 2017, the winter was very poor in snow and there was not a drop of water in July and August. We only took advantage of five days of water in July and August, as the inflows upstream from Lake Castillon were weak. We did Aqua Trekking a lot, the water was almost warm. The guides used to paddling turned into sirens of the Verdon!

For more than 20 years that I’m near the Verdon, 2017 remains the driest summer I’ve ever known and 2018, the rainiest … Two extremes in two years.

 

2022, in the Verdon, drought amplified by the media

For the first time in the Verdon since rafting exists, it was not possible to raft… Indeed, after a winter without snow and particularly mild, the precipitations were not there either. So, for the first time, the dams could not reach the summer objective, no release was programmed. This means that no release days for rafting could take place. However, it was possible to go rafting every day!

The media then murdered the Verdon! An unprecedented Verdon bashing has hit our region. Sensationalist, false and unverified information diverted the summer clientele to other places. 2022 was the ideal summer to enjoy the Verdon!

 

The Funny Helmets.

The pass of Lèques, departure of mountain bike circuits

- Mountain biking

The pass of Lèques. We have chosen to present you today some mountain bike tours starting from this magnificent pass. The pass of Lèques culminates at 1146 meters of altitude, it dominates Castellane on the N85 leading to Digne-les-Bains. It is also the starting point for a cultural excursion, that of the Sirenians.

 

The ascent to the pass of Lèques

Two choices are offered to you;

The most courageous will go up from Castellane by riding their bike. They will face a difference in altitude of 428 meters over a distance of 9 kilometers. Enough to warm up the calves. It is not recommended to do this itinerary at 2pm in the middle of summer or you will end up dried out like a prune.

The others will organize a shuttle system to arrive at the top of the pass without getting too tired. Once there, you can always enjoy the view on the valley. You can also have a drink on the terrace of the Sirenes campsite, it is also possible to eat there before the activity. Remember to reserve if you want to eat there in the evening.

Then comes the time of the adventure, are the bikes ready? Helmets on the head, patches or a spare inner tube are packed in the backpack.

 

The descent from the pass of Lèques

We mount our bike and we leave on the left (coming from Castellane). Then we cross the hotel complex and its ground of tenis to the abandonment. One continues always on this track in direction of the telephone relay. To note that for the most lazy, we can also continue by car on this track. The economy made in legs is paid then in shock absorber of car.

After two kilometers of track, a first junction leaves on the left between two iron bars. This track brings you back to the beginning of the ascent of the pass of Lèques. We will pay attention to the trees that have fallen in the middle before arriving at a farm. A very wild route, which is apparently not used by any four-wheeled vehicle. The farm seems to have remained a prisoner of the past centuries.

Another route; From the track coming from the pass, continue for another two kilometers after the first junction described above. This time you reach a track that takes you through a valley and back to Brayale. From there, you can go down to Castellane in the direction of the road of the gorges. An excellent route!

 

Villars Brandis

Finally, if you continue this track from the pass in the direction of Cadières de Brandis, you have this time the possibility to go down to Villars Brandis. For my part, I appreciated less this route. Indeed, it imposes some portages (always a little frustrating to have to carry your bike to go down, especially when you sweated a lot before to go up). Moreover, you will meet three patous (imposing Pyrenean shepherds), which is always a bit stressful. According to a friend who lives there, they are as adorable as cuddly toys. Well, you have to let them approach to realize it.

Have a nice trip!

The Funny Helmets.

 

Canyoning in the Ravine of Venascle, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

- Canyoning Verdon

I don’t have to introduce you anymore Christophe, my canyon guide friend with whom we have already discovered the Val d’Angouire canyon. This time he is going to a tributary of the latter; the famous Vénascle ravine. A canyon very rarely in water. But thanks to the rainy spring of this year, there is enough water to evolve all along the course. Indeed, it is always more interesting to practice a canyon in water. A dry canyon is somehow cut off from the fun aspect that a water canyon can offer. Finally, it is good to know that a canyon that does not flow generally presents stagnant pools. A not very healthy atmosphere that we prefer to keep away from.

Approach walk and organization for the Vénascle ravine

We leave Castellane at 8:30 am because for the last few days the weather has been turning stormy in the early afternoon. It is never advisable to take the rain in the middle of a narrow passage. Indeed, we often fear the “flush” effect. It is therefore better to leave before the rain. A good hour of road is necessary to arrive at Moustiers-Sainte-Marie by the D-952. We know it by heart but it is always very pleasant. Especially early in the morning when the road belongs to us.

To perfect our last adventure, we decide to take this time two cars. In order to make a shuttle between the lodging of Vénascle and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. This allows us to save the two and a half hours of walking we did the week before, loaded like mules. Too bad for the warm-up this time!

We park quietly on the plateau and we prepare the stuff. Once the bags thrown on the back, we are ready to leave! We ask ourselves then the following question “Where is the departure? We begin to look for, to look for… This famous departure is not easy to find. We turned back several times to find this very badly indicated departure.

 

Progression in the Canyon of the ravine of Vénascle

We change quickly and Christophe who already growls (I make fun of him :))) “Let’s hurry up, it’s getting covered!” We cover 50 meters before putting the first rappel and already, the scenery is set. A long narrow passage interspersed with small abseils. Even if there is only one jump, I have the impression that this route is more fun than the one in Val d’Angouire. The anchors are not as new but they held! Several passages under waterfalls, do not forget the hood!

At the end of the route, a few passages of de-escalation are mandatory. Two or three meters at the most but that will not be easy for the less adventurous, we will be careful not to slip… Then at the arrival, we join the Val d’Angouire which today is very wet. Probably too much to be able to cross it serenely.

A walk of 40 minutes is necessary to return on the highest parking of Moustiers, it is recommended to follow the red paint marks at the beginning not to get lost and to join the botanical path.

The Funny Helmets.

Angouire valley, canyoning in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

- Canyoning Verdon

This morning, it’s 9:30 am and I enjoy my coffee with a chocolate bread on the terrace of the “Tourisme”, an institution of the village where the outdoor professionals like to meet. Christophe, a canyoning guide friend is passing by. “Say, I’m going to do a canyon, the Angouire valley in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, are you coming ? And I answer: “Well, listen, no activity on the Verdon this afternoon, come on, let’s go! It’s still an hour’s drive from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane on the D952, known as the “route des gorges”. In July-August, with two-three campers in front, it can take a little longer.

 

Approach walk and organization

So here we are on the road to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It is now 11:30 am and we are leaving for a canyon day, le Val d’Angouire! Fortunately, there are only two of us and we know that we will go faster than a group of beginners. However, it is always interesting to be one more in order to share the material and especially the ropes!

We leave the car on the highest parking of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and start the ascent towards this medieval road which leads to the Roman way leading to Castellane via Chasteuil.

First impression; this walk must be unbearable in summer under the sun. Second impression; it is better to come with two cars and take a shuttle to get closer to the start of the canyon because we walked for more than two hours at a rather steady pace before starting the activity. To do this, it is necessary to take the direction of the lodging of Venascle. We follow a track at the exit of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie which also leads to a takeoff of paragliding.

 

Progression in the Canyon of the Val d’Angouire

This canyon is in a particularly wild and little frequented environment. It dries up very quickly in the season, so it is only practicable in spring, even in years with a lot of rain. We are finally at the start, it is already time to get equipped. We do the first rappels which are not difficult at all. Even on a sunny day, I’m glad I put on my 7 mm wetsuit because the abseils under the waterfalls are very very refreshing…

We finally arrive at the passage known as the “Pear”. Here, the phenomenon of erosion reaches its paroxysm, the water cut about 30 meters into the limestone layer to form a narrow corridor. The sunlight even has some difficulties to come to the bottom. This is often the problem in this sport.

Little by little, the canyon comes to an end. We finish in a luxuriant vegetation, decorated with multiple tuff waterfalls. Another 40 minutes of walking to find the car left in Moustiers. Be careful to follow the way back or you will quickly end up at the neighbor’s. He is not very inclined to receive “canyoneurs” on his property.

The setting was great and the route was quite sportive as we took more than seven hours in total, at a rather steady pace. Still a good day as we like them, we did not make the road for nothing.

 

The Funny Helmets.

Vultures Fawn and Monk vultures of the verdon

- Natural environments

In the Verdon, when the weather is good, it is almost impossible not to see vultures flying in the sky. And as the weather is very often good… Take a walk in the area of Point Sublime or from the first viewpoints of the Route des Crètes. You can also see them very well from the part of the 952 road that leads from Carajuan to Point Sublime. Look up, they are there! They had disappeared in the XIX century in the Verdon. Indeed, these majestic birds were accused in the past of being bad omens. They lived very badly the arrival of the rifles and the other rifles.

Thus, the association Vautours en Haute Provence launched in 1993 a project of reintroduction of the griffon vulture by installing several of them in an aviary above the village of Rougon. This aviary is still present, it is in this place that the population is supplied every week. Indeed, they are now quite numerous for the few carcasses that can be found in the vicinity.

 

The Griffon Vultures

It has a wingspan that goes from 240 cm to 280 cm for a length of 95 to 105 cm. It has long wings and a small whitish head. The Griffon Vulture is the first vulture to help itself to a carrion. It feeds on soft flesh (muscles and viscera). It has a long neck that allows it to get inside the carcass. The latter is covered with down. Indeed, the dried blood cleans better on this support than on feathers or naked skin. The first griffon vultures were released on October 16, 1999. Between 1999 and 2005, 99 griffon vultures were released from the aviaries of Rougon.

 

The black vulture

The reintroduction program saw an evolution from 2005 with the arrival of the black vulture. Eleven specimens were released. They fly from the Mercantour to the Barronies, nevertheless, a couple is now breeding in the Verdon. With a wingspan of 250 to 295 cm for a length of 100 to 110 cm, it is the widest of the European raptors. The young have a black plumage while the adults have a brown plumage. Its head has a powerful beak that allows it to get interested in the hardest flesh such as tendons, skin, ligaments, cartilage …

 

Percnopter vultures

Also called “Egyptian vulture“, it is a migratory bird of prey. It has not been reintroduced in the Verdon but it benefits from some mass graves in the region. This vulture feeds mainly on dead animals but is also known to eat eggs that it breaks with stones. It has a wingspan of 165 to 170 cm and a length of 56 to 75 cm. It has long rectangular wings and a narrow head. The plumage of the young is chocolate brown while that of the adults is white and black.

 

The Bearded Vulture

It is a bone crusher that throws them from great heights before going to feed on the ground. With a wingspan of up to 275 cm, this vulture is rarely seen in the Verdon. It is rather found in the upper Ubaye valley or in the Mercantour National Park.

 

The Funny Helmets.

The Roc of Castellane, breathtaking view of the Verdon.

- Villages of the Verdon

It does not matter which path you take to come to Castellane the first time. We will always remember the appearance of the Roc of Castellane in the landscape. For my part, I came that day from Digne-les-Bains. Once the bus arrived at the top, at the Col des Lèques, I saw this enormous block of limestone below. Le Roc; surmounted by its small chapel, rising above the village of Castellane. This memory still comes back to me each time I take this road more than came years later.

 

The Roc of Castellane

It culminates at 930 meters, this limestone formation rises more than two hundred meters above the village. The ideal place to take shelter from the Verdon floods and invaders. Indeed, during the middle ages, the habitat moved to the top of the Roc. It was appropriate at the time to protect oneself from the Moorish invasions which led lightning attacks from the Mediterranean coast. Afterwards, the village was set up a little lower down on a small plateau with easier access. Some traces of this site called Sinaca are still visible during the ascent.

The site has been classified since 1933 and climbing is prohibited there mainly to avoid rockfall in the village. Some say they saw someone base jump from up there.

A few years ago when the summers weren’t too dry, the July 14th fireworks display was shot from the Rock. Unfortunately, following these events, the Roc experienced many fire problems. This is why for several years now, the municipality has chosen the primary school at the bottom of the village as a launching point for the many rockets that illuminate the sky of Castellane on that evening.

 

Go up to the Notre Dame chapel

The Notre Dame du Roc chapel installed at the top of the limestone complex. This building, which may have replaced an older place of worship, was erected as a chapel in the 12th century. Only the south-eastern facade remains from this period, the rest of the building was restored in the 18th and 19th centuries. The chapel remains open at all times, go inside! The walls are covered with votive offerings; These plaques affixed by believers who have seen their requests come true. In addition, we saw fit to let a little relaxing music scroll, day and night. Guaranteed atmosphere.

It is not possible to drive up to the Roc because no road leads there. However, it is also not necessary to go there by helicopter, a 30 minute path will get you there. To do this, go to the Place de l’Eglise then take a tour of the Church of the Sacred Heart. You will then come across the famous Stations of the Cross which goes up to the Roc. You can also get there by a slightly longer path. It starts at the exit of Castellane towards Digne. On the right, following the fire station, the small yellow signs lead you to the top. You will pass by the Pentagonal Tower and its gardens, a magnificent place of relaxation overlooking the village and little frequented even at the height of the season.

An ideal excursion to complete a half day of Rafting!

The Funny Helmets