Tag: rafting gorges du verdon

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.

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.

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.

 

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

 

Canoe-kayak, Canoe-Raft in the Verdon Gorges

- White Water activities

Canoe-Kayak, several names for the same discipline

Canoe, Canoe-Kayak, Canoe-Raft, Kayak-raft … Once again, several terms that designate the same activity. Before describing it in more details, we will linger on its ancestor; the kayak, in order to understand the advantages that this new activity offers us.

 

The disadvantages of the rigid kayak

Kayaks and canoes are boats that have been made and used since the dawn of time. The canoe as well as the dugout canoes propelled by a simple paddle are found in most of the civilizations that have developed on the coastline or along the waterways. The kayak, on the other hand, comes directly from the Inuit of the Arctic. Indeed, seal hunting and whaling have always been the main resources of these peoples. They therefore needed an efficient boat. The kayak was made of animal skins assembled on a wooden or whale bone structure. Sitting inside the boat and not kneeling, the paddler uses a double paddle, which has a blade on each side.

The “rigid” kayak, the “queen” boat on the river, requires several days of learning before being able to descend a river with a level of difficulty equal to or greater than that of the Verdon. Indeed, a beginner must learn to “heel” his boat. This is to be able to go from a current area to a counter-current area without capsizing the kayak. Once turned around, you have to get out of the kayak, swim back to the shore, empty it… A very tiring operation that leaves everyone exhausted after the third repetition. In case of overturn, on board their kayak, the Inuits had a way to recover. A technique called “eskimo roll”. This technique requires several hours of learning. It is not easy to perform in the moment in the river. This is why it is a technique used by experienced practitioners.

It is not possible to esquimauter with an inflatable kayak, a little swimming in the Verdon, it is always good!

 

The advantages of inflatable kayaks

The Cano-Raft has shattered this technical barrier. Indeed, this boat is practically unaffected by the current-counter-current passages and therefore does not need to “heel” or very little. Moreover, in case of “desalination”, it is very easy to get back into this boat, sometimes even in the middle of the river. The kayak-raft now allows any beginner to evolve on a course of medium difficulty having never paddled before.

 

Canoe-Kayak in the Gorges du Verdon

Single or two-seater, these boats are built on the same model as rafts; inflatable, light and resistant to all tests. Equipped with a self-bailing system, you will not be encumbered by the excess water accumulated while crossing the rapids. In short, this is the boat you need to travel the river in a sporty way. After having given you your equipment, your guide will explain to you with pedagogy how to succeed in your first descent of the Verdon in cano-raft. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone, your guide will accompany you all along the course and will also ensure your safety. Come and try this superb activity from April to October on the Verdon.

 

Aqua trekking day of the Imbut in the Verdon

- White Water activities

Starting point and approach walk

Aqua trekking and day hike in the Verdon gorges. Many guides (canyon and river) agree that the most beautiful aquatic trekking in the Verdon is the one we are going to talk about in this article; the “day”. Everything happens on the left bank of the Verdon, the departure as well as the arrival. The parking of the Auberge des Cavaliers is the meeting point for all those who want to participate in the adventure. This place is located in a no man’s land between Aiguines and the Pont de Chaulière also known as Pont de l’Artuby, on the D71.

You usually have an appointment with our guide around 9 am on the parking of the inn. Indeed, the schedule changes according to the season and its sunshine. After trying on the equipment (neoprene suit, life jacket and helmet), the picnic is locked in a waterproof container. Each one loads his pack in a bag of canyoning specially adapted to the activity and we leave for forty minutes of walk on a “technical” way which takes us to near 400 meters lower, at the edge of the Verdon.

Progression along the water in aqua trekking day

A short break and we already put on the equipment. Let’s go for an hour and a half – two hours of swimming in the river bed. We learn to use the current to orient ourselves on one side or the other, we test ourselves on small jumps in a breathtaking scenery; turquoise water, very high cliffs. Arrives the lunch break, generally on a small sunny beach. Then we leave for an hour and a half – two hours in the water.

Then will follow higher and more impressive jumps in always more fabulous sceneries. The corridor then the rapid of the Stix. And finally; L’Imbut (the funnel in Provençale). The river has found its way in a chaos of huge rocks and gives the impression of becoming underground. It is at the bottom of this fairy cave that the most reckless will go for the final big jump. We dismantle ourselves on the beach of Imbut by taking advantage of the last rays of sun (it leaves much earlier at the bottom of the canyon).

Rise of the aqua trekking day

The bag on the back, let’s go for the ascent! 400 meters of difference in level, one hour of walk in a path made very difficult by the use of time but currently in renovation at the time of writing this article. A good final walk, some passages a little dizzy and we find the D71. It is by truck that we reach the Auberge des Cavaliers where your favorite guide will invite you to have a drink on the panoramic terrace of the Hotel.  Exhausted but happy, you will remember this day!

State of the route in the summer of 2022

At the beginning of July 2022, the GR (long distance hiking trail) of the Imbut was closed by the authorities. Indeed, there are many landslides in the Canyon. In winter in particular, due to the phenomenon of gelifraction. The humidity inside some cracks freezes and separates an element of rock in two. The next day, the action of the sun melting this ice, the “glue” disappears and the rock falls.

Thus, the Imbut trail deserves restoration again. Safety nets must be changed. Neither the department of Var nor the commune of Aiguines want to assume the cost. The battle of who will break first is engaged. We don’t know what will happen in 2023.