100% devoluard

picnic at the Gillardes

Les Gillardes, the second largest exsurgence in France after La Fontaine de Vaucluse is located in Isère, a few hundred meters from the northern entrance of the Dévoluy massif. Incontestable geological curiosity, the site can constitute a place of soothing stroll, but also a picturesque picnic place. You will come across mountain bikers and runners who walk along the many paths on the right and left banks of the Souloise.

A walk

that is worth the detour

Hidden in the gorges of La Souloise, the Gillardes are the only natural water point where you can dip your feet in Le Dévoluy. Dipping your feet is a big word in the sense that the water that gushes out of the exsurgence is often very, too cool. 🙂

Park in the free parking lot provided, make sure you don’t leave any visible personal belongings in your vehicle, and follow the markings to the Gillardes springs. In the undergrowth, by a flat path of a few hundred meters, you will reach the exsurgence. On the spot, big rocks, a picnic table and a foresters hut will allow you to settle down peacefully.
Further on, as a digestion, follow the stream first on the left bank, then on the right bank and join the canyon of the Infernet. Enjoy the mineral environment and the impressive limestone cliffs surrounding you!

Produits-du-Devoluy-©OT-Le-Devoluy-09-10-2021-2.jpg

Products of Dévoluy ©OT Le Dévoluy 09 10 2021 (26)

In my picnic basket,

I put...

How can you imagine a stay in the mountains without tasting its products? The Dévoluy massif has authentic culinary discoveries in store for you: ewe’s and cow’s cheese, lamb meat, syrup, herbal teas or beer, for example.
It will be easy for you to fill your picnic basket: directly from the producers, but also from the shopkeepers or even on the markets that occupy the various village squares or snow fronts.

The bottom line

Yellow markersA quick trip

To the sources of the Gillardes.

A breathtakinglandscape

An exsurgence located in a hidden place and surrounded by huge limestone cliffs.

A large parking lotfree of charge

a few steps from the source.

Eat Local

Focus onThe association Couleurs Dévoluy

The Couleurs Dévoluy association offers you a discovery of the producers and craftsmen of our massif…
Created by these, the association aims to promote and collectively enhance the agricultural and craft products of the Dévoluy.

Many products are represented: lamb from the Dévoluy, sheep and cow cheeses, breads baked the old fashioned way, aromatic and medicinal plants, wooden handicrafts…

True, authentic products made on a small scale

Our markets
Our producers
Gourmet shopping

Marché hebdomadaire de Saint Etienne en Dévoluy

Every Friday morning of the summer, stroll on the market of Saint Etienne en Dévoluy !

Marché hebdomadaire de La Joue du Loup

Every Tuesday morning in summer, come and take a stroll around the market in La Joue du Loup!

Marché hebdomadaire de Superdévoluy

Every Monday morning in summer, come and stroll around the Superdévoluy market!

Col du Festre market

Market of local producers and artisans. Enjoy a cool moment at the end of the day with a concert! Light meals available on site. Exceptionally on August 3 at Saint-Étienne en...

Wink to the

Well of the Bans

If you want to continue your walk along the water, La Souloise has another surprise in store for you that is worth the detour: The Puits des Bans.
The Puits des Bans, located on the right bank of the Souloise gorge upstream from Saint Disdier, has been known for ages. For speleologists, it is a temporary exsurgence and a source of perpetual observation.

The puits des bans functions as a chimney sometimes in equilibrium, sometimes in flood.
In periods of heavy rainfall, the well fills up to 225 m high. When the flow rate at the Gillardes springs exceeds 42 m3/s (which can happen several times a year), a water cascade can be observed falling down the slope at the entrance to the Puits des Bans. Some people have observed spectacular floods, where the water comes out in a geyser ten meters high. It should be noted that most of the tracing attempts have failed: a too great dilution of the tracer would perhaps be the cause. The mystery is therefore still alive!

Hiking tour 5 - Le Puits des Bans

Eden in the heart of this stone massif, this shaded path runs along the banks of the Souloise, a true natural setting, in the heart of Dévoluy. The lucky ones will have the...

Les Gillardes is a bit of a classic or a sure success… Accessibility is easy, especially with small children, the shade is always sufficient and even if the water is really cold, the multiple possible courses around the Gillardes allow to entertain young and old easily, and in complete safety.

Justine