Page 154 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France
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152 BACK ROADS FRANCE
w Sources des Gillardes
Near Pellafol, Isère, Rhône-Alpes; 38970
Deep in the forest on the border of the Isère and Haute-Alpes
region, the Souloise springs up from the mountainous ridges of the
Col de Rabou, and runs down along the valley and into the Lac du
Sautet. There are many walks and picnic spots along its banks. Along
its course it passes gaping calcareous (chalky) canyons and the
surging waters of the Sources des Gillardes.
A 30- to 90-minute walking to form a swelling surface pool. The
tour area is hemmed in by the limestone
The walk is ideal for dry, sunny days. cliffs of the Grand Bréchon, wood-
It must be avoided during periods land and pine forest. A panel in
of snow or frost. At the end of the French explains how the land scape
bridge over the Souloise river there is was shaped by water: the Pellafol
the car park. Next to this is the river- plateau was once covered in an
side forest picnic area 1, a glorious immense glacial lake; waters from
place to sit, stroll and picnic. After the melting ice ero ded the plateau,
lunch, cross the road from the picnic creating a giant trough along the
area towards the forested banks of sides of the Souloise.
the Souloise river. Several marked Ramble around the sides of the
walking trails start out from here river to see the Gillardes, the river
through the Souloise Valley. By the and forest from different angles. The
Above Water gushing up between the rocks at road is an initial sign for the Sentier forest is composed mostly of black
the Sources des Gillardes de Découverte. Up a gentle slope and Scots pines and beech trees. The
there is a cluster of signs which fauna is particularly diverse: there are
point in various directions. Take the many birds, including the rare Aigle
direction of the arrow pointing to Royale, peregrine falcons and the
WHERE TO STAY Pellafol la Posterle, Les Gillardes and crow-like Alpine chough. Game
Les Gorges de l’Infernet, all of which animals include chamois, red deer
AROUND SOURCES DES are along the same trail. Within a and roe deer. Return from here, along
GILLARDES short distance the trail leads to the either side of the river, or continue
Les Gachets Chambres d’hôtes Sources des Gillardes 2. Described along the left bank of the river to the
inexpensive as a Vauclusian spring, the water Canyon de l’Infernet 3, a section of
Natural Danish design meets French resurges under pressure from the the Souloise where its turquoise
provincial in this farmhouse, 6 km bedrock through deep passageways waters are set in a deep, narrow
(4 miles) after Cordéac, of wood and
stone, colour-washed walls and iron
furniture. Breakfast on home-made
breads, buns and jams. The hosts, 1FMMBGPM
on request, will organize a full
table d’hôte. Solar-heated water 4FOUJFS EF %ÊDPVWFSUF
adds to the very strong eco-bent.
Reservations essential
Cordéac, 38710; 04 76 34 90 91; 3OULOISE
www.gachets-trieves.fr. $BOZPO
EF M *OGFSOFU
AROUND CLELLESENTRIÈVES % %
Hôtel Au Gai Soleil du Mont Aiguille % % 8PPEFO #SJEHF
inexpensive–moderate
Loved by the hiking crowd, this
welcoming hotel, 6 km (4 miles) west
of Clelles-en-Trièves, occupies an
incredible location right at the foot of 4PVSDFT EFT
(JMMBSEFT
Mont Aiguille, at the tiny hamlet of la
Richardière – an offshoot of the village
of Chichilianne. The rooms are spick 1JDOJD "SFB
and span, and comfortable. The
restaurant serves seasonal specialities
of the Trièves, and the Vercors. There is 0 metres 500
a spa centre with pool and hammam,
offering massages and hot mud scrubs. 0 yards 500
La Richardière, Chichilianne, 38930; 04
76 34 41 71; www.hotelgaisoleil.com
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €70; moderate, €70–€150; expensive, over €150
