Page 155 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France
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DRIVE 13: Valleys and Mountains 153
ravine. From here, take the small e Terre Vivante
wooden bridge 4 across the river and Mens, Rhône-Alpes; 38710
return to the picnic area along the Founded 30 years ago by French
right bank to reach the car park. engineer-ecologist Claude Aubert,
The walk can be extended along Terre Vivante (open daily May–Sep), is
the banks following the signs for a practical ecology centre which
Pellafol-par-la-Souloise. The ghost exhibits and teaches organic garden-
town of Pellafol occupies a geologi- ing techniques, composting, green
cal site shaped by water erosion and living and ecological house construc-
gullying, which also created several tion in a lively, interactive manner.
fascinating landforms, including “les Once an abandoned farm, the terrain
Ruines”, a reference not to the aban- was converted into an enchanting
doned vill age but to the startling garden surrounded by the mountain
rock forms. peaks of the Trièves. Wander at will
ª Return along the D537, pass along different circuits and through
Pellafol and turn left into the D66A. the gardens and ethnically varied
Continue on the D66 to Mens. From ecological houses. There are also
there take the D526 in the direction of guided visits at 2pm and gardening
Clelles. About midway between Mens workshops at 4pm, plus many spe cial
and Clelles, turn off to the left onto the weekend events and workshops.
D216 in the direction of Prebois, and ª Descend back down to the D526.
then almost immediately again to the Turn left and continue to Clelles.
left, there is a signposted road into
the Terre Vivante ecological centre. r Clelles-en-Trièves
Isère, Rhône-Alpes; 38930 Top Church steeple standing tall above the
Nineteenth-century French writer roofline of Clelles-en-Trièves Above Organic
Jean Giono was in awe of the “cloister garden at Terre Vivante Left Exhibits within
of mountains” around the village. The Terre Vivante
vision of Mont Aiguille is incredi ble,
especially as a sunlit silhouette. Drive EAT AND DRINK
down the main street of Clelles to
the fountain on Place de la Mairie, past CLELLESENTRIÈVES
the small wooden cinema sign strung Hôtel Restaurant Ferrat
between the church steeple and a moderate–expensive
wooden bucket of flowers. There are Near to the train station, this traditional
many walks in the immedi ate area, hotel-restaurant serves homely dishes.
Quartier de la Gare, Clelles 38930; 04 76
village and countryside strolls. Drop
34 42 70; www.hotel-ferrat.fr; closed Thu
by the tourist office at the Place de
la Mairie for more informa tion. All AROUND CLELLESENTRIÈVES
climbs in the vicinity of Mont Aiguille Café de la Page inexpensive
start from the hamlet of La Richardière A local village café, with regional fare.
near neighbouring Chichilianne. Percy, 38930; 04 76 34 38 61
DAYTRIP OPTIONS Ecology and gardening Lakes and parks
The first day trip is best undertaken While outdoor enthusiasts may want In the lakeside camping area in Corps,
from Villard-de-Lans. Trièves and to tackle Mont Aiguille, a softer day- families can boat, swim and sun. At
Lac du Sautet respectively are ideal trip option is the ecological and Lac du Sautet’s q nautical centre
bases for the last two day trips. gardening centre Terre Vivante e. visitors can hire canoes, paddle
Ideal for children, it also has a lot on boats and kayaks. There is also a
Dramatic ravines offer for adults. Visit the gardens, picnic area and children’s park with
Head to the dramatic Vercors ravines picnic and participate in organic an aquatic play ground. The adven-
of the Gorges de la Bourne 2, from gardening demonstrations. turous can set out on the Via Ferrata,
Villard-de-Lans 1. On the way back a mountain route equipped with fixed
To reach Mont Aiguille from Clelles, cross
drive up to Corrençon-en-Vercors, a cables 5 minutes from the lake.
plateau-top ski station. the D1075 and take the D7 towards
Chichilianne. Then follow the signs to Follow the directions as per the itinerary.
Take the D531 from Villard-de-Lans to the La Richardière from where the walk From the lake and Barrage du Sautet,
the Gorges de la Bourne. Corrençon-en- “Pas de l’Aiguille” begins. Follow the direc- cross the Pont du Sautet and take the
Vercors can be reached via the D215C. tions in the itinerary for Terre Vivante. D537 to reach Corps.
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €20; moderate, €20–€40; expensive, over €40
