Best natural monuments around La Motte-D'Aveillans include geological formations and scenic viewpoints within the Matheysine region. This area features natural arches, valleys, and mountain landscapes. The natural monuments offer opportunities for exploring unique geological features and panoramic views of the surrounding plateaus and mountain ranges.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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From the village of Saint-Barthélemy-du-Gua, after the Hameau La Pierre, located on the edge of a stream, the famous Fontaine Ardente, the 7th wonder of Dauphiné, has the characteristic of constantly spitting tongues of fire into the middle of the waters.
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Very poorly indicated but follow the paths though beautiful woodland.
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on the way down, you can't see anything except your wheel... it's worth stopping for a few minutes
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Very beautiful panorama once you arrive at the Pierre Percée!
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I did it on gravel, climbing via the Aveillans hill (west), it was fine. Direct descent to Putteville, very limited at the beginning on gravel, much steeper but it was fine.
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1st part very smooth and very pleasant, 2nd part much more technical with a nice climb on a very greasy muddy path, steep slopes and quite technical descents. The final does not take the greenway recently set up and which allows you to avoid the road.
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beautiful course, technical, D+ beautiful singles
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The region offers several unique natural monuments. A standout is La Pierre Percée, a natural arch considered one of the seven wonders of Dauphiné, featuring a 3-meter high hole that frames panoramic views of the Matheysine plateau. Another significant site is Fontaine Ardente, known for its unique characteristic of constantly spitting flames amidst water.
The natural monuments around La Motte-D'Aveillans are rich in geological interest. You'll find impressive natural arches like La Pierre Percée, formed by the erosion of Triassic limestones. The area also features dramatic gorges and canyons, particularly around Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet, and unique phenomena like the Fontaine Ardente, which showcases natural gas emissions.
Yes, many natural monuments are accessible via hiking trails. For instance, a beautiful hike leads to La Pierre Percée, offering stunning views. The area around Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet also features a popular route incorporating the Himalayan Footbridges. For more detailed hiking options, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around La Motte-D'Aveillans guide.
Beyond hiking, the region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking, with routes like the 'View of Lac du Sautet – Ebron Footbridge loop'. Cycling is also popular, with options such as the 'Lake Laffrey – The Drac Corniche loop'. For more ideas, check out the Gravel biking around La Motte-D'Aveillans and Cycling around La Motte-D'Aveillans guides.
Many natural monuments in the area are suitable for families. For example, the path leading to the Waterfall is shaded and offers a pleasant experience even in summer. The View of the Trièves Entrance from Route des Crêtes is also noted as family-friendly, providing magnificent views that delight visitors of all ages.
The Matheysine region is renowned for its panoramic vistas. La Pierre Percée offers a breathtaking view of the entire Matheysine plateau, including three lakes and surrounding mountain peaks. Another excellent spot is La Pierre du Soleil, which provides superb panoramas over the Drac valley and the Vercors chain from its orientation table.
The Himalayan Footbridges, including the Ebron and Drac Footbridges, are impressive suspension bridges spanning parts of Lac de Monteynard-Avignonet. They offer a unique way to experience the dramatic landscapes and are a key part of a popular hiking route around the lake. The Ebron Footbridge is 180 meters long, and the Drac Footbridge is 220 meters, providing magnificent views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
The natural monuments are beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities is typically from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is mild and trails are clear. Summer offers shaded paths to places like the Waterfall, providing a cool experience. For specific events or conditions, you might check local tourism resources like maisondutourisme38770.fr.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially from sites like La Pierre Percée and La Pierre du Soleil. The unique geological formations and the peaceful, shaded paths leading to attractions like the Waterfall are also highly appreciated. Many find the walks very pleasant and the sites beautiful.
Yes, parking is generally available near the access points for many natural monuments. For instance, a hike to La Pierre Plantée can start from the Signaraux car park, which also offers views of the three lakes of Laffrey. It is advisable to check specific monument access details for the most convenient parking options.
Yes, some natural monuments carry historical or legendary significance. La Pierre Percée, with its unique silhouette, has inspired numerous local legends. Additionally, La Pierre Plantée, while a natural stone, also served as a historical boundary marker between La Motte d'Aveillans and La Mure, adding a layer of historical context to its natural beauty.
Absolutely. While some trails are more challenging, there are options for easier walks. The path to the Waterfall is described as a very nice path, and the single track following the belvedere at La Pierre du Soleil is also pleasant for a shorter excursion. Many viewpoints are accessible with relatively short walks.


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