La Roque sur Cèze

The Sautadet waterfalls: a breathtaking spectacle at La Roque-sur-Cèze

Written by Alizé
June 13. 2025
The Sautadet waterfalls: a breathtaking spectacle at La Roque-sur-Cèze

Slow Village invites you to slow your pace and let nature fill you with wonder. Imagine a place where the elements have sculpted the rock, creating a picture of striking beauty. Welcome to the Sautadet waterfalls, a jewel of wilderness at the foot of the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze (Gard). This site, shaped by the Cèze river, invites you to contemplate, just a stone's throw from our outdoor hotel in La Roque-sur-Cèze.

Location

La Roque-sur-Cèze, Gard (30), Occitanie. A green setting in the Cèze valley.

Advice

Come early in the morning in high season, bring suitable walking shoes and scrupulously respect safety and environmental regulations.

Major interest

Unique geological formations (giant's potholes, channels), powerful currents, the beauty of a preserved natural site.

Swimming

Strictly forbidden and liable to fines in the waterfall zone (mortal danger!). Authorized and supervised during the summer months downstream, on equipped beaches.

Main access

On foot from the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze or via dedicated, regulated parking lots.

 

An exceptional , spectacular site in the heart of the Gard region

The Gard is a treasure trove, and the Sautadet waterfalls are a striking example. This unique site, sometimes nicknamed the "Devil's Leap", is prized for its geology and raw beauty. The river has sculpted a landscape that is awe-inspiring.

Rock-sculpted waterfalls

The Sautadet waterfalls are the result of erosion of the limestone rock by the Cèze river. The river has carved out cavities, channels and vast giant potholes, where the current rushes in with sometimes phenomenal power. The sound of the waves accompanies the discovery of these "Pots de Géants". A visit to the Sautadet waterfalls is a lesson in open-air geology.

A wild and unpredictable river

The Cèze is a Mediterranean river. Peaceful in summer, its floods ("cézades") can be formidable and have shaped the Sautadet waterfalls. This power makes the falls dangerous: strong eddies and invisible whirlpools explain why the authorities warn against swimming in the Sautadet waterfalls in this area.

A unique landscape ranked among the most beautiful in France

The ensemble formed by the Sautadet waterfalls and La Roque-sur-Cèze is remarkable. The village is classified as one of France's" Most Beautiful Villages", a label that recognizes the quality of its natural and architectural setting. The waterfalls are a Natural Zone of Ecological Interest (ZNIEFF), underlining their value and the importance of preserving them. The Sautadet waterfalls are waiting to be photographed, respecting the safe zones.

Book accommodation near Cascades du Sautadet

Ideally located near the Sautadet waterfalls, our Slow Village La Roque-sur-Cèze outdoor hotel is the perfect base camp. Wake up to the sounds of the surrounding nature, and walk to the waterfalls. Our " slow life" concept invites you to slow down and reconnect with what's essential, with your surroundings. More than just a place to sleep near the Sautadet waterfalls, it's an invitation to a conscious vacation experience. Our commitment to sustainable tourism is reflected in concrete actions (water resource management, sorting, local products).

La Roque-sur-Cèze
Classique Confort 2ch.

Our Classic Comfort 2-bedroom mobile home has all the facilities you need for a relaxing stay in the heart of the Cévennes.

27 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
La Roque-sur-Cèze
Cottage Premium 2ch. Hill

Our 2-bedroom Premium Cottage has all the comforts you need for your next stay in the Gard. On the hillside, they're sure to delight!

25 m²
2 bdrms
5 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
La Roque-sur-Cèze
Cottage Premium 2ch. Village & Forest

Our 2-bedroom Premium Cottages offer every comfort for your next stay in the Gard. Village side or forest side, they're sure to delight!

25 m²
2 bdrms
5 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
La Roque-sur-Cèze
Cottage Premium 3ch.

Our 3-bedroom Premium Cottage has all the comforts for your next stay in the Gard.

36 m²
3 ea.
6 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
La Roque-sur-Cèze
Cottage Signature 2bed.

With a design that blends wood and modernity, it's fully equipped, with 2 bathrooms for even greater comfort. With its terrace and hotel-style amenities, you'll feel right at home!

34 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
2 bathrooms.
Discover
La Roque-sur-Cèze
Lodge Insolite 2ch.

With its wood and nature design, this well-appointed accommodation can accommodate 4 people for an atypical vacation in the heart of the Cévennes.

27 m²
2 bdrms
4 pers.
1 bathroom.
Discover
La Roque-sur-Cèze
Slow House Signature 4ch.

Discover the Slow House, a villa located at the top of the Slow Village, with a breathtaking view over the Cèze valley.

160 m²
4 ea.
8 pers.
2 bathrooms.
Discover
 

Can you cool off in the Sautadet waterfalls?

The question of whether it's safe to swim in the Sautadet waterfalls is often asked. The answer requires caution and compliance with strict instructions for everyone's safety.

No-swim zones: what you need to know

All forms of swimming are strictly forbidden in the area of the Sautadet waterfalls (official decrees posted). The danger is extreme: currents, whirlpools (siphons), slippery rocks. Serious and sometimes fatal accidents have occurred. Please follow these vital instructions for your own safety and that of the rescuers.

Swimming permitted downstream of the watercourse

For those wishing to swim near the Sautadet waterfalls, safe alternatives exist downstream. Here, the Cèze calms down, forming beaches where it's possible to soak and where surveillance is active in summer. It's the ideal place to relax after a visit to the Sautadet waterfalls.

Safety tips and refreshing alternatives

Even in authorized areas, caution is still called for: never immerse yourself alone, and keep an eye on children. And don't forget the quality of the liquid. The Slow Village La Roque-sur-Cèze swimming pool is a safe and serene alternative for relaxing near the Sautadet waterfalls.

How to get to the waterfalls and prepare for your visit?

Good preparation is the key to enjoying the Sautadet waterfalls. Here you'll find information on how toget to the Sautadet waterfalls, how to park and which trails to take.

Walking distance from La Roque-sur-Cèze

From the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze, a signposted footpath (approx. 15-20 minutes) leads to the Sautadet waterfalls, with their lovely views. Theaddress for the Sautadet waterfalls is linked to the commune. Bring good shoes.

Parking, trails and viewpoints

There are several parking areas at the Sautadet waterfalls (paying in high season). In peak season, arrive early (before 10 a.m.) or late afternoon. Signposted footpaths lead to lookouts where you can admire the site and take magnificent photos of the Sautadet waterfalls. You can visit the Sautadet waterfalls at any time of day, preferring mornings or late afternoons for the light and tranquillity.

Respect for the natural environment and safety instructions

The Sautadet waterfalls are an exceptional but fragile natural site. Please behave in an eco-responsible way: leave no trace and stay on the marked trails. Follow safety instructions to the letter. Sustainable tourism is one of Slow Village's core values, and we encourage you to apply it to your visit to the Sautadet waterfalls.

Discover the Sautadet waterfalls

La Roque sur Cèze

Family activities in Occitania

Looking for a vacation? Discover Occitanie with your family and enjoy all the activities this region has to offer. Whether it's a cultural break, a nature trip or a sporting activity, Occitanie has something for the whole family. Your Slow Village campsite in Provence Occitanie offers some ideas for family activities.

Léa
La Roque sur Cèze

Camping in the heart of nature in Occitania

What if you took the time to slow down and enjoy a self-paced holiday in the south of France? That's what Slow Village Provence Occitanie, a nature campsite in Occitanie, offers you. Our natural estate offers 30 hectares of greenery for your week in the Gard.

Charlotte
La Roque sur Cèze

Cèze Valley

The Cèze valley in the Gard region is a protected natural site well worth a visit! Located close to our La Roque sur Cèze campsite, it's the ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Cèze valley is made up of dazzling landscapes, gorges, caves, rivers, streams, forests and small villages. Discover this protected site, where every path invites you on a journey that's both soothing and revitalizing.

Charlotte
 
See all articles