After leaving the dramatic Ardèche Gorges Cèze river enters the vast plains in Rhone valley. But here awaits the last obstacle – an enormous block of limestone formed some 5 million years ago.
The power of the stream has gnawed a passage through this stone – a 470 m long section of waterfalls, rapids, narrow ravines, hollows and sharp stone blades.
Interesting features are up to 10 m deep kettles, hollowed by turning stones (Marmites géantes). These cylindric hollows may have a diameter of several metres.
This natural monument is quite dangerous. Inattentive visitor may fall on the sharp limestone blades or in a basin of raving water.
In summer the weather here might be hot and dry, but in autumn the water level rises turning the labyrinth of gullies and waterfalls into a single roaring rapid. Very frequently here blows a cold, sharp wind – mistral. It is considered that the wind also has been actively shaping the cliff formations.
In 1881 above the falls was built a weir – it allowed to operate a flour mill until 1900. Around the falls has been made also a diversion channel – Béal.
This waterfall and the harsh landscape around it is protected since 1993.
loading map - please wait...
| Coordinates: | 44.1898 N 4.5270 E |
| Categories: | Waterfalls |
| Values: | Geology, Visual |
| Rank: | 7 |
| Address: | Europe, France, Languedoc – Roussillon, Gard department, south from La Roque-sur-Cèze town on Cèze river |
| Name in French, alternate names: | Cascades du Sautadet, Les Chutes du Sautadet, Saut de la Cèze |
| Height: | ? |
| Width: | 25 – 40 m |
Wonders of Languedoc-Rousillon
Highlights of this region are its medieval towns, like the nearly unique Aigues-Mortes as well as heritage of Ancient Rome and the gorgeous Ardèche Gorges.
Waterfalls and rapids
Some of the most fascinating and awe inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls, or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Recommended books
Wild Swimming France
Daniel Start returns with a dazzling new travel guide book to France, for families and adventurers alike. Dip in to the emerald-green plunge pools of Provence and swim beneath the great chateaux of the Loire and Dordogne. Discover the unspoilt crater lakes of the Massif Central or relax in secluded hot springs in the woodlands of the Pyrenees.
The Making of Europe: A geological history
The continent of Europe, as a recognisable geographic entity, attained roughly its present shape around 20 million years ago. Even since then, the European coastline has undergone significant changes, due mainly to sea-level movements, to form the outline of the continent that we are familiar with from maps and the photographs of Europe from space that we view today.
