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 meters.
This natural monument is quite dangerous. An 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.
Sautadet Falls on the map
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| Location, GPS coordinates: | 44.1898 N 4.5270 E |
| Categories: | Waterfalls |
| Values: | Geology, Visual |
| Rating: |  |
| Where is located? | 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 |
Landmarks of Languedoc-Rousillon
Waterfalls and rapids
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