The source of Gillardes is a geological mystery at the foot of Obiou, Devoluy. It appears as if a river has sprung from nowhere in the middle scree. Their crystal clear and very cool waters (5.9 to 7.8 degC) are never dry - in summer and winter - and will continue to swell the Souloise 100 meters below.
The Grandes Gillardes rises up on the left bank at the Obiou massif. They can produce up to 56 m3 of water per second when the snow melts, or in the case of heavy rain. This makes them the second largest French exsurgence after Fontaine-of Vaucluse.
The Petites Gillardes, which are three exits, are less impressive and can be found 150m upstream on the Souloise's right bank. Speleologists long to discover the secrets of these springs and find the underground collector, if any, that leads the Devoluy's infiltration waters to this amazing site.
The first loop, which is 1.4km long and takes approximately 1 hour, is very accessible. It runs along the river, crosses it, then returns to Gillardes. The second loop, which is longer (5 km -3h30), takes you deep into the canyons to the Infernet canyon.
The Gillardes site has also been a popular climbing and base-jumping area. It is a parade that is framed by high cliffs. Since last year, it has been designated a local sensitive natural environment. Even the entire valley has been designated ENS. It is open to all who wish to see it, but please respect its biodiversity.
The contents of the file
Gillardes' mysterious origins
The Fer-a-Cheval waterfalls are at the end of the earth
The Vercors are gentle
