Description

Enjoy an easy family hike to one of the Vercors' remarkable sites. You'll pass the Fontaine de la Lauze, a stunning pool carved into the rock.

Short and easy, this hike leads to one of the most unusual sites in the Lente forest: the Fontaine de la Lauze. Nestled in the heart of the woods, this astonishing basin carved directly into the rock has intrigued visitors for generations. Its name refers to "lauzes," large limestone slabs that were long used to cover the traditional roofs of the Vercors region.

The Lente forest surrounding the fountain is one of the largest forest massifs in the Drôme Vercors region. For centuries, its resources were exploited for construction, heating, and local crafts. Today, these immense beech and fir forests offer a peaceful setting where nature has reclaimed its place.

Along the way, the cool, shaded atmosphere contrasts with the more open landscapes of the Vercors. This walk offers the opportunity to discover a hidden heritage, shaped both by the limestone geology of the massif and by traditional mountain practices. The Fontaine de la Lauze thus remains a small mystery of the Vercors, a testament to the long-standing connection between the inhabitants and their environment.

Updated on 14/09/2026 - Report a change: info@vercorsdrome.com

Step-by-step itinerary

1

Continue along the path to the small gate. Enter the fenced park and cross it towards a lone tree near the edge of the forest. Behind it, go through a second gate (be sure to close both gates!). Ascend into the woods, taking the left fork at the first junction. After a bend, you will reach the Scialet Félix crossroads (1100m altitude).

2

Turn left to continue uphill on the grassy track, then look for a parallel path below the road. Take this path to reach the Fontaine de la Lauze (alt. 1130m).

3

Then go down into the woods. At the bottom, go through the gate (and close it again) and cross the meadow in front of you (fenced meadow on the left, hotel mini-golf course on the right). A handle allows you to open the fence to leave the meadow and reach the road at the Lente crossroads (1071m altitude).

4

Continue left on the departmental road to return to the starting point.

What comes next?