A beautiful waterfall near the villages of Auzet, Barles, and Verdaches
The Saut de la Pie waterfall is located just outside the village of Auzet, in the Alpes de Haute-Provence. It is a natural site open to the public year-round, accessible by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot. It is part of the Verdaches gorges, in the heart of the Haute-Provence Geopark. Its easy access and free admission make it an ideal outing for the whole family.
The Saut de la Pie is first and foremost a “clue”: a narrow, deep gorge carved by the Bès torrent into the mountain. This vertical break is the result of a geological upheaval in which the river carved its way through very thick vertical layers, taking advantage of the limestone’s fragility. The spectacle is breathtaking from the moment you arrive.
This natural site is more than just a waterfall. In Provençal, “la piche”—pronounced “la pie” in Auzet—simply means a jet of water. Behind this unassuming name lies a place that is at once wild, geological, and historic, and truly worth exploring. The Bès Valley has many surprises in store for you.
In 1953, workers discovered about forty ancient weapons dating from the 4th century B.C. above the waterfall, under a rock. They are now preserved at the museum in Digne-les-Bains. Who placed them there, and why? The question remains unanswered.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your visit: how to get there, possible hikes starting from Auzet, what you can see on site, and the best times of year to visit.
Where is the Saut de la Pie Waterfall and how do you get there?
The Saut de la Pie Waterfall is located in the Alpes de Haute-Provence, in the Bès Valley, on Departmental Road D7 between Barles and the village of Auzet. Geographically, it is located in the Digne Pre-Alps, a mid-mountain region carved by fertile valleys and gorges through which torrents flow.
It is a site within the Haute-Provence Geopark, accessible by car, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot from the exit of Auzet. The drive from Digne-les-Bains takes about 30 minutes. From Barcelonnette or Sisteron, allow about 45 minutes.
The small D7 road runs alongside the torrent and passes in front of the waterfall. You don’t need to walk far: the natural site is visible from the road itself. A small free parking lot is available nearby—it’s best to arrive early in the summer. Pets are allowed on the site.
Here is a map to help you locate the waterfall:
How difficult is the hike?
Good news: you don’t need to be in great shape to see the waterfall. It’s right by the road and can be admired without any effort. However, if you want to take the opportunity to hike in the area, the difficulty level goes up a notch.
The most popular route in this area is “Le tour des Clues de Verdaches”: an 8.7 km loop with 392 m of elevation gain, classified as moderate, which takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. It’s not a difficult hike, but you should still be comfortable in the mountains.
Some sections may present difficulties, particularly in the event of landslides—a rope has been installed in one spot to assist with the climb. It is recommended to wear pants. The trail is technical in places, with sections of natural terrain that are less well-marked.
The trailhead is located at the intersection of Route D900a and the road leading to Charui, 1.5 km from Barles toward Verdaches, with a few parking spots along the road. The trail passes through a larch forest before reaching the waterfall.
What are the best seasons to visit?
The Saut de la Pie waterfall is open year-round and truly changes its appearance with the seasons. Each season has its own appeal, and that’s what makes the site special.
In summer, the coolness of the site is a welcome relief: the steep-sided gorge creates a microclimate that is naturally cooler than the surrounding plains. Swimming is possible in the river near the waterfall during the summer. This is the busiest season, and for good reason.
The fall season is perhaps the most beautiful. In the fall, hiking in this area offers great spots for mushroom hunting and particularly colorful forest hues. The late-afternoon light on the walls of the gorge makes for magnificent photos. Visitor numbers drop significantly after September.
In winter, the water still flows vigorously despite the icicles forming on the walls. The spectacle is striking and completely different from the rest of the year. Dressed warmly, you’ll be practically alone.
Is there any information on the flora and fauna?
This is one of the site’s highlights: nature has remained wild here, and the area’s ecology is remarkable. The inaccessible walls of the gorge have allowed rare species to settle there undisturbed.
Exceptional plants colonize the cliffs: orange lilies, goat’s beard, spindle tree, and yew form dense vegetation on the inaccessible rock faces. You won’t often see so many gathered in one place in the Southern Alps.
As for wildlife, the dipper makes its home here. This discreet bird, capable of diving into torrents to hunt, is a good indicator of water quality and the preservation of the natural environment. On the surrounding trails, chamois sometimes make an appearance.
Swimming is not prohibited in the waterfall, but to keep it that way, you must respect the fragile areas and avoid periods of high water and the days following storms. The site is not a nature reserve in the regulatory sense, but it is part of the Haute-Provence Geopark, which implies a collective commitment to nature.
Opening Hours
The site is open to the public year-round. There are no admission fees, no ticket office, and no set hours to follow. You can visit at any time of day.
For any additional information about the site or hiking trails in the area, the Provence Alpes Digne-les-Bains Tourist Office is your best point of contact. They manage practical information about the waterfall and tourism activities in this part of the Alpes de Haute-Provence. You can contact them by phone at +33 4 92 35 20 39.
Activities near the Saut de la Pie Waterfall
The village of Auzet and its surroundings offer plenty of activities to extend your visit. The waterfall is a natural starting point for other excursions in the Bès Valley.
Hiking remains the main activity. The Clues de Verdaches loop is the most recommended route: well-marked, moderate, and accessible to families with a basic level of fitness. Other trails exist in the surrounding geological reserve, suitable for all skill levels.
Charging stations for e-bikes are available free of charge in Auzet, provided by Provence Alpes Agglomération. A real asset for exploring the valley by bike without straining your legs on the climbs.
A mountain bike trail suitable for e-bikes also passes through Barles, Verdaches, and Auzet, with the Saut de la Pie waterfall as a stop along the way. The waterside stroll through the Bès Valley is a route accessible to everyone, by car or on foot, along the small road that runs alongside the stream. Comprehensive tourist information is available from the Provence Alpes Digne-les-Bains tourist office.
