Is the trail accessible with a dog?

Our dog friends will be delighted to use this path in the summer when the weather is hot, and they can enjoy a swim by the waterfall!

But what are the Droux?

The Droux are long trails of mud and stones, carried by the floods that disappeared when the torrents were developed.

Is the path passable in winter?

In winter, when it has frozen over, you can use the path with shoes fitted with crampons. The path in the shade can become slippery. The frozen waterfall in winter is a sight to behold. When it has snowed, we recommend that you use snowshoes.

Can I visit the Château?

The Château is not open to the public. From the outside, you can admire the imposing remains of this ancient medieval castle, leaving a deep impression of majesty.

Sentier des Droux

This trail offers a walk through undergrowth. At the start, the ruins of the Château and its old church are remarkable vantage points. An educational section (tree identification, forestry explanations) completes the trail. The trail begins in the forest. Educational signs indicate the Droux path.

Noah

I've had a passion for the mountains ever since I was a little girl. Mum often takes us up here.
Arriving at the waterfall is surprising. As you approach, the sound of running water gives you a soothing sensation. A picnic with your feet in the water is a must during the hot summer months!
In winter, these waterfalls are spectacular when temperatures drop below zero.

La Cascade, a cool day out

It’s very hot today… Mum, please, can we go to the waterfall and take a picnic?

We’ll have a piece of Beaufort cheese from the cooperative in La Chambre with some sausage. I prepare the rucksack with the water bottles, the opinel, the towels…

On to Epierre and the cemetery car park. The walk takes about 1 hour to complete. Each time I appreciate seeing the Château, I find it impressive. We take the Droux path for a walk in the forest, which is already cooler and more pleasant.

Château d'Epierre

As soon as we got out of the car in the car park, we came face to face with the ruins of the Château d’Épierre. I’m not going to lie to you, it commands respect! Even though there are only a few remains, you can sense that themedieval castle was a force of nature in its day. It was a strategic spot from which to watch over the whole valley, and it’s amazing to see how the building has survived the test of time to show us what life was like before.

But the really good thing is to continue the walk. If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a picnic or a change of pace, head for the Droux trail. The waterfall is really the nugget of the area. It’s the ideal spot for a refreshing break in the middle of nature. Frankly, with the sound of the water and the green everywhere, it’s ultra-recharging. The kind of soothing moment that makes you forget everything else.

The guardian of the valley, a bit of history

When you look up at the castle’s immense walls, you’re immediately impressed. You can still see the battlements at the very top of the towers, even though they are ruins. You can feel that this was a real fortress.

The village of Épierre is in a very special place: the valley is squeezed between two high mountains, right on the banks of the River Arc. It was the ideal strategic location! At the time, the castle served as a ‘lock’: it controlled everything that passed through the valley. No-one could cross without being spotted.

We don’t know exactly when it was built, probably around the 12th century, but its history becomes really interesting in the 15th century. That’s when it belonged to the powerful de La Chambre family. The story even goes that in July 1419, Urbain de La Chambre officially received the rights to the castle from Duke Amédée VIII.

The great thing today is that, despite the passage of time, the remains are still imposing enough to make it easy to imagine the castle as it once was. It’s a great trip back in time if you’re passing through, and the view of the surrounding mountains is well worth the diversions!