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Pontis

Top 5 Natural Monuments around Pontis

Natural monuments around Pontis offer a diverse landscape for exploration. This region features a variety of natural attractions, including impressive summits, serene lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and unique geological formations. Visitors can discover a range of terrain, from challenging mountain ascents to accessible lakeside paths. These natural landmarks provide opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic viewpoints.

Best natural monuments around Pontis

  • The most popular natural monuments is Costeplane Waterfalls, a waterfall that is easily accessible on foot from the village…

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Chabrières Needles

Highlight • Summit

Bordered to the south by the Durance valley, the Ecrins massif once again rises above 2000 meters above sea level with these magnificent limestone needles dominating the Serre-Ponçon lake. The …

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Lac de Saint-Apollinaire

Highlight • Lake

Magnificent small mountain lake populated by beautiful species of fish. swimming is allowed. Presence of bench and many corners of shade. Superb for a good time with family. There is a bar for dining.

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Costeplane Waterfalls

Highlight • Waterfall

The walk to it is easy, there is scrambling near the waterfall, sticks are useful there

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Gorges de la Blanche

Highlight • Gorge

A beautiful climb through the Gorges de la Blanche. The road climbs for about 15 km from Les Espinasses toselonnet. The gradient is quite stable with an average gradient of 5-6%.

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Demoiselles Coiffées

Highlight • Natural Monument

In English, they are called “hoodoos”, in French, they are poetically called “chimneys of fairies” or “demoiselles coiffées”.

These sedimentary rocks have stood the test of time thanks to the …

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Karl 🫈
September 18, 2025, Cascades de Costeplane

In September with a strong water flow, it's magnificent. Not to be missed under any circumstances.

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Take enough water because there is no water point

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Beautiful place in winter

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Magical place

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The tip about the hiking poles was very helpful, because the last 150 meters to the waterfall are tough for inexperienced hikers. But the view is very beautiful. We were able to watch a group abseiling down the waterfall

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The loop to the Joubelle cabin is very pleasant to do, from the lake parking lot.

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Near the Serre-Ponçon dam, you can enjoy this picturesque and dizzying road with almost no traffic to overlook the Blanche River. Be careful on the road though, it is not uncommon for small landslides to occur and stones to be found in the middle of it.

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The walk to it is easy, there is scrambling near the waterfall, sticks are useful there

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of natural monuments can I explore around Pontis?

The Pontis region offers a diverse range of natural monuments, including impressive summits like the Chabrières Needles, serene lakes such as Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, dramatic waterfalls like the Costeplane Waterfalls, and unique geological formations like the Demoiselles Coiffées. You can also find gorges, forests, and various viewpoints.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Pontis area?

Yes, Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is an excellent choice for families. It's a magnificent small mountain lake where swimming is allowed, and it features benches and shaded areas, making it ideal for a relaxing time with family. There's even a bar for dining.

Where can I find impressive viewpoints of the landscape around Pontis?

Many natural monuments in Pontis offer stunning views. The Chabrières Needles provide a significant panorama overlooking the 1700-meter-high Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire also offers a fantastic view of Lac de Serre-Ponçon. Additionally, the Gorges de la Blanche offer spectacular and dizzying views of the Blanche River.

What kind of hiking trails are available near the natural monuments of Pontis?

The Pontis region offers a variety of hiking experiences. You can find trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents. For example, there are moderate hikes like the "Cabane du Jas – View of Lake Serre-Ponçon loop from Pontis" and more difficult ones such as the "Morgon peak – Superb aerial trail loop from Pontis." You can explore more options on the Hiking around Pontis guide.

Are there any natural monuments suitable for cycling or mountain biking in Pontis?

Yes, the region around Pontis is great for cycling. The Gorges de la Blanche feature a beautiful climb with a stable gradient, suitable for road cycling. For gravel biking, routes like the "View of the Durance River – Durance Bridge loop from Crots" offer challenging terrain. Find more routes in the Gravel biking around Pontis guide.

What makes the Chabrières Needles a unique natural monument?

The Chabrières Needles are distinctive limestone formations that rise above 2000 meters, dominating the Serre-Ponçon lake. The highest point is accessible to hikers who are comfortable with heights and some steep, exposed passages, rewarding them with an incredible panorama.

What are the Demoiselles Coiffées?

The Demoiselles Coiffées, also known as 'hoodoos' or 'fairy chimneys,' are enigmatic sedimentary rock formations. They have been shaped over centuries by erosion, with harder rock caps protecting the softer material beneath, resulting in these unique column-like structures.

What should I know before visiting the Costeplane Waterfalls?

The Costeplane Waterfalls are located in the Blache ravine and are easily accessible on foot from the village of Lauzet. While the walk is generally easy, there can be some scrambling near the falls, so hiking sticks might be useful. It's also a known spot for canyoning.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Pontis?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, the tranquility of places like Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, and the rewarding challenge of hikes to summits like the Chabrières Needles. The diverse landscapes, from waterfalls to unique rock formations, also receive high appreciation.

Are there any natural monuments around Pontis that involve water activities?

Yes, Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is a beautiful mountain lake where swimming is permitted, offering a refreshing experience. The Costeplane Waterfalls are also a popular spot for canyoning, providing an adventurous way to interact with the water.

What is the terrain like for exploring natural monuments in Pontis?

The terrain around Pontis varies significantly. You can find easy, accessible paths leading to places like the Costeplane Waterfalls, intermediate trails around Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, and challenging, exposed routes for experienced hikers aiming for summits like the Chabrières Needles. Some areas, like the Gorges de la Blanche, involve steady climbs.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Pontis:

Saint-Paul-Sur-UbayeVal-D'OronayeLe Lauzet-UbayeJausiersUvernet-FoursLa BréoleEnchastrayesMéolans-RevelSaint-Vincent-Les-FortsLa Condamine-ChâtelardLes ThuilesSaint-Pons

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Things to Do around Lac de Serre-Ponçon

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