Excursions / Heritage

Visit of 1h15mins. In 1994, this wonderful botanical garden was designed around the phenomenon of tuff rock formation. A space created and designed to showcase flowers, trees and shrubs from around the world. In this garden, water and flora can be discovered through surprising routes, repurposed objects and original water games created by our gardeners who give you the opportunity to discover this unexpected plant world and will gladly answer your questions. This paradise of a thousand springs is the backdrop for an extensive tour of the botanical world. Rare plants from Asia, Africa, America and Australia acclimatized in a magnificent natural setting with ponds and waterfalls. Magic moments where water becomes stone. The Jardin des fontaines Pétrifiantes was created in 1994 in order to preserve the local natural phenomenon that made the village well known. This garden has been established in a unique setting in France, sandwiched between the Isère River and a cliff of flowing waterfalls and cascades, which over time have created small ponds. For almost a thousand years, these mysterious springs have covered all objects, mosses and plants with a film of calcite crystals to form a unique rock: tuff. Around this site, a harmonious and original garden with over 800 species of flowers and plants has been created to take you on a tour of the botanical world, combining exotic, Mediterranean, aquatic and tropical plants. A symphony of floral and plant species, punctuated by water, initially discreet with its large calm ponds then exploding in cascading waterfalls. Discover the secrets of this mineral paradise where nature has not been not tamed by gardeners, but reinvented by their creativity, with the sole aim of protecting the vegetation of the planet. A harmony of water, flowers, wood and rock.  

1 hour cruise. One of the most beautiful cruises in the Rhône-Alpes region, which, along the banks of Isère River, allows you to discover the local fauna, flora and heritage. A moment of conviviality and serenity punctuated by comments from the crew who share their stories and anecdotes. You board at La Sône at the foot of the Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes or at St-Nazaire-en-Royans, next to the Grotte de Thaïs. One-way trip, your coach will be waiting for you to arrive.  

The Musée de l'eau in Pont en Royans is a fun and cutting-edge complex, as well as a scientific, cultural and educational venue dedicated to water in all its forms. The waters of the Vercors, water on the planet, poetic and vital water… The theme of this museum seems inexhaustible... Cutting-edge and visionary, this venue invites the general public to discover all aspects of water. Its innovative contemporary design, with its interactive and spectacular approach to exhibitions and its architecture opening onto the magnificent site of Pont en Royans, appeal to both adults and children, as well as specialists, students and teachers. Open all year round for groups upon reservation, we offer guided tours tailored to each audience: adults, children, students and school students, groups of friends... Duration of visit: From 1h15 to 1h45, depending on time available and type of audience.  

1 hour visit to the Grotte de Thaïs and 1 hour 15 min visit to the garden. This popular outing gives you the opportunity to discover 2 major sites. After a guided tour of the Thaïs Prehistoric Cave, you will board a steamboat to taste the products of our region while discovering the flora and fauna along the banks of the Isère River. At La Sône, our gardeners will reveal the secrets of the Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes.  

Group visits to La Magie des Automates We are open to groups 7/7 throughout the year upon appointment. We also offer you a free dining room to eat your picnic or snack, a fee of €12 is required for heating in winter. Visit upon reservation Visit + breakfast package or Visit + afternoon tea package available Please contact us.  

La Grotte de Choranche offers group tours starting from 20 people. Located in the heart of the Vercors Regional Park, along the route of the Gorges de la Bourne, awarded 3* in the Michelin guide, Choranche offers a unique excursion just 1 hour from Grenoble and Valence and only 1h30 from Lyon! Enjoy the panoramic view of the Bourne Valley and visit an exceptional natural site! Whether to relax or discover the region with friends or colleagues, the Grotte de Choranche team offers you a tour tailored to your group and your requirements... School trips: the Grotte de Choranche offers various visits for school children from kindergarten to secondary school. Documentation is available to prepare your visit.  

The museum traces the daily life of farming communities on the Vercors plateau in the early 20th century. It evokes the agricultural and forestry industry and the gradual opening of this region to climatism and mountain tourism. Located in the former Town Hall, in the centre of the village of Villard-de-Lans, the Heritage centre (Maison du patrimoine) has been completely renovated. Founded by Jacques Lamoure in 1988, it tells the story of the Quatre Montagnes region. Discover the two rooms on the ground floor for regularly renewed temporary exhibitions (artistic or heritage-related exhibitions). - On the 1st floor you will discover the events that marked the life of the area through the themes of the resistance, climatism, the 1968 Olympics, as well as the building of roads and the beginning of tourism and transport. - The 2nd floor is devoted to the daily life, agriculture and handicrafts of the late 19th century with many documents, photos, objects, artisan’s tools and agricultural equipment. A visit that will appeal to young and old. Visits upon reservation only.  

Discover the full range of 100% natural beauty products made from organic mare's milk from the Vercors. The visit takes place in a sheltered and shaded area, then in our shop.