Le Saut de la Drôme

Le Saut de la Drôme is a dramatic rock formation along the Drôme River in Luc-en-Diois where massive stone blocks create a distinctive natural passage. Water flows through a narrow channel carved between the rock faces, forming the main visual feature of the site.

In 1442 a rockslide from Luc peak blocked the Drôme River and created two lakes that persisted for centuries. In 1804 engineers carved an opening through the stone to restore the river's natural flow and drain the water.

The site serves as a gathering place for summer cultural events and local festivities that bring together residents and visitors. Music performances and celebrations shape how people experience and use the river area throughout the warm months.

The site is freely accessible with parking areas nearby and good foot access to view the rock formations. During summer months refreshment stands operate close to the water, making it comfortable to spend time exploring the area.

The opening through the rock wall was carved entirely by hand using period tools and remains the critical point where water passes through solid stone. This human-made passage stands as a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering that many visitors overlook when passing through.