Roche perçée des Arlettes, Natural rock formation near Cornas, France
The Roche perçée des Arlettes is a natural rock arch near Cornas, in the Ardèche department of France. The opening in the stone frames the sky, and from this spot the surrounding valley and hillside vineyards come into view.
The hole in the rock was shaped over a very long time by erosion from wind and water. The slopes around it have been farmed for centuries, and old stone walls nearby are what remain of that long agricultural past.
The Roche perçée des Arlettes sits among the vineyards of Cornas, a village known for its Syrah wine. Walkers heading to the rock pass alongside rows of vines where growers still tend the plants by hand, depending on the season.
Sturdy shoes are a good idea since the trail has uneven ground and a few short climbs, especially after rain. There are no facilities at the site, so bring water and anything else you need before setting out.
The rock sits along the Chemin de la Coulée, a path whose name roughly means the flow or the run, hinting at the water that once moved through this area and slowly shaped the stone. As the light shifts through the day, the opening in the rock changes its appearance depending on where you stand.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
