Less than an hour from Mas Saint Antoine lies a place where the river has patiently sculpted stone over millions of years. The Sautadet waterfalls, at La Roque-sur-Cèze, are not a single vertical drop as one might imagine: they form an extraordinary maze of channels, rapids and giant’s kettles carved into the limestone. After ten years welcoming families and groups in the southern Ardèche, we have learned to point our guests towards the gems that lie slightly off the beaten track. This is one of them — and it has one particular feature we fully embrace.
What are the Sautadet waterfalls and why are they a special site?
The Sautadet waterfalls are located in the commune of La Roque-sur-Cèze, in the Gard. And yes: neither the Ardèche nor the Drôme. It is an escape into the neighbouring Gard, and that is precisely the appeal. From Mas Saint Antoine, crossing the Cèze means a slight change of scenery without going far — the garrigue grows denser, the stone more golden, and you discover a valley that many Ardèche holidaymakers never think to explore.
The site owes its shape to the Cèze, a river with a Mediterranean temperament. Over just a few dozen metres, its level drops by about fifteen metres. The water rushes into cylindrical cavities — the famous giant’s kettles — carved over centuries by the swirling of pebbles. The result is a fascinating mineral landscape, a true open-air geology lesson. The name “Sautadet” is thought to come from Occitan, meaning “small water leap”. As for the local nickname “Devil’s Leap”, it recalls a regional saying — a warning, already, about the power of the place.
How to reach the Sautadet waterfalls from Mas Saint Antoine?
Here we must be honest with you. Most of our guides cover sites located thirty minutes from the Mas. The Sautadet waterfalls, however, require a little more driving: allow around 40 to 50 minutes by car, via Pont-Saint-Esprit and then up the Cèze valley. It is half an hour more than a typical outing, but the change of scenery makes it well worth it — and the drive, through vineyards and hills, is already part of the journey.
To place the site in relation to major towns: La Roque-sur-Cèze is about 15 minutes from Bagnols-sur-Cèze, 45 minutes from Avignon via the D980, and a little over an hour from Nîmes. From Mas Saint Antoine, in Bourg-Saint-Andéol, you are ideally placed: closer to the waterfalls than most visitors coming from the south.
Where to park?
Access to the site itself is free, but parking is charged during the summer season. The most convenient car park is on the left bank, at the foot of the Charles Martel bridge: it leaves you a five to seven minute walk from the viewpoints. In 2026, expect a rate of around four to five euros per day in high season (to be confirmed at the ticket machine on site, card payment generally accepted). Off-season, parking is often free — one more reason to favour spring or autumn.
What to see and do on site?
A visit to the Sautadet waterfalls is best enjoyed unhurried. Here are the highlights.
The giant’s kettles and channels
This is the heart of the spectacle. Following the path along the bank, you discover these circular cavities where the water churns. Some canyons reach around ten metres deep. Be careful: the rocks are uneven and can be slippery — closed, stable footwear is strongly recommended.
The medieval village of La Roque-sur-Cèze
The waterfalls are inseparable from their village. La Roque-sur-Cèze is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Perched on its rocky outcrop, the circular village is crowned by a 12th-century castle and a Romanesque chapel. You can wander its paved lanes lined with golden stone houses, up to the viewpoints over the valley.
The Charles Martel bridge
This 13th-century medieval bridge, a listed Historic Monument, spans the Cèze with its stone arches. Narrow and with alternating traffic, it has tremendous charm and makes an excellent foreground for photographers.
Visit summary table
| Item | Practical information 2026 |
|---|---|
| Recommended visit time | 2 to 3 hours (waterfalls + village) |
| Walking loop | About 3 km, easy level, 1h30 |
| Drop of the falls | About 15 metres |
| Site access | Free |
| Parking | Charged in summer (~€4-5/day), often free off-season |
| Distance from the Mas | About 40-50 minutes by car |
When to visit? Which season to choose?
The choice of season completely changes the experience of the Sautadet waterfalls.
Spring
Our favourite season. The Cèze is still well fed by the rains, the waterfalls are powerful and photogenic, the garrigue is in bloom, and parking is generally free. Crowds remain moderate.
Summer
The busiest — and trickiest — season. The site fills up quickly: if you go in July or August, you must arrive before 10 am to find a space and enjoy the place before the crowds. The river is low, the falls less impressive, but swimming downstream is welcome.
Autumn (September-October)
This is, in our view, the best time. In September and October, the golden light enhances the stone, the trees turn russet, crowds drop sharply and parking becomes free again. For a group or extended-family weekend off-season, it is exactly the period our regulars recommend — and it is also when Mas Saint Antoine has the most availability.
Winter
Quieter, but the floods of the Cèze can make the site spectacular after heavy rain. Best reserved for lovers of raw nature, with extra caution.
Is swimming allowed at the Sautadet waterfalls?
This point deserves your full attention, as it concerns safety. Swimming is strictly forbidden in the waterfalls themselves. This is not an administrative formality: the currents are violent and the whirlpools created by the terrain can drag a swimmer into underground cavities invisible from the surface. Accidents, sometimes fatal, regularly occur there. The ban is enforceable by fine.
The good news: swimming remains possible and safe downstream of the falls, where the Cèze regains a calm course. A small beach, reachable in a few minutes’ walk, lets you cool off in complete peace. If you come with children, explain the rule clearly before arriving: you admire the waterfalls, you swim downstream.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Arriving in the middle of the day in summer. You will circle endlessly for parking and find the site packed. Before 10 am, or late afternoon.
- Underestimating the terrain. The rocks are slippery and uneven. Avoid flip-flops, bring closed shoes.
- Trying to swim in the falls. It is forbidden and genuinely dangerous. Swimming is downstream.
- Forgetting the village. Many leave after the waterfalls alone. La Roque-sur-Cèze, a listed Most Beautiful Village of France, deserves a proper stroll.
- Choosing high summer by default. Spring and autumn offer finer waterfalls, fewer people and free parking.
Where to eat nearby?
To extend the outing, the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze has several places to eat. The best rated is Le Mas du Bélier, ranked first among the commune’s restaurants on Tripadvisor, with a score of 4.4/5 from more than 576 reviews. A safe choice for lunch after the walk. As always in popular villages, remember to book, especially in season. For other addresses, the Provence Occitane Tourist Office can guide you, and our guests receive on arrival at the Mas our selection of current favourites, updated regularly.
How to combine the Sautadet waterfalls with other sites?
The Sautadet lends itself very well to a themed day around “the Cèze valley and villages of character”.
Day 1 — Morning: the waterfalls, afternoon: Aiguèze
Start early with the Sautadet waterfalls and the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze. In the afternoon, head up to Aiguèze, also a listed Most Beautiful Village of France, perched above the Ardèche gorges.
Day 2 — The must-sees of the southern Ardèche
The next day, head for the classics: the Pont d’Arc and, for prehistory enthusiasts, the Aven d’Orgnac, Grand Site of France. Should the weather turn, our guide on what to do in the Ardèche when it rains will come in handy.
Why stay at Mas Saint Antoine to discover the Sautadet waterfalls?
- ✅ Ideally located: about 40-50 minutes from the Sautadet waterfalls, and at the heart of the southern Ardèche for all other sites.
- ✅ 6 independent accommodations on a 2-hectare estate, for a peaceful holiday.
- ✅ Secure swimming pool and shaded areas for returning from walks.
- ✅ Rated 4.9/5 from 137 verified reviews and selected by Petit Futé 2026.
- ✅ Ideal for groups: the estate can be privatised for 20 to 38 people — perfect for combining the discovery of the Cèze valley with shared moments, particularly for a corporate retreat or an extended-family weekend.
Discover our accommodations and their availability on the our rooms and cottages page.
In conclusion
- The Sautadet waterfalls are a nature escape into the neighbouring Gard, 40-50 minutes from the Mas.
- Favour spring or autumn: finer waterfalls, fewer people, free parking.
- Swimming is forbidden in the falls — only downstream.
- Do not leave without strolling through La Roque-sur-Cèze, a Most Beautiful Village of France.
- Arrive early in summer and wear proper footwear.
Some places are earned with an extra half-hour of driving. The Sautadet waterfalls are one of them: a detour into the Gard that will remain, for many of our guests, one of the finest memories of their stay in the southern Ardèche.
Frequently asked questions
How far are the Sautadet waterfalls from Mas Saint Antoine?
The Sautadet waterfalls are about 40 to 50 minutes by car from Mas Saint Antoine, in Bourg-Saint-Andéol. The route goes via Pont-Saint-Esprit and then up the Cèze valley. It is a slightly more distant outing than our usual guides, but the change of scenery is well worth the trip.
Can you swim in the Sautadet waterfalls?
No, swimming is strictly forbidden in the waterfalls themselves: the currents and whirlpools are dangerous and fatal accidents have already occurred. Swimming is, however, allowed and safe downstream of the falls, where a small beach lets you cool off.
Is parking at the Sautadet waterfalls charged?
Access to the site is free, but parking is charged during the summer season, at a rate of around 4 to 5 euros per day in 2026 (to be confirmed on site). Off-season, in spring and autumn, parking is generally free.
What is the best season to visit the Sautadet waterfalls?
Spring and autumn (September-October) are ideal: the waterfalls are beautiful and powerful, crowds are low and parking is often free. In summer the site is saturated: you must arrive before 10 am. Autumn is also when Mas Saint Antoine has the most availability for groups.
Are the Sautadet waterfalls in the Ardèche?
No. The Sautadet waterfalls are at La Roque-sur-Cèze, in the Gard, not in the Ardèche or the Drôme. It is an escape into the neighbouring Gard, easily accessible from Mas Saint Antoine, which lets you vary the landscapes for a day.
How much time should you allow for the visit?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy the waterfalls and the village of La Roque-sur-Cèze. The walking loop is about 3 km, easy level, taking 1h30. It is an ideal outing for a half-day.
Is the visit to the Sautadet waterfalls suitable for children?
Yes, the walk is easy and family-friendly, but vigilance is required: the rocks are slippery and swimming is forbidden in the falls. Hold children’s hands near the water and explain the safety rule before arriving.
What is the name of the village by the Sautadet waterfalls?
The site is in the commune of La Roque-sur-Cèze, a medieval village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it is crowned by a 12th-century castle and deserves a visit in its own right.
Is there a pushchair-accessible path?
The terrain around the waterfalls is rocky and uneven, poorly suited to pushchairs and people with reduced mobility. The village also has sloping lanes. Bring a baby carrier for toddlers rather than a pushchair.
Where to eat near the Sautadet waterfalls?
The village of La Roque-sur-Cèze has several restaurants. Le Mas du Bélier is the best rated, ranked first on Tripadvisor with 4.4/5 from more than 576 reviews. Remember to book in season. The Provence Occitane Tourist Office can also recommend other addresses.
Avis google
Bref un endroit au top que nous recommandons vivement
Le lieu est magnifique, avec une très belle vue et très calme.
La propriétaire a été charmante et à l'écoute de nos besoins quels qu'ils soient; un climat de confiance s'est vite installé.
Le lieu est très accessible et les parties communes pour se réunir sont très bien équipées.
La literie est bonne et les chambres propres.
Je recommande
Le cadre extérieur est également très appréciable : piscine, forêt, ping-pong, terrain de pétanque et grande terrasse pour profiter encore un peu du soleil d’automne ☀️
Merci Hélène et Bernard pour votre accueil chaleureux!
Merci également au traiteur So’ brunch de nous avoir livré à domicile pour régaler nos papilles tout le week-end!
Une expérience réussie! 🥳
L'espace piscine est vraiment super avec des nombreuses assises si vous êtes un grand groupe.
Tous les gîtes sont très propres et très bien équipés. Pas de plaintes des invités sur la literies en tout cas! Petit plus : les lits étaient fait à l’arrivée et les serviettes à disposition sur les lit.
Nous avons pu également voir de superbes couchés de soleil sur la vallée. Sans oublier la vue dégagée sur le mont ventoux.
Une très chouette adresse : j’y retournerai avec grand plaisir ! Pourquoi pas les 35 ans !
Bernard et sa femme sont adorables, humains, serviable et très à l'écoute.
C'est un gîte familial, tranquille et agréable.
Et il n'y a pas de moustiques ! 😅
Nous avons passé un excellent séjour.
Si nous revenons en Ardèche ça sera ici, merci encore pour tout 🙏
Un accueil très chaleureux d’Hélène et Bernard qui nous ont indiqué plusieurs sites à visiter. On n’oublie pas Djingo, le super copain de notre chienne.
Gîte de l’olivier pour notre séjour très propre et très bien équipé , pensez juste au tire bouchon ^^ seule petit bémol pour la personne dormant dans le salon la VMC peut être bruyante pour une personne ayant le sommeil léger sinon rien à redire nous reviendrons si nous passons dans le coin ! Merci pour votre accueil
Patricia et stéphane
Rien à redire! Il nous tarde de revenir.
Notre chien aussi a apprécié le séjour, il a pu navigué à son aise sur le domaine.
Les propriétaires sont très sympathiques et arrangeants.
Nous avons beaucoup aimé notre semaine au Mas et nous recommandons vivement cette adresse.
Je recommande fortement
Logements/cuisines et extérieurs très bien équipés et adaptés aux enfants!
Merci pour l’accueil :-)
Des propriétaires des plus accueillants, toujours à l'écoute de nos remarques et de notre bien être.
Beaucoup d'activités à faire autour du Mas saint antoine
on pense déjà à notre prochain séjour au Mas, c'est un lieu à connaître et à découvrir sans attendre, vous passerez un séjour plus que reposant
merci encore aux propriétaires du Mas Saint Antoine , lieu incontournable
La piscine est juste splendide dans un écrin de verdure.
Quant aux propriétaires ils sont adorables et prêt à vous aider et vous conseiller. Superbe semaine
Nous conseillons le lieu car idéalement situé pour circuler et visiter cette belle région.
Très belle piscine avec pergolas pour éviter les coups de soleil.
Les propriétaires sont à l'écoute,
disponibles et de très bons conseils pour découvrir la région.
Maxime et Laetitia
Les propriétaires sont prévenant
Piscine gîte WiFi dans les chalets
Vue splendide
Nous avons pu partager de très bons moments avec les hôtes, qui sont de très bons conseils sur ce qu'il y a à faire et à découvrir aux alentours.
Le cadre et le logement sont magnifiques, un vrai havre de paix où il fait bon de se retrouver entre amis ou en famille
Le Mas Saint Antoine est idéalement placé pour profiter de toutes les activités touristiques et sportives
La piscine avec vue est sécurisée et splendide, la réalité est conforme aux photos, tout est très bien équipé et choisi avec goût
Merci à nos hôtes pour l'accueil, nous reviendrons avec plaisir !
Très vaste et parfaitement équipé.
Accueil cordial .
Gite à recommander.
Un grand merci aux hôtes qui nous ont très bien reçu. Le cadre du mas saint Antoine est idéal pour des retrouvailles familiales, sécurisé et très bien équipé.
Les gîtes sont décorés avec goût, propres et fonctionnels. La piscine, les terrains de pétanques, la table de ping-pong sont un vrai plus. Nous avons même eu la possibilité de louer un karaoke!
Toute la famille, des petits aux grands garderons un super souvenir de cet endroit. Nous gardons précieusement l’adresse.
Merci beaucoup et à bientôt !
Julie et toute sa famille :)
Les parties de pétanques et de ping-pong a l'ombre des arbres auraient pu durer jusqu'au lendemain si les enfants qui se sont éclatés ne vennaient pas nous interrompre😁.
Nous n'avons pas pu profiter de la piscine car la température ne le permettait pas, mais je ne doute pas que ce doit être un délice en été.
Un seul regret: ne pas avoir été initié par Bernard à la recherche de truffes dans sa truffière privée...😆
Nous reviendrons, c'est certain, et nous vous recommanderons vivement et sincèrement!
Longue vie au Mas St-Antoine et merci Elena et Bernard d'offrir un lieu magique.
Je recommande
I recommend this well located and quiet place.
Logement impeccable, décoré avec goût, et fonctionnel.
Notre petite famille à pu profiter d’un séjour agréable , et dépaysant.
La piscine avec vu imprenable était un très apprécié.
Petit plus: notre chien a pu profiter du voyage également…
Merci à vous.
Romain Juliette et les enfants.
,
Les propriétaires sont extrêmement sympathiques, a l'écoute et très serviables, nous y reviendrons a coup sûr
Une piscine au top du top ,les propriétaires sont très accueillants et sympathique
Nous y reviendrons avec plaisir
Perfect welcome in joy and good humor, beautiful place and the chalets are good. The swimming pool is superb and equipped. The tenants informed us well about the surroundings. This place is magnificent !!!
Nous avons pu profiter de la piscine mais aussi des alentours. Nous regrettons de n’être pas restés davantage pour profiter encore de la région.
