The Sautadet Waterfalls

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Visitor Information Tourist Information

An exceptional natural site, but a dangerous one

The Sautadet Waterfalls are a remarkable natural site, shaped over thousands of years by the erosion of the Cèze River through limestone rock. These spectacular formations, known as giant’s kettles, are an integral part of the landscape heritage of La Roque-sur-Cèze and attract a very large number of visitors every year.

Behind this beauty, however, lie real and proven dangers: extremely strong currents, whirlpools, sudden changes in water flow, slippery rocks and violent falls. Sadly, these risks have caused many serious and sometimes fatal accidents over the decades.

Les Cascades du Sautadet

A private riverbank located within the Camping Les Cascades property

The right bank of the Sautadet Waterfalls is located within the land owned by Camping Les Cascades. It has been private property for more than half a century, acquired and managed as such by successive owners since the 1970s.

As such, the campsite owners bear full legal responsibility for the site, particularly regarding:

  • Visitor safety
  • Maintenance of natural areas
  • Risk prevention
  • Visitor flow management
  • Insurance
  • Civil and criminal liability in the event of an accident

For many years, access remained open by custom and tolerance. However, the sharp increase in visitor numbers has profoundly changed the conditions under which the site can be managed.

An attendance level to master

During the summer season, the site now receives several hundred visitors per day. This overcrowding leads to:

  • A significant increase in accident risks
  • Accelerated environmental degradation
  • Recurring cleanliness and pollution issues
  • Incivilities, theft and damage
  • Human pressure incompatible with a fragile natural site

In summer, the site now welcomes several hundred visitors per day. Under these conditions, maintaining completely free access to private property is delicate.

About “right of way” and access to rivers

Some visitors refer to a supposed right of way or free access to rivers. It is important to provide a clear and factual legal clarification.

Under French law, there is no general right to cross private property in order to access a river, nor any obligation for a private owner to allow free public passage across their land.

The banks of non-navigable rivers, such as the Cèze at this location, belong to the riverside landowners. Access is therefore subject to the owner’s authorization, unless a legally established easement exists — which is not the case here.

The only commonly mentioned easement concerns licensed anglers and applies strictly within the limits defined by law. It does not grant tourist access, bathing rights, parking rights or free public circulation.

In the absence of any easement or public development, access to the right bank of the Sautadet Waterfalls cannot be claimed under any right of way.

A clear financial and organizational imbalance

The Camping Les Cascades, as a private tourist establishment, is subject to strict rules and regular checks in terms of safety, urban planning, the environment and public protection. These inspections incur significant costs.

In order to sustainably preserve this fragile natural environment, we would appreciate it if each visitor, as far as possible, left with their waste. This simple gesture directly contributes to the protection of the Sautadet Cascades and the respect of this exceptional place. Finally, in accordance with current regulations, the beach and the entire private site of the Cascades du Sautadet are strictly non-smoking. This measure aims to protect the health of all, reduce fire risks and preserve this sensitive natural site from any pollution related to cigarette butts.

For the sake of collective safety and respect for the site, visitors are also invited not to intervene when they witness dangerous situations, clear infractions or violations of private property.same, but to seek out reception agents or law enforcement officers, who are familiar with the site and its issues. In case of necessity or emergency, the number 112 allows to reach quickly the competent services.

Towards a future of joint management

The management of a tourist site on this scale implies, by nature, a constant and constructive dialogue between private actors and local authorities, whose role is to support tourism development, economic activities and personal safety.

To date, the owners of Camping Les Cascades are looking forward to a new dynamic and a return to dialogue with the Town Hall. They have therefore agreed to let visitors once again enter their plots on the right bank of the Cascades du Sautadet, pending a concrete and lasting agreement from 2027.

A commitment to transparency and responsibility

This information notice aims to explain the reality on the ground in a factual manner, without controversy or caricature.

The owners of Camping Les Cascades are deeply attached to this exceptional site and aware of the strong emotions it evokes among visitors and residents alike.

Access regulation is directed against no one. It is the result of responsibility being assumed in a context that has become too complex and risky to ignore.

The owners also wish to reaffirm that they are, above all, committed defenders of the Sautadet Waterfalls. For years, they have worked to preserve, promote and enhance this unique natural site, while contributing to the attractiveness of La Roque-sur-Cèze, creating dozens of jobs and supporting many local businesses.