Châtelus: Waterfall, cave landscape and walking trails

A short circular trail to Cascade de Moulin Marquis and longer routes along the Bourne reveal different sides of Châtelus. There is also Grotte de Bournillon and the historic background of former mule tracks. When planning, it is worth considering trail distances, stated durations and seasonal notices separately.

Waterfall and protected cave area

The circular trail to Cascade de Moulin Marquis is rated easy. It is 1.8 kilometres long and takes 30 minutes according to the published information. This makes it very different from the longer hikes in the area and easy to assess by distance and stated duration. The Cascade has a drop of almost 400 metres and is described as one of France’s largest waterfalls.

Grotte de Bournillon has a different significance: in the Vercors, it is considered a remarkable area, with the largest rock portal, the largest waterfall and the largest underground hydrological system. The area has been protected by a prefectural biotope protection order since 2008. Speleology is also regulated: an agreement sets out rules for its practice. If you are planning underground activities, check the current rules in advance.

Comparing routes along the Bourne

The Au fil de la Bourne trail passes through eight communes: Choranche, Châtelus, Rencurel, Auberives-en-Royans, Pont-en-Royans, Saint-Just-de-Claix, Sainte-Eulalie-en-Royans and Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans. It connects the foothills along the banks of the Isère with the heart of the Vercors and follows the Bourne, a tributary of the Isère. Route data dated 22 August 2026 gives a distance of 32.6 kilometres and a duration of nine hours. This represents a very different time commitment from the short trail to the Cascade.

At the Bournillon power station, the Au fil de la Bourne trail is closed from 15 November to 1 May under a municipal order. Before setting out, check whether there are any local exceptions. This ensures the seasonal closure is taken into account when planning this long route.

The Le Pas de l’Allier et le Pas des Voûtes route also passes through Châtelus. It follows former mule tracks that once connected the Vercors plateau with the lower Bourne valley. Rated a difficult circular hike, it is listed as 7.3 kilometres long and taking three hours; these route details are also dated 22 August 2026. Compared with the easy 1.8-kilometre circular trail to the Cascade, both the stated difficulty and the distance are different planning considerations. The historic route also gives the hike a direct connection to the former link between plateau and valley.

Stay overnight and explore the surrounding area

If you stay overnight in Châtelus, you can explore the 24-kilometre route through the Gorges de la Bourne. Road conditions and possible closures may change; check them before you travel.

Ferme du Clos is a stone farmhouse dating from the 19th century that offers guest rooms. Check room availability before booking. A farm experience may include a meal with a tasting of organic products made on site. Confirm the reservation details in advance if you plan to take up this offer.

Discover more destinations: Janneyrias, Les Avenières, Villeneuve-De-Marc, Biviers, Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, La Forteresse, Allevard, Izeaux.

For the broader travel overview: Isere.