Souloise waterfall circular loop from Pont du Villard

A walk along the valley floor, at the foot of the Pic de Bure.
Le Dévoluy is known for being dry; the vast majority of the water is underground and seeps away into the limestone massif! However, it does offer a few surprises, with waterfalls here and there providing a touch of coolness.
This route, accessible to all and requiring no special equipment, first crosses the Bois Rond before heading towards the meadows and then descending through the woods along a clearly marked path, designated GRP® in 2026.

Details

2573145
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.24 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,033 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,010 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,443 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,439 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Start from the Pont de Villard on the road between L’Enclus and Le Forest. Head towards Pré Grand and park after the building.

(S/E) Head south along the Route Forestière du Bois Rond to the Fontaine d’Hurtillier.
In June 2025, the water flowing from the fountain is reported to be unfit for drinking.

(1) Take the wide path that climbs to the left through the woods (marked for trail running/mountain biking) and continue through the forest. Join the forest track.

(2) Turn left (GR® de Pays Tour du Dévoluy signposting) towards the Jas de Barges and the Col de Rabou. Leave the woods and continue along the track. You’ll find the start of a path by three trees and a cairn on the left before reaching the Jas de Barge (sheepfold).

(3) Leave the GRP® trail. Take the well-marked path on the left, signposted in red and yellow GRP® in 2026! It is often used by a few mountain bikers. Cairns and cycle signs complement the coloured markings. You’ll reach the Cascade de la Souloise without difficulty.

(4) Continue along the obvious path which descends through the forest.

(5) Cross the stream for the first time (there are a few stones to help you), then continue along the red and yellow-marked path

(6) In 2026, a splendid footbridge will allow you to cross the river again and rejoin the first road you took, which you’ll follow to the right, a few dozen metres from your car (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 4,439 ft - Villard de l’Enclus Bridge
  2. 1 : mi 0.97 - alt. 4,872 ft - Hurtillier Fountain
  3. 2 : mi 1.53 - alt. 5,240 ft - Bois Rond Forest Road
  4. 3 : mi 2.47 - alt. 5,443 ft - 3 trees (on the right), a cairn (on the left!)
  5. 4 : mi 2.79 - alt. 5,282 ft - Waterfall - Souloise (rivière)
  6. 5 : mi 3.49 - alt. 4,780 ft - Crossing the Rif (fording)
  7. 6 : mi 3.89 - alt. 4,514 ft - Footbridge
  8. S/E : mi 4.24 - alt. 4,439 ft - Villard de l’Enclus Bridge

Notes

(1) Water not drinkable (June 2025).

Worth a visit

Near the hike, the Pic de Bure cable car; not open to the public.
The village of Saint-Étienne with its shops.
The Dévoluy resort with its many activities and shops, depending on the season.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 6 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 23254136

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Very nice route with beautiful views of the entire mountain range.
Easy to follow
We encountered a sheepdog who ignored us 🤗
Be careful on the way back, though, as it follows the mountain bike trail and things can happen quickly behind you 😉
Perfect for families.

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François Libre
François Libre

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

hike completed on 24/08/25 under beautiful sunshine, which allowed us to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and colchicum flowers.
There was a lot of diversity between forests and paths, so sometimes we were in the shade and sometimes in full sun
a hike accessible to all
thanks to the route planner

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Shaodir
Shaodir

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, varied, alternating between beautiful views and sheltered passages through pretty forests.
The weather was beautiful and we had a wonderful time.

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isabelledevauxp
isabelledevauxp

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful, varied hike in magnificent surroundings, despite a difficult return (I never found the "obvious path" after the waterfall).
Herds and dogs are well contained, so there are no guard dogs on the paths, which are rarely used; in short, everything you need for a peaceful outing.

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Roland1fois
Roland1fois

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Lovely little walk.

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Gilles Martin
Gilles Martin
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very beautiful hike combining stunning views of the two mountain ranges that frame Le Dévoluy and a route that includes a section through the forest, which is not always the case in this beautiful region.

I agree with the "moderate" difficulty rating.

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