Flames at the Fontaine Ardente are produced by the combustion of methane. The spring is located in the territory of Le Gua, below the hamlet of La Pierre, between Saint-Barthélémy and Miribel-Lanchâtre. The hikes also vary considerably: alongside shorter circuits, there are longer mountain hikes that require more time. You can therefore plan your itinerary around the natural phenomenon, local history and hikes according to your own travel plans.
Fontaine Ardente and shorter circular trails
The La Fontaine Ardente circular trail is 5.2 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 30 minutes. The description of the Sentier de la Fontaine Ardente gives the route from the information sign to the spring: it descends along a single path and presents no particular navigational difficulties.
Another option is the “Chemins de la liberté: De Résistance et de Mémoire” circular trail. It starts and finishes in Prélenfrey, passes through Le Gua, is 3.5 kilometres long and takes about one hour. There are six stops along this route. Compared with the 5.2-kilometre circuit around the Fontaine Ardente, it is shorter and has a lower estimated walking time. Route distances, durations and stop information may be updated when the routes are revised; check the latest information before setting out.
Hikes that take more time
The La montagne d’Uriol circular hike covers 13 kilometres and involves 800 metres of ascent. It takes about five hours and 30 minutes and is rated fairly difficult. Along the way, the route descends to the Champa micro-hydroelectric plant and continues to the village of Le Gua. When comparing hikes, you can consider the elevation gain, time required and difficulty as well as the distance.
The mountain hike to Col Vert and Pas de l’Oeille passes through Le Gua, Villard-de-Lans and Saint-Paul de Varces. The route alternates between woodland, mountain pastures, paths along steep slopes and scree fields. Access to this mountain hike is seasonally sensitive; check conditions for your planned visit. The route to Baraque des Clos follows the Sentier du périmètre, also known as Balcon Est.
Local history and historic sites
The remains of an 11th-century feudal castle are at Le Gua, near Prélenfrey. They lie at an altitude of 880 metres on a rise at the foot of the Jonier stream, beneath dense vegetation. Its setting and surviving remains give the historic site a different character from the circular trails described above.
The church of La Ferrière also has a clearly defined construction history: it was completed in 1710 and consecrated only in 1732. The Foire aux escargots originated as an annual fair approved in 1844, held on 13 March in the hamlet of Les Saillants. From 1967, it was moved to the following Saturday.
Getting around, fishing and finding accommodation
To explore the area, follow the D8 departmental road from Vif to Col de l’Arzelier. Check road conditions before setting off. For fishing, the area managed by the AAPPMA “La Gaule de la Vallée de La Gresse” includes 45 kilometres of first-category flowing waters; trout make up the majority of the fish population. The area covers Le Gua, Vif, Château-Bernard, Saint-Andéol, Saint-Guillaume, Miribel-Lanchâtre and Saint-Paul de Varces. Fishing rules and access conditions may change, so check them before fishing.
When looking for a holiday rental in Le Gua, use your plans for outings as a starting point: first consider whether you would rather visit the Fontaine Ardente, explore local history, go fishing or plan a particular hike. Then compare the location details of the holiday rentals you are considering with your personal travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Mens, Saint-Martin-De-La-Cluze, Beauvoir-de-Marc, Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier, Vénosc, Les Avenières, Bourgoin, Chichilianne
For the overview of the wider area: Isere.
