Top 9 Natural Monuments around Crots

Visitors frequently enjoy the diverse natural monuments. Among the most popular are the Costeplane Waterfalls, known for their beauty in the Blache ravine, and Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, a mountain lake offering stunning views of Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The Chabrières Needles also draw attention with their magnificent limestone formations and panoramic vistas.

Yes, Crots offers several family-friendly natural attractions. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire is ideal for families, with swimming allowed, benches, and shaded areas. The Jerusalem Spring is also easily accessible via a beautiful forest track. Additionally, Chanterenne Beach on Lake Serre-Ponçon is popular with families due to its shallow waters, and the Fountain of the Bear in Boscodon Forest offers a small discovery circuit focused on local fauna and flora.

Crots boasts a rich natural heritage, featuring a stunning blend of water features, forests, and mountainous terrain. You can explore serene mountain lakes like Lac de Saint-Apollinaire and Lauzerot Lake, impressive waterfalls such as the Costeplane Waterfalls and Jerusalem Spring, and panoramic mountain peaks like Pic du Morgon and the Chabrières Needles. The region also includes the exceptional Boscodon Forest and scenic viewpoints like The Balconies of the Durance.

Yes, the region combines natural beauty with historical significance. Nestled within the Boscodon Forest, you'll find the twelfth-century Abbey of Notre-Dame de Boscodon, a Romanesque architectural marvel. Additionally, the Circus of Morgon features the Saint-Pierre sanctuary, a high-altitude chapel and pilgrimage site, adding a spiritual dimension to the natural landscape.

The area around Crots is perfect for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For specific routes, explore the MTB Trails around Crots, Cycling around Crots, and Running Trails around Crots guides. Activities like swimming are popular at Lac de Saint-Apollinaire and Lake Serre-Ponçon, while canyoning is known at the Costeplane Waterfalls.

Absolutely. The Boscodon Forest offers numerous trails for immersing yourself in its pristine environment. For a challenging but rewarding experience, the hike to Pic du Morgon provides a 360-degree panorama. You can also find various running and hiking routes, including circular options, in the Running Trails around Crots guide, which features routes like the 'Pic de Morgon loop from Abbaye de Boscodon'.

When hiking in Crots, especially to more challenging sites like the Chabrières Needles, it's essential to bring enough water as there are no water points at the summit. For walks involving scrambling, such as near the Costeplane Waterfalls, hiking sticks can be very useful. Always wear appropriate footwear and clothing for mountain terrain and varying weather conditions.

Yes, swimming is permitted in Lac de Saint-Apollinaire, which is a beautiful mountain lake with benches and shaded areas. Lake Serre-Ponçon also offers various spots for swimming, with Chanterenne Beach in Crots being particularly popular for its shallow waters. While the Costeplane Waterfalls are known for canyoning, direct swimming might be limited to specific areas or guided activities.

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views, especially from spots like Pic du Morgon and the Chabrières Needles, which offer vistas of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the surrounding valleys. The tranquility and natural beauty of places like Boscodon Forest and the serene mountain lakes are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the opportunities for outdoor activities, from easy family walks to challenging hikes, and the chance to connect with nature.

Yes, some natural sites offer facilities. Lac de Saint-Apollinaire has a bar where you can dine. Lauzerot Lake is also recommended as a spot for a snack while enjoying the natural surroundings. For more extensive options, the nearby villages and towns around Crots will provide a wider selection of cafes and restaurants.

The best time to visit largely depends on the activities you plan. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking, swimming, and enjoying water sports on Lake Serre-Ponçon, with pleasant temperatures. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage in areas like Boscodon Forest. While some activities are available, winter can be challenging for higher-altitude monuments due to snow, though it opens up opportunities for winter sports in the broader region.

Beyond the well-known spots, Crots offers several other natural gems. The Circus of Bragousse is a notable natural heritage site offering further exploration opportunities. Lauzerot Lake, located at 1625m, is a peaceful spot perfect for a snack and enjoying the natural surroundings. The Rousse Pass also presents varied topography and scenic potential for drives or hikes, often less frequented than the main attractions.