Discover the Secret Waters of Source de La Forest – A Hidden Spring in Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur

If you think Provence is only lavender fields and sun‑kissed vineyards, think again. Tucked high in the hills of Volonne, at 950 m above sea level, lies a modest yet magical spring that only reveals itself after a good rain. Welcome to Source de La Forest, the intermittently flowing jewel of the French Alps.

1. Introduction

Imagine stepping off a quiet forest trail, the air fresh with pine, and hearing the faint murmur of water that appears like a mirage on a rocky basin. That’s the moment you encounter Source de La Forest, a spring that springs to life only when the clouds bless the region with rain. It’s a perfect spot for travelers who crave off‑the‑beaten‑path experiences, photographers hunting that perfect splash of water, and hikers looking for a serene pause amid the rugged landscape of Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur.

Because the spring is intermittent—it flows after rain and dries up by early summer—visiting at the right time is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make the most of this hidden gem, from how to reach it, to the best season to see it, and the nearby waterfalls that add extra sparkle to your adventure.

2. About Source de La Forest

Source de La Forest is a natural spring located near the small commune of Volonne, in the department of Alpes‑de‑Haute‑Provence. Its exact coordinates are 44.221500 N, 6.097440 E, perched at an altitude of 950 m. While the spring does not have a recorded height or a dedicated Wikipedia page, it holds a special place among local hikers and nature lovers.

History & Significance

The spring’s name, La Forest, hints at its forested surroundings—an evergreen enclave that has long supplied fresh water to the area’s wildlife and, historically, to shepherds and farmers traversing the high valleys. Because the water flow is intermittent, the spring has traditionally been a seasonal landmark, signaling the end of the rainy period and the beginning of the drier months.

Locals often refer to it with a gentle warning: “Attention il s’agit d’une source très intermittente qui coule suite aux pluies, ne comptez pas dessus à partir de juin.” In English, that means: “Beware, this is a highly intermittent spring that flows after rain; don’t count on it after June.” This caution has turned the spring into a subtle rite of passage for avid trekkers—only those who time their visit right get to hear its gentle cascade.

Why It Matters

For travelers seeking authentic, low‑traffic nature spots, Source de La Forest offers:

• A genuine wilderness experience – No crowds, no souvenir stalls, just the raw sound of water meeting stone.
• Photography gold – The contrast of crystal‑clear water against moss‑covered rocks creates striking images, especially in the golden light of early morning or late afternoon.
• A gateway to nearby waterfalls – Within a 2‑kilometer radius, several small waterfalls dot the landscape, perfect for a day‑long hiking circuit.

3. How to Get There

By Car

1. From Nice – Take the A8 motorway west toward Aix‑en‑Provence, then exit at La Motte‑Saint‑Étienne (Exit 30). Follow signs for D907 toward Volonne.
2. From Marseille – Head north on the A7, switch to the A51 toward Gap, then take the D907 exit for Volonne.

Both routes bring you to the small town of Volonne, where you can park in the municipal parking lot near the Mairie (town hall).

By Public Transport

• Train – The nearest SNCF station is Gap, about 30 km away. From Gap, catch a regional bus (Line 123) to Volonne.
• Bus – Local bus services run from Digne‑les‑Bains and Sisteron to Volonne on weekdays. Check the Provence Mobilité website for up‑to‑date timetables.

The Final Stretch – Hiking to the Spring

From the Volonne parking area, follow the GR 57 signposts heading north toward the Forêt de La Forest. The trail is a well‑marked footpath that climbs gently through pine woods. After roughly 1.8 km (about 45 minutes) of moderate ascent, you’ll reach a small clearing where the spring emerges from a rocky basin.

Tip: Bring a waterproof map or a GPS app (the coordinates 44.221500, 6.097440 work perfectly) and wear sturdy hiking boots—some sections can be slippery after rain.

4. Best Time to Visit

Because Source de La Forest is intermittent, timing is everything.

Key advice: Check the local weather forecast a day before you head out. If there has been rain within the past 24‑48 hours, the spring is likely active.

5. What to Expect

The Sights & Sounds

When the spring is active, you’ll be greeted by a clear, steady trickle that pools into a shallow, turquoise basin. The water’s temperature is refreshingly cool, especially after a warm hike. The surrounding forest is dense with silver firs (Abies alba) and European beeches, creating a tranquil, almost meditative atmosphere.

The Feel

The air near the spring carries a subtle mineral scent, and the gentle splash creates a natural white‑noise backdrop—perfect for a short meditation break or a picnic on a flat stone.

Wildlife

Because the spring attracts moisture, you may spot European green lizards, common frogs, and occasional goldfinches flitting between the trees. Keep an eye out for wild herbs like lavender and thyme that grow in the sunny patches around the water.

Trail Conditions

• Intermittent flow means the path can be dry and dusty or muddy and slick, depending on recent rain.
• Altitude (950 m) offers mild temperature swings—cooler in the mornings, warmer by midday.

6. Nearby Attractions

A short hike from Source de La Forest leads you to a cluster of charming waterfalls, each with its own character. While they don’t have official names, they’re well‑known to local hikers and can be reached via side‑trails off the main GR 57 route.

Why Visit Them?
- Variety of scenery – From intimate pools to broader cascades, each waterfall offers a different photo opportunity.
- Extended hike – Combine the spring and waterfalls into a 4‑hour loop that showcases the best of Volonne’s alpine forest.
- Picnic spots – Many of the falls have flat stones perfect for a quick lunch.

7. Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

Source de La Forest may not appear on every travel brochure, but that’s precisely why it deserves a spot on your itinerary. It offers a rare glimpse into the living pulse of Provence’s high‑land forests—a spring that whispers its presence only when the skies have blessed the land with rain. Pair it with the nearby waterfalls for a full day of immersion in nature, and you’ll leave Volonne with a sense of discovery that mainstream tourist sites can’t match.

So pack your boots, check the forecast, and let the intermittent waters of Source de La Forest guide you to a hidden corner of Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur that few travelers ever get to experience. Happy trekking!