Gorges of the Bourne

The Bourne is the main river of the Vercors, which drains all the rainwater, make snow, but also all the waters that have circulated in the kilometers of galleries and caves. These subterranean waters recover the open air by resurgences which form periodic majestic cascades emerging as if by enchantment of the rock and coming to dress up the great limestone cliffs, symbols of the landscapes of the Vercors. This torrential river also marks the territory as a way of communication between the top and the bottom. It stimulates the passions, like a magnet in this relatively dry territory, since a large part of the water circulates in the subsoil. She quietly finishes her race at St Nazaire-en-Royans in a lake located at the confluence with the Isère. For the fishermen this river is still a myth in front of the richness of its aquatic ecosystem which is home to a large population of trout and other fish. We must ensure that uses (hydropower, irrigation, agriculture, development) do not degrade this vital vein for the territory, in an uncertain future subject to the vagaries of climate change.