“There are magical, magical, peaceful, rejuvenating, soothing, poetic places.
This kind of little corner of paradise that propels out of time, into a divine parenthesis. »
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Out of time, the Garden of petrifying fountains offers a playful journey, between humor and poetry. Unique in its kind, discover what makes the particularity of the garden and the village of La Sône with the phenomenon of petrification on the tufières: these incredible natural constructions sculpted by water.
Anaïs VuillermotTuff and the secrets of petrification
For almost a thousand years, mysterious springs have flowed under the village of La Sône and created a curious light and porous rock formed by mosses and plants covered with limestone: tuff...
It is this phenomenon of petrifying water that gives rise to all the natural jewels (plants, rocks, objects) that can be observed in the garden.
With the aim of preserving these local curiosities called "tufa formations" created by limestone springs from the Chambaran plateau, the Garden of Petrifying Fountains was established in 1994. A similar phenomenon can be found, in another form, in the Cave of Choranche where water has sculpted equally spectacular concretions.
A visit to the Petrifying Fountains Garden
As a reward for the maintenance, the botanical diversity and the unusual elements that characterize it, the Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes was awarded the "Remarkable Garden" label in 2018.
The Pebble with the Owls
Anaïs Vuillermot
The Valentinoise 
Lena Ferez
Lena Ferez
Water, the central theme of the family visit
“A plant symphony drawn by water”
Water is omnipresent and sculpts the garden. Ponds, streams, goures, waterfalls, petrifying fountains punctuate the course. Young and old alike will be able to wander between the streams, cool off in the water trail and enjoy the melodious song of the springs as much as the deafening sound of the waterfall.
more than 800 plant species…
In an aquatic setting made up of pools and waterfalls, rediscover this harmonious and original combination each time you come. More than 800 species of flowers and plant forms take visitors on a veritable tour of the botanical world where rare exotic, Mediterranean, aquatic and tropical plants rub shoulders.
Among the most unusual: the famous mandrake, mimosa pudica, a sensitive plant that closes as soon as you touch it, Ginkgo biloba… and many other new products each season.
The Pebble with the Owls
Marie Bassiny Palmer
Marie Bassiny Palmer
Marie Bassiny Palmer
Marie Bassiny Palmer
Gaeo photo
Anaïs Vuillermot
Gaeo photo… an original and playful presentation for young and old
A unique place enhanced by a particularly generous nature but also by the creativity and talent of the team of gardeners.
During your visit, open your eyes and observe the limitless imagination of the gardeners. Between humor and poetry, we find everywhere a few artistic creations and diverted objects in the garden.
Just like the plant plantations, these unusual installations are renewed every year. With each visit, we therefore rediscover a corner or a treasure of the garden.
Anais Vuillemenot
Anaïs Vuillermot
Gaeo photo
Gaeo photo
Gaeo photoTO PREPARE YOUR VISIT
In the Isère department, 10 minutes from Pont-en-Royans and Saint-Marcellin, at the foot of the Vercors Regional Nature ParkThe Petrifying Fountains Garden offers an exceptional botanical experience. Located at the entrance to the village of La Sône, below the bridge, the parking areas provide access to the visitor center, which includes a ticket office, a shop, a bar, and a snack bar.
Practical information
Petrifying Fountains Garden
184 Impasse des Tufières
38840 The Sone
+04 76 64 43 42
Online reservation strongly recommended
Open daily from early May to early October each year. Timetables on the website.
Free visit of about 1h30. Guided tours for groups.
Prices from the 1ster May to July 3 and from September 1 to 30, 2026
ADULT : 12,50 €
YOUTH (11-17 years): 11,30 €
CHILD (4-10 years old) : €7,70
CHILD (0-3 years): free
REDUCED PRICE * : 11,30 €
Prices from July 4th to August 31st, 2026
ADULT : 13,50 €
YOUTH (11-17 years): 12,30 €
CHILD (4-10 years old) : €8,70
CHILD (0-3 years): free
REDUCED PRICE * : 12,30 €
*Adult with a disability, student, job seeker (upon presentation of proof less than 3 months old)
Frequently Asked Questions
How are petrifying fountains formed?
Rainwater falling on the Chambaran plateau seeps underground, becoming enriched with limestone as it passes through the rocks. When it emerges into the open air in the garden, it deposits this limestone on everything it encounters: moss, branches, objects. These deposits accumulate over the years and form tufa, a light and porous rock characteristic of the site.
How long does the garden visit last?
Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes for a self-guided visit, up to 2 hours if you take the time to linger at the waterfalls, relax on the sun loungers, and explore every nook and cranny. This is an ideal length of time for a family outing, neither tiring out the little ones nor boring the adults.
Is the garden accessible with a stroller or for people with reduced mobility?
The garden offers a route accessible to strollers and people with reduced mobility. For specific conditions, we recommend consulting the "Accessibility" page of the official website or contacting the garden directly at +33 4 76 64 43 42 before your visit.
What is the best time to visit the Petrifying Fountains Garden?
The garden is open from early May to early October. May and June offer the most beautiful blooms and pleasant coolness. In July and August, the water trail is very popular with children. September brings golden light and a quieter atmosphere, ideal for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a more contemplative experience.
Can we eat on site?
Yes, the garden's visitor center houses a bar and snack bar for a delicious break before or after your visit. You can also extend your experience at one of the restaurants in the surrounding villages.