The Bisse de Ricard - Chalais

Built in 1484, the Bisse de Ricard takes its water from the Navisence to irrigate the slope of Chalais. The route of this bisse has several steep ...

The Bisse de Ricard, dating back to the 15th century, takes its water from the deep gorges of the Navisence, under the hanging bridge of Niouc. The Bisse de Ricard is still operational, but the first part has been replaced by a tunnel. It is still possible to walk the original route, but crossing some corridors is exposed; however, a handrail equips the most perilous passages. After exiting the gorges, the bisse flows in the open air, except for a few sections under pipes. The bisse is bordered by a path along the entire route, which crosses vineyards, shaded meadows and ends in the Rèche, slightly below the waterfall. Along the route, a didactic trail has been developed with themes on the operation of bisses, their utility, the link with agriculture, fauna, flora, as well as some history. It is part of the didactic trails from Chalais to the Chalets and is named "passing by the Ricard."