The gorges du Fier are a breathtaking sight. Like an explorer, visitors venture into a place that is both magical and frightening, paradoxically narrow and immense. In fact, the rocks sculpted by erosion really do make you feel tiny. The Fier, the local river, has been carving out this natural phenomenon for years. Since 1869, the gorge has been accessible to the public via a wooden footbridge set into the rock more than 25 metres above the tumultuous waters. Located around 20 minutes from Annecy, this canyon also has its share of legends that you can discover with friends or family. This unusual experience is especially welcome in summer, when it's a great way to cool off. The gorges du Fier are a good alternative for a change of scenery and activities linked to the lake or hiking.
The gorge is accessible to the public via a wooden footbridge set into the rock at a height of over 25 metres.
- © olivard / ShutterstockIts distinctive rocks, faults and bubbling water are a feast for the eyes, for young and old alike. Situated in the Alps, around ten kilometres from Lake Annecy, the Gorges du Fier have become a must-see site in the region since the construction of suspension footbridges.
The Fier, a river in the Savoie region, has for years been carving out this natural phenomenon.
- © olivard / ShutterstockWhat exactly is the Fier? The Fier is a river that flows through Haute-Savoie. The gorges du Fier exist thanks to water erosion. The site has now been open to the public for 150 years and is run by Enora Poizat, a third-generation farmer and guardian of the site.
Footbridges perched over 20 metres high
- © tkemot / ShutterstockFrom October 1868 to July 1969, work was carried out to install these huge wooden footbridges. The workers used a system of pulleys to fix the wooden plates and metal brackets into the rock. When the Gorges du Fier are closed to the public, these footbridges are combed through with a fine-tooth comb.
The visit is mainly via the wooden footbridges, secured by a metal fence. Perched at a height of more than 25 metres, visitors follow a 250-metre path. The gorges are so narrow that the water can rise as much as 26 metres in just a few hours! At the bottom of the canyon, the waters are unleashed before your very eyes. Thanks to the footbridges, you can admire the work of the water on the rocks. The passage known as the Dome is particularly stunning, where the sun's rays seep between the cliffs and rocks.
The beautiful Gorges du Fier and the footbridge
- © Oleg Lopatkin / ShutterstockAt the end of the canyon, an area known as the Mer de rochers (Sea of Rocks) offers a close-up view of the eroded limestone rocks. Here you can also see the river flowing through in places. Another path, after the suspension bridge, leads you along a wooded path to the Clairière des Curieux. This is an educational and entertaining area, with huge panels to help you learn more about the gorges, their formation, geographical location, geology and water cycle. The tour ends in a room featuring a timeline and a video on the history of the Gorges du Fier.
According to local legend, the Count of Montrottier did not trust his wife Diane. Thinking that she was fooling around elsewhere, he asked a young page to keep an eye on her. Over the months, the young man accompanied Diane everywhere and eventually fell in love. One day, however, he caught the beautiful Diane in the arms of the Count of Pontverre, the husband's rival. Jealous and angry, the young man decided to tell the Count of Montrottier everything. The Count set up a stage to trap the couple. Unmasked, the Count de Pontverre fled on his horse. The young page clung to the horse's tail, but the rider dragged him over the gorges of the Fier. The young page disappeared. Since then, the locals have heard moans coming from the gorges, like the lamenting cries of a page who misses his love.
The narrow walls of the Gorges du Fier
- © Oleg Lopatkin / Shutterstock📍 Location: 30 Rue du Pont des Liasses, 74330 Lovagny
🕑 Hiking time: 1h
🗓️ Open: March to October
👛 Price: euros for adults, 3 euros for children, free for under-7s
👉 Other info: The site is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. A baby carrier is compulsory when visiting. Pushchairs are not permitted. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to carry children in the arms or on the shoulders. Pets are not allowed on site. A shop, picnic area and bar are available on site.
Montrottier Castle
- © Lev Levin / ShutterstockJust a few minutes from the Gorges du Fier stands a magnificent 13th-century castle. Montrottier castle is a pentagonal fortress built around a cylindrical keep. This architectural style is surprising in the Haute-Savoie landscape. The château has been open to visitors since 1919, and houses an incredible collection of furniture, earthenware, weapons, rare objects from Africa and the Orient, and lace. Concerts, shows, temporary exhibitions and conferences are held in the fortress throughout the year. It is also possible to visit its garden, following a fun trail with a well-thought-out, interactive scenography. The château is open every day, and adult admission costs €9.
