The Fier gorges, a Savoyard curiosity

Its 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.

What 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.

The history of the footbridges

From 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.

At 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.

The legends surrounding this canyon

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.

📍 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.