Looking for a fun nature experience just outside Annecy? The Gorges du Fier near Annecy are one of the most surprising and impressive spots in Haute-Savoie. This narrow canyon carved by the Fier river takes you along a suspended walkway high above the water, through a dramatic landscape of cliffs, rock formations, and swirling currents.
A perfect half-day trip whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family.
Walk Above the Fier
The highlight of the visit is a 250-meter metal walkway attached to the cliffside, 25 meters above the river. As you walk through the gorge, you’ll get a close-up look at “giant’s kettles,” smooth circular basins carved by the force of the water over time.
It’s thrilling but safe, with rails and solid ground underfoot. Nature does the rest.
Halfway through the walk, you’ll spot a vertical gauge marked with the water levels reached during past floods of the Fier. Some of them even rose higher than the walkway itself!
The final stretch of the path opens onto the “Sea of Rocks,” where the Fier flows more gently, weaving through a surreal landscape of sculpted limestone.
To avoid the crowds, it’s best to arrive right when the site opens or later in the day, just before closing time. The walkway is narrow, and it can be tricky to pause and enjoy the view when it’s packed.
The last time I visited, we arrived just before 5 PM, and I had the place almost to ourselves!
Back in the day, the gorge was feared and even thought to be cursed by locals. It wasn’t until the 19th century that it was made safe and accessible for visitors.
The Sea of Rocks
After exiting the main Gorges du Fier trail, take the path on the left, the one that leads uphill toward the parking area. Cross the road, then continue left just after the house. The trail is closed to cars and motorbikes.
Follow the shaded path that runs alongside the final stretch of the Gorges du Fier. At the end of the path, near the fence, take the small trail that goes down to the right — it will lead you straight to the riverbank.
In spring 2019, two people tragically lost their lives after venturing onto the riverbanks. In response, the town of Lovagny , where the Gorges du Fier are located, announced plans to install barriers to block access to the first section of the river for safety reasons.
Please be careful and respect all safety signage. The river can be deceptively fast and dangerous, especially after heavy rain.
Practical Information
Open season: March 15 – October 15, every day (including holidays)
Opening hours:
- March 15 – June 14: 9:30 AM – 6:15 PM (last entry 5:15 PM)
- June 15 – August 31: 9:30 AM – 7:15 PM (last entry 6:15 PM)
- September 1 – October 15: 9:30 AM – 6:15 PM (last entry 5:15 PM)
Prices:
- Adults (16+): €6
- Children (7–15): €3
- Under 7: Free
Duration: around 1 hour
Accessibility:
- Not suitable for strollers
- Pets are not allowed
How to Get There
- By car: About 20 minutes from Annecy, with free parking on site
- By bus: LIHSA line 32 from Annecy to Lovagny, then a 20-minute walk
- By bike: Flat countryside route — easy and scenic
More info on gorgesdufier.com
Adresse: 30 Rue du Pont des Liasses, 74330 Lovagny, France
Bonus Stop: Montrottier Castle
If you’re visiting the Gorges du Fier near Annecy, don’t miss Château de Montrottier, just a 15-minute walk away. It’s a beautifully preserved medieval castle with eclectic collections and fantastic panoramic views over the region. More info at chateaudemontrottier.com
