Gorges du Fier

About Gorges du Fier

The Gorges du Fier are a narrow, deep canyon in Lovagny, around ten kilometres west of Annecy. The Fier, a mountain torrent rising at the foot of Mont Charvin, has carved a passage between two vertical walls, and the millennial erosion of water on rock reached its current form over roughly 20,000 years.

The site has been developed since 1869, when 250 m of footbridges were fixed into the rock 25 m above the torrent. Access to the footbridges is paid, and the trail is open from 15 March to 15 October. Around the site, the commune of Lovagny has created the Chemin des Châteaux, a free 2 km walking loop linking the entrance of the Gorges to the Château de Montrottier via the pont des Liasses and the pont de Pontverre.

What you can do there

Cross the canyon footbridges

Since 1869

250 m of footbridges fixed 25 m above the Fier. Round trip ~1 hour. Ticket office at the entrance, closes 1 hour before site closing.

Chemin des Châteaux, free access

2 km walking loop with 13 interpretation panels, linking the Gorges and the Château de Montrottier. Start at the Violette car park. Open 15 March – 15 October.

See the Sea of Rocks

At the end of the footbridge, a maze of limestone rocks (lapiaz) marks the end of the canyon before the Fier resumes its torrent form.

Observe the flood scale

Halfway along, a scale shows the heights reached by past floods. Record: 27 m above normal level on 30 September 1960.

Combine with Château de Montrottier

The Château de Montrottier is directly linked to the Gorges by the Chemin des Châteaux. Separate paid visit.

Picnic at the entrance

Picnic area with tables and benches at the site entrance. Shop, bar and terrace also available.

Practical info

Address

30 rue du Pont des Liasses, 74330 Lovagny

Coordinates

45.8981° N, 6.0416° E

Opening hours

15 March – 15 October: daily 9:30 am to 6:15 pm (7:15 pm in high season 15 June – 10 September). Last entry 1 hour before closing. Site closed 16 October – 14 March.

Footbridge price

Adult €5.50 to €6; child 7-15 €3; free under 7. Group rate from 20 people. Price to verify on official website.

Chemin des Châteaux

Free access

Parking

Two free car parks: main car park on route des Gorges in Lovagny, and a second on the Chavanod side (smaller, access via steps)

Animals

Dogs not allowed on the footbridges. Allowed on the Chemin des Châteaux.

Accessibility

Footbridges not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers (insufficient width). Baby carrier mandatory for children who cannot walk independently; loan available on site against ID, subject to stock.

Public toilets

Yes, at the site entrance (dry toilets)

Motorhome

Motorhome parking permitted

How to get there

By car

From Annecy, ~10 km west. Via the D14 towards Lovagny, then follow signs for "Gorges du Fier". Second access via Chavanod (smaller car park close to the canyon entrance, access via a stepped path).

By public transport

Limited service from Annecy. Public transport access is possible but not very practical; car remains the main mode.

By bike

Cycle routes from Annecy via Poisy and Lovagny. Shared road on the last kilometres.

When to visit

The footbridge site is open 15 March – 15 October only. The surrounding Chemin des Châteaux follows the same dates.

March – April: start of season, moderate attendance.
May – June: mild weather, cool canyon under forest cover.
July – August: peak season, heavy attendance. Come early morning or late afternoon.
September – mid-October: autumn light, lower attendance.
Winter: site closed.

After heavy rain, the torrent below is particularly impressive.

Where to eat, drink, stay nearby

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A restaurant in Lovagny?

You welcome visitors to the Gorges and Château de Montrottier? Appear here.

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A bakery, a local shop?

Based in Lovagny or Poisy and serving visitors to the Gorges? Appear here.

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Accommodation nearby?

Guesthouse, B&B, campsite, rental between Annecy and the Fier. Share your availability.

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Photos of Gorges du Fier

📷 Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

📷 Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

📷 Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

📷 Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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Frequently asked questions

Is access to the Gorges du Fier paid?

Yes for the footbridges: adult €5.50 to €6, child 7-15 €3, free under 7. The Chemin des Châteaux around the Gorges du Fier is however free to access.

When are the Gorges du Fier open?

The Gorges du Fier are open daily from 15 March to 15 October, from 9:30 am to 6:15 pm in low season and until 7:15 pm in summer (15 June – 10 September). The ticket office closes 1 hour before the site. The site is closed from 16 October to 14 March.

Can I bring my dog to the Gorges du Fier?

Not on the footbridges: dogs are not allowed on the trail of the Gorges du Fier. They are however allowed on the free Chemin des Châteaux loop around the site.

Are the Gorges du Fier accessible to strollers?

No. Strollers are not allowed on the footbridges of the Gorges du Fier (insufficient width). A baby carrier is mandatory for children who cannot walk independently; a loan is available on site against ID, subject to stock.

How long does a visit to the Gorges du Fier take?

A visit to the Gorges du Fier takes about 1 hour round trip, on a route slightly over 1 km long. The path is flat, with benches along the footbridges.

Is there parking at the Gorges du Fier?

Yes. Two free car parks serve the Gorges du Fier: the main car park on route des Gorges in Lovagny (close to the site), and a second on the Chavanod side (smaller, accessed via a stepped path).

Can Gorges du Fier and Château de Montrottier be combined?

Yes. The Gorges du Fier and the Château de Montrottier are linked by the Chemin des Châteaux, a free 2 km walking loop with 13 interpretation panels. The commune of Lovagny has developed this route to make combining the two sites easy.

Are the Gorges du Fier accessible to people with reduced mobility?

No. The footbridges of the Gorges du Fier are not wheelchair accessible due to the insufficient width of the passage. The Chemin des Châteaux around also has uneven terrain.

Sources

Cross-checked across multiple sources at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before a specific visit.

Published 23 avril 2026 · Last updated 23 avril 2026 · Report outdated info