Two bridges side by side above the Usses gorges: the Pont Charles-Albert, suspended, inaugurated in 1839, now pedestrian-only and listed as a Historic Monument since 1966; and the Pont Caquot, a concrete arch from 1928, which carries the RD1201. Owned by the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council.
The Pont de la Caille — officially the Pont Charles-Albert — is a steel-cable suspension bridge inaugurated on 11 July 1839, straddling the communes of Cruseilles and Allonzier-la-Caille. It is 180 m long and crosses the Usses gorges at a height of 147 m. Listed as a Historic Monument since 6 May 1966, it belongs to the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council and is one of the 25 emblematic tourist sites of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region.
Next to it stands the Pont Caquot, or Pont Neuf, built between 1924 and 1928 under the direction of engineer Albert Caquot. Its unreinforced concrete arch was one of the largest vaults in the world at the time. It is this bridge that carries today's traffic on the RD1201. The Pont Charles-Albert, relieved of vehicle traffic since 1929, is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. One site, two bridges, one history.
On the RD1201 between Annecy and Cruseilles, ~20 min north of Annecy and ~20 min south of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois. From the A41 motorway, exit Allonzier-la-Caille, then RD1201 towards Cruseilles. Free parking on both sides of the bridge.
Open in MapsAccessible via the RD1201. The Pont Charles-Albert itself is open to cyclists since its pedestrianisation.
Open in MapsTransport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)
Restaurant chalet au bord du lac, terrasse face à l'eau, bar du matin au dernier verre. Cuisine savoyarde et traditionnelle, charcuterie Maison Baud, glaces artisanales. Au cœur du Domaine du Tornet.
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No. Access to the Pont de la Caille is free year-round, every day. Free parking on both sides.
No. The Pont Charles-Albert (called Pont de la Caille) has been pedestrian-only since 1929. Cars use the neighbouring Pont Caquot, which carries the RD1201.
According to the Office de Tourisme Fier et Usses, the Pont de la Caille overlooks the Usses river by 147 m. Wikipedia and other sources indicate ~150 m: a minor estimation difference.
Yes. Dogs are allowed at the Pont de la Caille. Keeping them on a leash is recommended on the deck and walkways for safety.
Yes, two free car parks flank the Pont de la Caille: one on the Cruseilles side (the larger) and one on the Allonzier-la-Caille side. The Allonzier car park is smaller but shadier in the afternoon.
Yes. The Pont de la Caille (Pont Charles-Albert) has been listed as a Historic Monument by decree of 6 May 1966. It is owned by the Haute-Savoie Departmental Council.
Yes, a path leads down from the Pont de la Caille site to the remains of the thermal baths at the bottom of the gorges. The buildings are disused and in poor condition; descend with care.
The deck of the Pont de la Caille is secured but the sense of emptiness is strong, including through the wooden planks. The panoramic walkways are not advised in case of vertigo.
Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.
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