Description
Formed by a glacier, the Gorges du Pont du Diable are located in the Vallée d'Aulps, and are crossed by the Dranse de Morzine. The visit is on foot (120 m ascent) to discover the history of the Pont du Diable, some 10,000 years old.
The Gorges du Pont du Diable is located on the River Dranse. It offers a great example of erosion in the limestone Alpine foothills of Chablais in Haute-Savoie.
Start your walk in an impressive beech forest then descend 70 metres down the steps which are anchored in the rock. The first set of stairs cross a group of enormous rocks stuck between the gorge's walls and give us a memorable sight: the Dranse River, running almost 50 metres beneath us at the bottom of the chasm.
The more adventurous can try out the "PAS DU DIABLE": a glass structure 60m above.
The river originally flowed down a deep valley until it hit a limestone barrier, the "Rochers de la Garde", which dates back to the Cretaceous and the Jurassic periods. Over time this natural barrier has been eroded by the fast-flowing river, becoming a gorge.
Access for the public was provided in 1893 and the site was given listed status in 1908. Since 2012 the Gorge du Pont du Diable has been considered an iconic site of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopak.
In summer, visitors come here for refreshing walks and to glimpse the natural forces at work.
Formed by the action of ancient subglacial rivers, today the River Dranse of Morzine is swallowed by the limestone gorges. These are dominated by an imposing arch: Le Pont du Diable, "The Devils Bridge". Discover its legend, marvel at the surrounding cliffs, and the agile chamois who cross the sleep rock to lick the stones.
The gorge's walls are like immense drapes and eerie excavations. The "giants pans" formed by the river’s whirlpools, only add to the fantasy of the location. Erosion has also sculpted many fantastic shapes to see along the visit, such as a grey marble "cushion", the same rock found at the quarry in la Vernaz. Streams have covered the gorge in colourful mineral deposits so that if you arrive at around 10 o’clock, you'll see the the sun’s rays light up a magical palette of greys, greens, ochres and blues.
The gorges were originally an underground river bed hollowed out by unfiltered waters. The blockfield obstructing the upper part comes from the vault’s dislocation.
Another relic of the melting is an isolated block over thirty metres above the torrent, an imposing arch called the "Pont du Diable".
Written guided visit available in English
Bons plans
MULTI PASS DISCOUNT: visit the natural site / 15% discount on presentation of the Multi Pass (for individuals)
Equipment at your disposal
Equipment
Service
Spoken languages
- German
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Dutch
- Russian
Groups
Minimum number of persons : 20
Maximum number of persons : 40
The Gorges du Pont du Diable
205 Route des Grandes Alpes
74200 La Vernaz
Methods of payment
-
American Express
-
Bank/credit card
-
Check
-
Travellers Cheque
-
Cash
-
Credit transfer
The opening time
Opening hours
From 29/03 to 30/09.
From 9am to 6pm (July and August)
From 10.30am to 4.30 pm (April, May, June, September).
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Localisation
Make an itinerary
The Rates
Child (4-15 years): 14 € (From 4 to 15 years old).
Free entry for children < 4 years.
Group rate available for > 20 people.
Group rates on request, from 20 people.
15% discount with the Multi Pass Portes du Soleil
Pass Léman France : - 3€ discount / entry = 15€.
A Discover
Welcome to the Pont du Diable Gorges Brewery! Come and enjoy a large choice of drinks and foot, either inside in the cool bar area or outdoors on the sunny terrace.
205 Route des Grandes Alpes
74200 La Vernaz
0450721039
Pont du Diable Gorges Brewery
3 interpretative panels explain how the Gorges were formed, the power of erosion. And you can observe Chamois licking the salts found on the surface of the limestone beds. The trail with lots of marches in the forest is located before the last entrance (with fee admission) of the Gorges
Le Jotty
74200 La Vernaz
04 50 79 65 09
Gorges du Pont du Diable discovery trail
205 Route des Grandes Alpes
74200 La Vernaz
0450721039