Gorges du Pont du Diable

La Vernaz

Between La Vernaz and La Forclaz, the Dranse de Morzine cuts into the Upper Jurassic limestone in a spectacular canyon, polished with tiered giant's kettles, the deepest of which are still at work. A fallen block, wedged between the walls, forms the natural arch that gives the site its name. Legend has it that the villagers, struggling to throw a bridge between the two communes, accepted a bargain with the devil: the bridge would be built in one night in exchange for the soul of the first living thing to cross it. The villagers sent across a goat dressed as a Christian; furious at being tricked, the devil cursed the bridge, threatening any living creature that ventured onto it. In 1892, the carpenter Jean Bochaton obtained the concession to 'build a wooden staircase with iron supports': the gorge opened to visitors as early as 1893 and was listed on 18 May 1908, among the first protected natural sites in France. Incorporated in 2012 into the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark, fitted with new footbridges in 2020, it welcomes nearly 60,000 visitors a year — the most visited tourist site in the French Chablais.

Getting there : Entrance at the hamlet of Le Jotty (D902 between Thonon-les-Bains and Morzine); fitted footbridges, paid entry in season (May-September)

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound