Gorges du Cians: Driving Between Red Rock Walls

The Chiance Gorge was one of the most surprising places on the trip. We set out from Vans, traveling between mountains and green areas, and later we entered the road that passes through red rock walls. The color is very noticeable when you are inside the gorge, and the images manage to convey only part of the look.

Chiance Creek was one of the surprising places on the trip.Vance We traveled between mountains and green areas, and later we entered a road that passes through red rock walls. The color is very noticeable when you are inside the ravine, and the images manage to convey only part of the mirror.

The ravine is carved into the rocks of a grain-thin sediment, called refugees. The iron in them oxidized and gave them a deep red tint. The river has long worn out the rock and created the narrow passages. Looking at the walls and the water flowing between them, one can see how the structure and color of the place are related to these geological processes.

The road is part of the visit.

For this day we went out in a car we rented after comparing prices and conditions in DiscoverCars On the narrow and winding roads we traveled slowly, and in parts of them there were no margins. It is best to leave for the journey enough time and not plan the day by the distances alone.

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The stopping points should be chosen in advance. The narrow sections have no safe place to stop by the side of the road, even when the view is tempting to take a picture. Prepare the navigation before departure and keep up to date with work or road closures in the area.

The first stop: Petite Clue

At the first stop we walked in the old road section. Below us was water, we saw small waterfalls, and the red rock walls were very close. The walk was short, but we stopped again and again to look and take pictures.

We saw a stairway going down to the river and a family having a picnic downstairs. We were content to walk the old way. Before going down to the water we had to make sure that access was permitted and appropriate to the terrain and flow conditions.

Second stop: Grande Clue

At the second stop we walked a few hundred meters more, between walls and rock arches. Here the passage was narrower, and the rocks rose up close above us. We were glad we stopped at both places, because each of them could see a different part of the ravine.

What to know before you arrive

Our visit included traveling and short walks along the old road. The access situation may change due to weather, rock fall or jobs, so it is important to respect the blockages and control. It is worthwhile to arrive with comfortable shoes and water, and leave enough light hours for the rest of the trip.

From here we continued to Entrebo and the Citadel And we returned to Vans through the mountains. This combination filled a full day, with quite a bit of driving and a strenuous climb to the fort. Details of the car preparation appear in the Driving guide in France All stations in The Tour Route.