Gorges Supérieures du Cians, Natural canyon in Alpes-Maritimes, France.
The Gorges Supérieures du Cians is a canyon in the Alpes-Maritimes carved by the Cians River through red rock formations. The walls rise to significant heights, creating a dramatic gorge with passages where rock faces narrow considerably.
The canyon was formed over millennia by the Cians River eroding through soft rock layers. This natural passage connected mountain settlements and shaped regional movement patterns through the Alps.
The geological formations of red pelites in the Barrot dome demonstrate the region's natural architecture that influenced local development patterns and traditions.
The canyon offers several routes of varying difficulty, with some sections featuring tunnels and lighting for safer passage. Wear sturdy footwear and expect uneven terrain along the walk.
At its narrowest point, the rock walls squeeze together to just about one meter apart, creating an unusually tight passage. This extreme narrowing is one of the most striking features visitors encounter.
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