Gorges du Piaon, Natural canyon in Alpes-Maritimes, France.
The Gorges du Piaon is a canyon with vertical limestone cliffs and deep valleys carved by water in the Mediterranean mountains near Sospel. Water has cut through the rock over time, creating narrow passages and small pools throughout the formation.
The canyon formed over millions of years as water continuously cut through layers of sedimentary rock. This slow geological process shaped the distinctive cliffs and valleys visible today.
The gorges draw hikers seeking solitude among narrow paths bordered by sheer rock walls. Visitors come to experience the quietness and connect with nature, away from the busier coastal areas nearby.
Access the canyon via the D2566 road, with parking available about 5 kilometers north of Sospel near a camping area. The site is best explored on foot using marked trails that wind between the rock walls.
A waterfall roughly 10 meters tall marks the entrance and feeds a natural pool nestled in the rock formations. This feature is often the first thing visitors encounter upon entering the area.
GPS coordinates: 43.89937,7.41540
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:05
France's landscape features a variety of natural canyons carved by river erosion over millennia. These geological formations include the white limestone walls of Verdon, the red shale cliffs of Daluis Canyon, and the emerald waters of Ardèche. Each site reflects a unique geological history, with depths ranging from a few tens of meters to over 700 meters. The Tarn gorges stretch 50 kilometers between the Causses, while Verdon has created Europe's deepest canyon. In the Pyrenees, the Gorges de la Carança and Gorges de la Fou offer pathways with metal walkways. The Alps host the Aiglun Gorge and Daluis Gorges, recognizable by their Permian red rocks. These natural sites are suitable for hiking, climbing, kayaking, and feature many viewpoints to observe these rock formations from nearby roads.
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Ménour
2.5 km
Sospel Cathedral
3.6 km
Ouvrage L'Agaisen
3.4 km
Ouvrage Saint-Roch
3.6 km
Vieux pont de Sospel
3.6 km
Église Sainte-Marguerite de Lucéram
4.7 km
Château de Sospel
3.6 km
Château de Lucéram
4.6 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Cœur de Lucéram
5.2 km
Cime de Peïra-Cava
5.8 km
Chapelle Saint-Grat de Lucéram
5.2 km
Chapelle Sainte-Croix de Sospel
3.6 km
Place Saint-Michel
3.6 km
Chapelle des Pénitents gris de Sospel
3.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Pierre de Lucéram
4.8 km
Fontaine Souta Loggia
3.6 km
Fontaine de la Cabraïa
3.5 km
Fontaine du Cours
3.7 km
Église Saint-Bernard de Moulinet
4.8 km
Fontaine circulaire
3.7 km
Hospice de Sospel
3.5 km
Maison, 2 la Placette
4.7 km
Maisons à arcades de Sospel
3.6 km
Chapelle Saint-Jean de Lucéram
4.7 km
Palais de la Gabelle
3.7 km
Palais Ricci des Ferres de Sospel
3.6 km
Maison Gallis
3.6 km
Maison, 40 rue de la République
3.7 kmReviews
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