Gorges de la Loire, Natural canyon in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Gorges de la Loire is a natural canyon in the Loire region of France where the river flows through steep granite cliffs flanked by wooded slopes. The system extends for several kilometers and creates deep valleys with varied geological formations.
Formation of the gorge began around 300 million years ago through erosion processes that gradually shaped the granite bedrock. Human settlement concentrated in the area during the Middle Ages, establishing the villages and castles that perch on the edges today.
Medieval villages and castles like Rochebaron and Chalencon sit perched along the gorge edges where people have lived for centuries despite the challenging terrain. Visitors can observe how settlements adapted to this steep and isolated landscape.
Several hiking trails wind through the canyon, including the popular GR3 route which provides multiple viewpoints and navigation options throughout the area. The best approach depends on which section you want to explore since the gorges span a considerable distance.
The Grangent Lake section contains an island with a 13th-century castle situated in the middle of an artificial reservoir created by dam construction. This blend of medieval architecture and modern water management creates an unusual landscape combination.
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