Gorges de Nouailles, Protected natural site in Doubs, France
The Gorges de Nouailles are a protected natural site in the Doubs department of France, forming a deep canyon carved by the Loue river. The walls of Jurassic limestone rise steeply on both sides of the river, which flows over rocks and drops in places to form small waterfalls.
The limestone of the gorge dates to the Jurassic period, and the Loue river carved it over millions of years into the shape it holds today. In the 19th century, a road was built along the cliff faces to connect two villages, opening the area to travelers for the first time.
The name Nouailles comes from old local place names tied to this part of the Doubs. Hikers follow a section of the GR 595 long-distance trail, which runs along the river and puts visitors in close contact with the rock walls and moving water.
The trails through the gorge are narrow and rocky in places, so sturdy footwear and some confidence on uneven ground are helpful. Spring and summer months offer the best conditions for walking, when the paths are drier and the light inside the canyon is at its clearest.
A small hydroelectric plant operated by EDF sits inside the gorge, drawing water from the Loue through underground tunnels to power its turbines. Nearby, a cave called the Grotte des Faux-monnayeurs, meaning the Counterfeiters' Cave, takes its name from coins discovered inside it long ago.
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