Loire, Natural gorges in Monistrol-sur-Loire, France
The Gorges of the Loire form a river section in Monistrol-sur-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, where the waterway cuts through steep rocky slopes and forested banks. This stretch covers several kilometers and creates a distinctive landscape between the highlands and the flatter terrain further east.
The construction of the Grangent dam between 1955 and 1957 created a reservoir on the Loire and reshaped this river section completely. The hydroelectric plant uses the natural elevation drop and has defined the topography of the gorge ever since.
The Saint-Just glassworks maintains a two-century tradition of producing colored glass plates through traditional glassblowing techniques.
Walking paths follow the banks and climb the slopes, while water sports opportunities are available on the lake. Numerous starting points give access to routes of varying difficulty, suitable for short walks or longer day hikes.
A glassworks nearby has produced colored glass plates for two centuries using traditional methods and can be visited. Essalois Castle offers a rooftop terrace with views over the lake and an information center about the geology and natural history of the gorge.
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