Gorges de l'Albarine, Natural gorges in Bas-Bugey, France
The Albarine Gorges form a deep canyon that stretches for several kilometers from a major waterfall down toward the village of Tenay, with steep rock walls rising on both sides. The river flows through the heart of this formation, cutting through layers of stone and creating a dramatic natural passage.
An early 1900s project planned to build a railway connecting the valley floor to the surrounding plateau, but the scheme was never completed. The route of that abandoned railway still exists as a trail that visitors can trace through the landscape today.
The river draws fishermen who come to catch brown trout and grayling in the water. The gorge is known locally for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate the natural setting and riverside life.
A road runs through the valley connecting the lower village to the plateau above, offering access along the canyon. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable visiting conditions, with moderate temperatures and moderate water flow in the river.
During summer months, the river vanishes beneath the rock surface, sinking into underground cavities before reappearing downstream through natural stone channels. This unusual behavior makes the site valuable for studying how water moves through limestone terrain.
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