Pont du Diable Canyon: the guide to the Bauges gorge
Just 40 minutes from Annecy, deep in the Bauges massif, the Pont du Diable canyon is one of the wildest and most spectacular in the region. Its narrow gorge carved into the rock, its deep potholes and its natural stone arch make it an unforgettable adventure for thrill-seekers. Here's the complete guide to this legendary canyon.
1. Where is the Pont du Diable?
The Pont du Diable canyon is in the Bauges massif, in Savoie, about 40 minutes' drive from Annecy. It's one of the canyons in the "extended playground" our guides open up from Annecy, to vary the moods beyond the lake canyons such as Angon.
Nestled among forest and limestone cliffs, this canyon offers a complete change of scenery: you leave the buzz of the lake behind and plunge into a wild, unspoilt gorge with a distinctly alpine feel.
2. The Pont du Diable, the natural arch
The canyon owes its name to a spectacular stone arch spanning the gorge — a natural "bridge" that alpine legend often attributes to the devil ("Pont du Diable" means Devil's Bridge). This mineral setting, sculpted by water over millennia, gives the route a unique, almost mysterious atmosphere.
Passing beneath the arch, surrounded by smooth walls and deep pools, is one of the highlights of the descent. It's this special character that sets the Pont du Diable apart from the other canyons in the region.
3. The route: gorge, potholes and abseils
The Pont du Diable is a more committing and technical canyon than the beginner ones. You'll find:
- An enclosed gorge, narrow and impressive, where water has carved the rock;
- Potholes (large circular pools) where you swim in clear water;
- Jumps into the deep pools, always optional;
- Abseils down the drops, rope-guided.
This sequence of varied passages, in a striking mineral setting, makes it a sought-after trip for those wanting to go a step further.
4. Who is it for? Level and age
The Pont du Diable canyon is for a sporty crowd, comfortable in the water and with no fear of abseiling. It's done from age 12, as a private trip, for tailored guiding suited to your group.
It isn't the ideal canyon for a very first experience: if you're a beginner or coming with young children, start with the Discovery trip in the Angon canyon (from age 8). The Pont du Diable makes a great next step, when the taste for technical canyoning kicks in.
5. When to do the Pont du Diable canyon?
The ideal season runs from spring to autumn. The flow in the gorge, stronger in spring and after storms, greatly shapes the atmosphere — which is why the date is chosen with the guide, who checks conditions before every trip for maximum safety and enjoyment.
6. How a trip works
The meeting point is near the site, in the Bauges. After kitting up (wetsuit, helmet, harness provided) and a safety briefing — abseil and jump techniques — the group enters the gorge with the guide. The descent alternates swimming in the potholes, jumps, abseils and passages beneath the arch. Allow a half-day including the approach and travel.
7. Descending the Pont du Diable with a guide
Given its committing nature — abseils, narrow gorge, reading the flow — the Pont du Diable must be descended with a professional. Our state-certified guides know the gorge perfectly and secure every passage, so you can enjoy this technical canyon with complete peace of mind. Guiding that's regularly praised in our reviews, with a 5.0/5 rating on Google. Find all our canyons in the guide to the canyons of Annecy.
Ready for the Pont du Diable gorge?
Private trip from age 12, enclosed gorge, potholes and abseils. Certified guides, gear provided.
Book the Pont du Diable →Frequently asked questions about the Pont du Diable canyon
Where is the Pont du Diable canyon?
The Pont du Diable canyon is in the Bauges massif, in Savoie, about 40 minutes' drive from Annecy. It's one of the canyons accessible from Annecy.
Is the Pont du Diable canyon difficult?
It's a sporty, technical canyon, with an enclosed gorge, potholes and abseils. You need to be comfortable in the water and okay with abseiling. To start out, choose the Angon canyon.
From what age can you do the Pont du Diable?
The Pont du Diable canyon is done from age 12, as a private trip, with guiding adapted to the group by a state-certified guide.
Where does the name "Pont du Diable" come from?
The canyon owes its name to a natural stone arch spanning the gorge — a "bridge" (pont) that alpine legend often attributes to the devil (diable). Passing beneath the arch is a highlight of the descent.
Do you need to swim for the Pont du Diable?
Yes, you need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim, as the gorge has several deep potholes. The neoprene wetsuit provides good buoyancy.