The Gouffre d'Enfer dam was erected at the request of Napoleon III. It is one of the first “masonry arch weight” dams in Europe. If the name inspires little confidence, this place is sublime, especially in autumn when the colors of the forest change.

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Paul_C

March 9, 2023

Running

The Gouffre d'Enfer dam, completed in 1866, was one of the first masonry arch gravity dams in Europe and the highest dam in France and in the world at the time. An impressive dam with steps installed to climb it (if you want to add a few vertical meters to your run!).

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Clément

February 12, 2023

Hiking

Huge and impressive dam, vertiginous!

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Gouffre d'Enfer Dam

4.7

(64)

369

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1. The Gouffre d'Enfer

8.62km

02:31

240m

230m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(33)

324

hikers

2. Rochetaillée Castle – Pas du Riot Dam loop from Rochetaillée

10.9km

03:07

260m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(17)

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3. Gouffre d'Enfer Dam – Pas-du-Riot Dam loop from Le Bessat

21.2km

06:10

560m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 780 m

Weather

Friday 20 March

13°C

0°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Planfoy, Saint-Étienne, Auvergne Rhône Alpes, France

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Superbe point de vue

Cascade du Gouffre d'Enfer

La Roche Corbière Castle

Cotatay Dam

Château de Rochetaillée

Déversoir du barrage de la Rive

Le gouffre de l'enfer

Stone Archway in Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat

Rochetaillée Pilat et Retour

Pont de l'aqueduc des Sources et des Fontaines

Montée vers le Gouffre d'Enfer

La croix des Fosses

Gouffre d'Enfer Dam

1. The Gouffre d'Enfer

2. Rochetaillée Castle – Pas du Riot Dam loop from Rochetaillée

3. Gouffre d'Enfer Dam – Pas-du-Riot Dam loop from Le Bessat

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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