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

Hiking trails & Routes

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

Hard

4.6

(21)

hikers

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

06:07

21.2km

540m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Parc naturel régional du Pilat

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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4.02 km

View of the Valley in Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat

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5.88 km

View of St Etienne

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magnificent walk from Bessat to Planfoy by paths and hiking trails. little road except at the end going up on the Bessar

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9.65 km

Gouffre d'Enfer Waterfall

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Immense and vertiginous waterfall, to see before going to the Gouffre dam.

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10.7 km

Gouffre d'Enfer Dam

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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, …

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13.4 km

Built in 5 years between 1873 and 1878, this dam was built to increase the water supply to the Gouffre d'Enfer dam. Built 3 years earlier it had become insufficient. A magnificent work to admire during your race.

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13.5 km

Peaceful greenery

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A haven of peace surrounded by nature. Ideal for recharging your batteries far from the urban hustle and bustle.

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13.9 km

Bridge and waterfall

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Small waterfall that passes under this cute little bridge, to reach the lake which we go around.

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14.8 km

Wooden Footbridge Over the Furan

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Nice wooden pontoon crossing the Furan

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21.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.7 km

4.48 km

1.70 km

1.31 km

957 m

Surfaces

15.0 km

2.17 km

1.57 km

1.09 km

963 m

419 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,170 m)

Lowest point (730 m)

Weather

Monday 19 October

12°C

4°C

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Comments

February 12, 2023,Barrage de Gouffre d'Enfer, Pas du Riot, Pilat & Château de Rochetaillée

Youtube video of the hike:

Superb hike near Saint-Etienne, starting from Rochetaillée.
An impressive waterfall, followed by the imposing Gouffre d'Enfer dam, with its vertiginous rise to a cross.
Then comes the Pas du Riot, another dam with its superb lake and pretty tower.
Then the Pilat snowy version for me, and finally the castle of Rochetaillée.

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