When you consider that the Eiffel Tower is barely over 300 meters tall, you can imagine the Iron Lady laid out horizontally in this lush setting to become France’s longest footbridge. At nearly 80 meters high, if you’re even slightly prone to vertigo, you might want to give this a pass. But don’t panic—the footbridge is as firmly anchored to the mountain as a Lyon native is to the tableat a good bouchon: unshakable!
Le Pas du Géant, France’s longest footbridge
This is a place that truly lives up to its name. At least you know what to expect, and with such impressive dimensions, you’ll never get bored. Thrill-seekers, pack your bags and come spend your weekends in Auvergne!The Lignon Gorges footbridge, inaugurated in April 2022, is the perfect spot for all nature lovers seeking thrills.
But be warned! The footbridge isn’t an attraction accessible from the side of the road—you have to earn it. A 7-kilometer round-trip hike grants you free access to the site. It’s also possible to get there by bike, but you must dismount to cross the footbridge. For families with young children, please note that strollers are not permitted. From Saint-Maurice-de-Lignon, continue to the designated parking lot, then start the trail that will take you to the footbridge in 1 hour and 20 minutes (moderate difficulty; 2 hours and 40 minutes round trip). From Grazac ( on the other side of the gorges), the hike is shorter and takes 1 hour and 50 minutes round trip, stopwatch in hand.
An exceptional natural setting
While the footbridge attracts plenty of curious visitors, it’s also because the surrounding environment is truly remarkable. Nestled right in the heart of the Lignon Gorges, the site—designated a Natura 2000 area—is a model of biodiversity. The footbridge itself was designed in such a way that it doesn’t disturb the nearby flora and fauna.
As with all the exceptional natural environments in our region, such as the Lac Bleu d’Ambérieu, the Charabotte waterfall, or the footbridges over Lake Monteynard-Avignonet, respect for the site is essential for the common good of all.
