Gorges de Thurignin

July 2, 2024
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This is one of my favourite spots that we come back regularly. It's a bit off track from the main road, in the middle of a bent, so you've got to keep your eyes peeled if you come with a car. Also, if you really go all the way, be prepared to drive into the fields with your car as there is not much space for two cars passing each other.

On our recent trip to have a look, they seem to have added a new small parking area which means you walk 5-10mins more, but you will still have the same issue of having to drive with the car down a very small path. The only way of bypassing that altogether is finding a parking spot closer to the town and then walk from there.

I recommend this area in Spring season as there is enough melting snow and rain that will feed the stream. Particularly during hot summers the area is often a bit dried out and water levels will be low and less impressive. Also, due to the fact that there is hardly any water, a lot of stuff that will then rot away, it may smell a bit funny from time to time.



Last time, we took our 3yo so she can experience what I was so used to as a little child. Just looking at her face and the fascination manifesting it reminded me of all the things that I loved as a child like

  • Dipping your feet into the water
    There are lots of "bowls" carfed into the rock that will contain water. Though it really depends on whether and season. You wouldn't want to dip your feet into the frog spawn that some are covered with. Also during sunny seasons you will find that they are completely dried out. There is a little lake/stream at the end, where you can easily sit in the forest area or on the rock.
  • Watch frog mating season
    Particularly in Spring when you pop around, you will see lots of frogs cuddling, or if you're a bit later, some areas look a bit slimey, as they are covered in frogspawn. As a kid I loved watching the tadpoles dance around in the water. It's just never boring.
  • The noise
    It's amazing listening to the water rushing down the gorge. Particularly after rainy days the water is so powerful and noisy. It almost has a therapeutic affect I find. Though be aware, it can get quite slippery after rainy days.
  • Take a dip
    Depending on season you can could in theory swim in the water further in the back. When I was a kid, we used to do that. Though I am not sure this is still allowed and if you're not someone that likes swimming in the wild, you probably shouldn't anyway. If you do, take some slippers, even for the water. The rock - even in the water - can be quite slippery and you can't always see what you are stepping on. Some people also stand in the top bit of the gorge, where it is easy accessible (just before it goes into the deep area that no one should access) and just let the water splash on them.
  • Hiking
    It's a lovely area for a little wandering around, there is a path alongside the gorge and even further through the forest.

Some people do have picknicks there and whilst some kids are a bit reckless and climb on the trees (some overlooking the gorge) with the parents just watching (natural selection, I suppose) it's generally quiet and clean, so far I do not remember any trash lying about. However, if you do find trash, do the right thing, pick it up and take it with you or the next bin.

If you - like us - come with a very young child, do make sure you hold on to your kid. Some areas are very slippery (algea/moss) and some dips and holes can be easily misjudged. Our little one loves jumping over things. I can tell you: not a good idea! Wear good shoes, no sandals, etc. and don't let the little ones roam freely unless you absolutely know that your kid won't do anything silly.



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