Walking Through the Old Tunnels
This is probably the most enjoyable part of the walk.
For approximately 2 kilometres, the path follows the original railway trackbed. The route is almost completely flat, which is hardly surprising considering that it was once used by the tramway.
Along the way, you pass through several small tunnels carved into the mountainside. An old walking guide published by the municipality mentions four tunnels along this section.
As you continue, the landscape gradually begins to change.
The first red pelite cliffs start to appear, announcing the entrance to the Daluis Gorges. The contrast between the vegetation, the Var River below and the deep red rock becomes particularly beautiful.
As you walk through these small tunnels, it is quite fascinating to imagine that, a century ago, an electric tram travelled along this very same route before reaching the end of its journey in Guillaumes.
After passing through one final tunnel, the spectacular Pont de la Mariée suddenly comes into view.
Arriving at the Pont de la Mariée
The bridge itself is closely linked to the history of the tramway, as it was originally built for the line.
Originally known as the “Pont du Tramway” or the “Viaduc des Clues”, this impressive reinforced-concrete structure allowed the tramway to cross the Var River from one bank to the other. Its arch spans approximately 58 metres, and the bridge towers around 80 metres above the bottom of the gorge.
It was only after the famous tragedy of 1927, mentioned earlier, that the bridge gradually became known as the Pont de la Mariée — the Bride’s Bridge.
On the other side of the bridge, a metal staircase allows you to climb higher and reach a viewpoint overlooking the bridge. The ascent is a little more strenuous than the rest of the walk, but the view over the bridge, the Var River and the first red cliffs of the gorges is remarkable.
The Story of the Railway Through the Heart of the Mountains
Today, it is difficult to imagine a tramway running through such a landscape, and yet the line was inaugurated in 1923.
Approximately 19 kilometres long, it connected Guillaumes with Pont-de-Gueydan, where passengers could transfer to the Train des Pignes railway line. Construction had begun as early as 1910, but the First World War considerably delayed the work.
Building a railway through the Daluis Gorges was a considerable challenge. Numerous tunnels had to be excavated and several engineering structures had to be built.
Unfortunately, the adventure was short-lived. The line was expensive to maintain and was regularly threatened by rockfalls. It ceased operating in 1929, just six years after it opened.
On the way back, Entrevaux is also well worth a proper visit, with its fortified old town and citadel overlooking the valley.
A Little Tip:
Allow a full day for this excursion rather than treating it as a simple drive. The distances are not particularly long, but the roads are winding, and it would be a shame to travel through the gorges without stopping at the various viewpoints
along the way.
The morning and late afternoon are particularly good times for photography: when the sun is lower in the sky, the landscape becomes more dramatic and the red cliffs take on magnificent shades of colour.
You should also drive carefully. Some sections of the road are narrow, the tunnels can be dark, and cyclists and motorcyclists are frequently encountered during the summer.
Finally, always check road conditions before setting off. In this mountainous environment, roadworks, rockfalls or bad weather can occasionally lead to traffic restrictions.
Have a safe journey!
How to Get to the Red Gorges
By car (88 km – 1 hr 30 min) – The circular route (227 km)
Link for more information: www.provence-alpes-cotedazur.com
