A natural gem in the heart of the forest
Within the charming territory of Onnion, nestled in a surrounding forest atmosphere, hides La Gouille sous le Pont de la Tourne, a place sure to delight lovers of calm, freshness, and discovery.
The discreet charm of a well-kept spot
What makes this place unique? Its gentle discretion: no official GPS point is provided here; you have to venture a bit, rely on your ingenuity, or lean on local residents to find it. The adventure begins in the village of Onnion: after leaving the main paths, you enter a shady forest up to a bridge… and there, the gouille appears!
An iconic architecture as background
The place is not just natural: the whole setting revolves around the Pont de la Tourne, built in 1907 to span the Risse river. Beneath its arches, the gouille flourishes. You can still see traces of the old installations (mills, sawmill) that once used the water of the Risse.
Why we love it
- Immediate freshness: the turquoise water and moss on the rock offer a welcome break in hot weather.
- Gentle accessibility: a simple walk, within everyone’s reach, to discover an almost magical place without major effort.
- Preserved authenticity: far from crowded tourist areas, this spot remains confidential; you feel privileged there.
- Natural beauty & heritage: the combination of water, forest, the old bridge… a perfect alliance of nature and history.
What to know before you go
- No sign explicitly signals “La Gouille”: ask the residents of Onnion or look for the Pont de la Tourne.
- Suitable shoes: although the access is easy, the ground can be wet or slippery near the gorge.
- Respect the place: silent, discreet, and free of invasive facilities — take your trash and preserve this jewel.
- Perfect in summer for cooling down, but caution is advised during high waters or after heavy rains.
A timeless place
If you’re looking for a timeless place, full of calm and freshness, nestled in the heart of a Savoyard forest and carrying with style a bit of industrial history, La Gouille sous le Pont de la Tourne is a guaranteed favorite.
Put on your shoes, start walking from Onnion, and set off to discover this little unsuspected marvel.ﺧ
