Barrage du Pas-du-Riot - Image 1
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Barrage du Pas-du-Riot

4.6
·491k reviews·Planfoy, France

A tranquil 19th-century reservoir nestled amidst heavily wooded hills, offering a peaceful natural escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nature awakens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Barrage du Pas-du-Riot - Image 1

Barrage du Pas-du-Riot

Best Time

Spring mornings

Nature awakens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil 19th-century reservoir nestled amidst heavily wooded hills, offering a peaceful natural escape.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A serene escape into nature, perfect for quiet walks and appreciating historical engineering."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be uneven and muddy. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the hills.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Limited facilities on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst nature.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Reservoir's Calm Waters

The Reservoir's Calm Waters

Barrage du Pas-du-Riot

A serene expanse of water reflecting the lush, wooded hillsides. Perfect for quiet contemplation.

Wooded Hillside Trails

Wooded Hillside Trails

Surrounding the reservoir

Explore shaded paths winding through dense forests, offering picturesque views and fresh air.

19th Century Engineering

19th Century Engineering

The Dam Structure

Admire the historic dam, a testament to 19th-century engineering amidst a natural setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Barrage du Pas-du-Riot offers a peaceful escape into nature. Plan for a relaxed visit, focusing on enjoying the scenic reservoir and surrounding woodlands. Pack essentials as amenities are minimal.

Best Footwear for Exploration

The terrain around Barrage du Pas-du-Riot can be uneven and sometimes muddy, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended to fully explore the wooded hills and reservoir banks.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Nature awakens, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇧🇫🇧🇫🇧🇫#burkinatiktok🇧🇫🇧🇫🇧🇫❤️ #burkinafaso #ouagadougou #tanghin #barrage #restaurant #tallent
@businessclubmobile
25K likes • 389.7K views

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be uneven and muddy. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the hills.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Limited facilities on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst nature.

Barrages du Gouffre-d’Enfer et du Pas-du-Riot #saintetienne #iggerssaintetienne #balade #barrage #campagne #loire #saintetiennetourisme
mel_rigot
16 likes • 216 views
La Rando 🥾du tour du barrage du Gouffre d’Enfer et du Pas de Riot. Laisse ta 🚗 sur le parking du barrage du gouffre d’enfer et tu pourras accéder à cette magnifique cascade en 10 mn ! 💦 Je te recommande de poursuivre la Rando en montant jusqu’au barrage du Gouffre d’enfer et d’aller ensuite faire le tour jusqu’au Pas du Riot. 🥾8 km - 3h de rando 📲 Enregistre ce post pr ta prochaine escapade #...
de_beaux_lents_demains
5.1K likes • 172.3K views

📸 Capture the Scenery

The reservoir and wooded hills offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially in soft light.

🔇 Respect the Quiet

It's a peaceful spot. Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquil atmosphere.

Les escaliers menant au barrage du gouffre d’enfer sont une merveille architecturale. Avec leurs 52 mètres de hauteur et leurs 200 marches, ils offrent une vue imprenable sur le lac du Pas du Riot et les montagnes environnantes. Une fois au sommet, on se sent comme sur le toit du monde, avec une vue à 360 degrés sur la nature environnante. C’est un endroit magique où l’on peut se ressourcer et se ...
muhammet_akyuz5569
5 likes • 204 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Trails can be uneven and muddy. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the hills.

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Limited facilities on-site. Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst nature.

📸 Capture the Scenery

The reservoir and wooded hills offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially in soft light.

🔇 Respect the Quiet

It's a peaceful spot. Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquil atmosphere.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate Barrage du Pas-du-Riot for its serene natural beauty and the peaceful atmosphere. The scenic reservoir and surrounding wooded hills offer a tranquil escape. However, some note the limited facilities and the need for sturdy footwear due to uneven terrain.

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Scenic reservoir
Wooded hills

What People Dislike

Limited facilities
Uneven terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Barrage du Pas-du-Riot is best accessed by car. There are parking areas available near the dam. Public transport options are limited, so driving is the most convenient way to reach this scenic spot.

Public transport to Barrage du Pas-du-Riot is very limited. It's recommended to check local bus schedules, but driving is generally the most reliable method for visitors.

The best route will depend on your starting point, but GPS navigation is highly recommended. Look for signs directing you to the barrage once you are in the vicinity.

Parking is available at designated spots near the dam. These can fill up during peak times, so arriving early is advisable.

Cycling is a great option if you enjoy scenic rides. The roads leading to the barrage are often picturesque, but be prepared for some inclines.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Barrage du Pas-du-Riot and its surrounding natural areas is typically free of charge. You can enjoy the scenery without purchasing a ticket.

As an outdoor natural attraction, Barrage du Pas-du-Riot does not have set opening or closing hours. It is accessible at all times, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.

No advance booking is required for Barrage du Pas-du-Riot as there is no admission fee. You can visit spontaneously.

General rules for respecting nature apply. Avoid littering and stay on marked paths where available. Check local advisories for any temporary restrictions.

Yes, you can enjoy a quick visit to Barrage du Pas-du-Riot to see the dam and reservoir. For a more thorough exploration of the trails, allow at least a couple of hours.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Activities include walking the trails, enjoying the scenic views, picnicking, and photography. It's a great spot for a peaceful nature retreat.

Yes, there are trails winding through the heavily wooded hills surrounding the reservoir. These offer opportunities for moderate hiking and nature walks.

Absolutely! The reservoir, dam, and surrounding forests provide beautiful, tranquil scenes perfect for photography, especially during the golden hours.

Facilities are minimal. You'll find parking, but there are no restrooms, cafes, or shops directly on-site. Come prepared.

Swimming in the reservoir is generally not recommended or permitted due to safety reasons and water quality. It's best to enjoy the views from the shore.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options are scarce directly at Barrage du Pas-du-Riot. It's advisable to dine in a nearby town before or after your visit, or pack a picnic.

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are many scenic spots around the reservoir where you can set up a blanket and enjoy your meal.

Simple, easy-to-eat foods like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks are ideal for a picnic. Don't forget water and any other beverages.

You'll need to travel to the nearest towns for food purchases. Plan ahead and stock up before heading to the barrage.

While there aren't designated picnic tables, the grassy banks and clearings around the reservoir offer ample space for informal picnics.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Barrage du Pas-du-Riot offers a peaceful natural setting for families. The gentle trails around the reservoir are suitable for short walks with children, providing a safe environment to explore nature. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water, making it a fun and affordable outing. While there are no playgrounds, the open spaces and the chance to observe the dam can be engaging for younger visitors. Ensure children stay on paths and are supervised near the water's edge.

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Photographers

For those who love to walk and capture stunning scenery, Barrage du Pas-du-Riot is ideal. The wooded hills offer varied walking paths, from easy strolls to more moderate hikes. The tranquil reservoir provides a beautiful subject for photographers, especially during the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. Bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes to make the most of the picturesque landscape and the historic dam structure.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Natural Beauty

Barrage du Pas-du-Riot is celebrated for its serene reservoir and the heavily wooded hills that cradle it. Established in the 19th century, the dam itself is a piece of history, but the true allure lies in the natural landscape. Visitors often find the tranquil atmosphere a welcome respite from urban life. The surrounding forests provide a lush backdrop, with trails that invite exploration and offer opportunities for birdwatching and simply enjoying the fresh air. It’s a place where the engineering marvel of the past meets the enduring beauty of nature.

The best times to visit are often during the shoulder seasons, like spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are minimal. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn offers a spectacular display of fall colors. The light during these times can be particularly beautiful for photography, casting a soft glow over the water and trees. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the trails can be uneven and sometimes damp, especially after rainfall.

A Glimpse into History

The Barrage du Pas-du-Riot stands as a testament to 19th-century civil engineering. Constructed to manage water resources, its presence has shaped the landscape for over a century. While the primary draw for many is the natural beauty, taking a moment to appreciate the historical significance of the dam adds another layer to the visit. It’s a reminder of the human ingenuity that has worked in harmony with the environment.

Understanding the context of its creation can enhance the visitor experience. Imagine the efforts involved in its construction and how it has served its purpose through changing times. The dam is not just a structure; it's a piece of local heritage that has become an integral part of the picturesque scenery.

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