Les Gorges du Cians

The Cians is a left-bank tributary of the Var, in the Alpes-Maritimes. 25.3 kilometres long, it descends 1,600 metres in altitude: it rises near Mont Mounier, which peaks at 2,817 metres, in the commune of Beuil, at about 1,990 metres' altitude, and joins the Var near Touët-sur-Var, at 330 metres.

Along its course, the river has carved deep gorges in red schists and limestones, within the Barrot dome where rocks of the Palaeozoic basement and the Permian outcrop. You can see narrow fissures, steps, waterfalls and vertical walls; footpaths have been built in the clues. Tributaries such as the Pierlas or the Cianavelle interest canyoning enthusiasts.

Five communes border the river: Beuil, Pierlas, Rigaud, Thiéry and Touët-sur-Var. The site is also appreciated by sport anglers and has inspired artists, including the Nice painter Alexis Mossa. The river is fed by snow and rain, so its floods can be sudden: be careful if you move away from the road.

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