Nature and landscapes
Nature: 10 remarkable waterfalls in the mountains
During the summer, waterfalls are a real source of coolness in the mountains. Vertiginous or enchanting, waterfalls enchant hikers and are majestic wonders of nature. Secret, noisy or limpid, each waterfall has its own unique character. Discover 10 magnificent waterfalls in the mountains.
La Norma – Savoie
#1 – Cascade Saint Benoit
Imagine a waterfall rising from a mountain source and arriving at the foot of a 90 m cliff. It’s quite something, isn’t it? The Saint Benoit waterfall between La Norma and Aussois is easy to see from the road, but it’s all the more impressive when you walk at its foot. At the bottom, the waterfall becomes a small stream, a very pleasant place to cool off in summer.
Avoriaz – Haute-Savoie
#2 – Cascade des Brochaux
Accessible after a thirty-minute walk, this waterfall trickles down the rock face and is particularly enchanting at sunset. The rays of the setting sun are reflected in the water, creating a spectacular display of colour.
Orcières-Merlette – Hautes-Alpes
#3 – Saut du Laïre waterfall
Easily accessible, this tiered waterfall sublimates the Drac valley. If you follow the footpath up the waterfall, you can cross a small bridge over the waterfall and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.
2 Alpes – Isère
#4 – Muzelle waterfall
Rising from the Muzelle glacier, the waterfall of the same name cascades over Venosc, a village in the resort of Les Deux Alpes. Another ultra-accessible mountain walk to discover a bucolic spot in a green setting. A guaranteed misting effect!
15 minutes from Allos – Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
#5 – Cascade de la Lance
A family walk par excellence, the Lance waterfall is located in a small mineral cirque, just outside the forest, along a hiking trail. The water cascades down 20 m into the valley, filling a small basin where young and old alike can cool off during their stay.
Montclar – Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
#6 – The Costeplane waterfalls
An enchanting place par excellence, the Costeplane waterfalls have everything to seduce nature lovers and those who enjoy bucolic places. This is a listed site in the Blache ravine, a popular spot for canyoning enthusiasts. Here, the water flows in a sheet, like a curtain of water above a limestone rock. If you love wild spots, this is the place for you!
Around Peyragudes – Haute-Garonne
#7 – Cascade d’Ôo
Certainly the most breathtaking waterfall of the selection, as the water falls 275 m into the Lac d’Ôo. After a hike of around 1 hour, an imposing spectacle awaits you, with the lake and waterfall as a backdrop. At an altitude of 1,500m, the shattering sound of falling water will take you by surprise!
Mont Dore – Auvergne
#8 – The great waterfall
A short walk through the undergrowth will take you to this remarkable waterfall. Rising to an altitude of 1450m, the Grande Cascade du Mont Dore cascades over ancient lava flows. At 32m, it is the highest waterfall in the Auvergne. You can continue your walk to discover the basin that feeds the waterfall, on the Durbise plateau.
Gérardmer – Vosges
#9 – Mérelle waterfall
Set in a wooded setting, the Mérelle waterfall offers a cool oasis in the heart of the Vosges forest. Just 3 m high, it is nonetheless remarkable. A little further along the hiking trail, you can climb up to the observation tower at the tête de Mérelle, to take in the surroundings at a glance.
Jura Mountains – Jura Mountains
#10 – Cascade des Etrés
This secret waterfall isn’t the easiest to get to, but it’s well worth the diversions! It forms a pretty curtain of water in the heart of a wild and confidential natural setting.